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Are Meta Keywords Tag Still Used by Search Engines?

May 30, 2025
Are Meta Keywords Tag Still Used by Search Engines?

Let’s cut straight to the chase: if you’re wondering whether the meta keywords tag is still your secret weapon for SEO glory, you might want to sit down. Or, if you’re like us at bloggingmachine.io, just lean back and let the AI handle the heavy lifting while you sip your coffee.

The Rise and Fall of the Meta Keywords Tag

Once upon a time (cue dramatic music), the meta keywords tag was the darling of the SEO world. Website owners would stuff it with every keyword imaginable, hoping to charm search engines into ranking their pages higher. It was a simpler time — like dial-up internet and floppy disks.

But, as with all good things, the party ended. In 2009, Google officially announced it would no longer use the meta keywords tag as a ranking factor. Why? Because, unsurprisingly, people abused it. Keyword stuffing became rampant, and search engines got wise to the trickery. Bing and Yahoo followed suit, and by 2025, the meta keywords tag is about as useful for SEO as a pager is for texting.

Key Fact: Google has not used the meta keywords tag for ranking since 2009. Source

Should You Still Add Meta Keywords?

Short answer: No. Longer answer: Absolutely not, unless you enjoy reminiscing about outdated technology.

Why Meta Keywords Are Obsolete

  • Zero SEO Value: Google, Bing, and other major search engines ignore the meta keywords tag. Adding it won’t help your rankings — at all.
  • Potential Downsides: Some SEO experts warn that using meta keywords can actually hurt you. They can expose your SEO strategy to competitors, clutter your code, and make your site look like it’s stuck in 2008.
  • Better Uses of Your Time: Instead of fiddling with meta keywords, focus on things that matter — like creating engaging content, optimizing your meta titles and descriptions, and building quality backlinks.

Pro Tip: If you’re still adding meta keywords, you might also want to check if your website is optimized for Netscape Navigator. (Just kidding. Please don’t.)

What Search Engines Actually Care About in 2025

Let’s talk about what really moves the SEO needle these days. Spoiler: it’s not the meta keywords tag.

1. Meta Titles

Meta titles are still a big deal. They’re one of the first things search engines (and users) see. Best practices include:

  • Put your primary keyword at the beginning.
  • Keep it concise (50-60 characters).
  • Use action words to boost engagement.

2. Meta Descriptions

While meta descriptions aren’t direct ranking factors, they do influence click-through rates. A good meta description:

  • Addresses user intent.
  • Highlights value.
  • Stays within 140-160 characters.

Fun Fact: Google often rewrites meta descriptions dynamically to better match search queries. So, even if you write the perfect one, Google might decide it can do better. (We feel your pain.)

3. Semantic Search & Context

Google and other search engines have gotten smarter. They now focus on understanding the meaning behind search queries, not just matching keywords. This means:

  • Use natural, conversational language.
  • Focus on topics and themes, not just individual keywords.
  • Organize your content into topic clusters that align with user intent.

For more on semantic SEO, check out Search Engine Journal’s guide.

4. AI-Generated Metadata

By 2025, AI is everywhere — including your metadata. Google and other search engines use AI to generate or rewrite meta descriptions and titles to better match what users are searching for. If you’re not leveraging AI for your content, you’re missing out. (Luckily, we’ve got you covered at bloggingmachine.io.)

Are There Any Exceptions?

Okay, so the meta keywords tag is basically extinct for SEO. But are there any weird edge cases where it still matters?

  • Internal Search: Some content management systems use meta keywords for their own internal search functions. If that’s you, carry on.
  • Industry-Specific Platforms: A handful of niche directories or industry platforms might still reference meta keywords. These are rare and getting rarer.
  • International SEO: Some very specific regional search engines might give a tiny bit of weight to meta keywords. But honestly, it’s like looking for a Blockbuster Video in 2025.

What the Experts Say

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what the pros have to say:

What Should You Do Instead?

If you’re serious about SEO (and we know you are), here’s where to focus your energy:

  • Create High-Quality, Relevant Content: Write for humans, not robots. Answer real questions. Solve real problems.
  • Optimize Meta Titles and Descriptions: Make them compelling and relevant. Use your primary keywords naturally.
  • Implement Schema Markup: Help search engines understand your content better.
  • Build Quality Backlinks: Earn links from reputable sites in your industry.

And if all this sounds like a lot of work, remember: bloggingmachine.io automates content creation, keyword optimization, and topic research. Let our AI agent handle the grunt work while you focus on growing your business (or perfecting your coffee game).

FAQ: Meta Keywords Tag & Modern SEO

Q: Do any major search engines use the meta keywords tag for ranking? A: No. Google, Bing, and Yahoo all ignore the meta keywords tag for ranking purposes.

Q: Can using meta keywords hurt my SEO? A: While it won’t directly hurt your rankings, it can expose your strategy to competitors and make your site look outdated.

Q: Are there any situations where meta keywords are still useful? A: Rarely. Some internal search systems or niche directories might use them, but for mainstream SEO, they’re obsolete.

Q: What should I focus on instead of meta keywords? A: High-quality content, optimized meta titles and descriptions, schema markup, and quality backlinks.

Q: How does AI help with SEO today? A: AI tools (like ours at bloggingmachine.io) automate content creation, keyword optimization, and topic research, making it easier to publish SEO-friendly articles consistently.

Final Thoughts

The meta keywords tag had its moment, but that moment is long gone. In today’s fast-paced, AI-driven SEO landscape, your time is better spent elsewhere. Focus on what matters, let go of outdated practices, and if you want to make your life easier, let bloggingmachine.io handle your SEO-optimized content creation.

For more on modern SEO best practices, check out:

Happy (meta keyword-free) blogging!