Dwell Time
How long someone stays on your page before returning to results.
What it means
Dwell time is the time between a user clicking your result and returning to the SERP. It’s a behavioral engagement signal Google can observe via its browser and result-page data.
How it affects your SEO
Longer dwell time generally correlates with content that satisfied the query, and Google uses such engagement signals to refine rankings. Designing for depth and clarity improves it.
Dwell Time — frequently asked questions
Is dwell time a ranking factor?
Google has not confirmed it as a direct factor, but engagement signals like dwell time influence how it refines rankings over time. Depth and clarity that satisfy the query tend to win.
How do I improve dwell time?
Front-load the answer, then add depth and clarity. Satisfy the query immediately, then give readers a reason to keep scrolling with useful, well-structured detail.
Related SEO terms
Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness — Google’s quality lens.
Lower-volume, highly specific phrases that convert better.
What the searcher actually wants — and the key to modern relevance.
The share of visitors who leave without a second action.
Is this hurting your rankings?
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