The algorithm that powers Google Search is one of the most important, complex, and least understood systems that govern the Internet. But as of this week, we understand a little better. A major leak of API documentation has given us unprecedented insight into what Google values, how it ranks content, and how it thinks about how the Internet works. The leaked documents are dense, and while they don't tell us everything about how Google ranks, they do provide a set of signals never before seen.
In this episode The Verge CastWe discuss all that was revealed in the leaked documents, the SEO community’s reaction, its potential regulatory impact, and what it means to build a website in 2024.
Then there is the recent proliferation of media companies (Vox Media, The VergeThe parent company of OpenAI is a media company that has content and technology deals with OpenAI. Are media companies making the same mistakes as Facebook and others, or are they working to avoid repeating the same mistakes? We have many thoughts and would especially like to hear yours. The VergeAfter all, we are a brand and we want to hear your thoughts on how we should talk about this, so please email us at vergecast@theverge.com or call our hotline at 866-VERGE11 and let us know all your thoughts.
If you want to learn more about everything we discussed in this episode, here are some links starting with Google Leaks.
And in the Lightning Round: