Google: We Don't Archive Our Own Search Result Pages

Aug 1, 2023 - 7:31 am 0 by

Robot Library Archiving Google Logo

Google's John Mueller was asked if Google stores a permanent or semi-permanent copy of its own search result pages for future reference. John replied basically saying no, because it is not an efficient use of Google's resources.

The question was asked by Rafal Josko, who asked, "I am seeking clarification on Google's handling of search results. Is it possible that Google caches search result pages, creating permanent or semi-permanent saved copies for future reference? The notion in question suggests that for highly popular queries?"

John Mueller replied, "I don't think that would be useful or efficient. The web is so dynamic, and there are always new queries."

Here are those tweets:

Now, this does not mean Google doesn't have a good memory, it does. Back in 2016, John Mueller said Google's algorithms don't forget, saying its algorithms, at least "some of them, like to take into account more of the history of what has been changing there."

Here is an old tweet referencing that:

One such example is 404 pages but there are many many more.

Storing history on signals is a lot more efficient than storing copies of web pages and there is a site that does that already, the Wayback Machine.

Note: This story originally was about archiving webpages, not the search results but John clarified for me in this tweet:

Forum discussion at Twitter.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Search Video Recaps

 
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: March 28, 2025

Mar 28, 2025 - 10:00 am
Search Video Recaps

Search News Buzz Video Recap: Google Core Update Done, Will Site Recover, AI Mode Expands, Google Ads PMax Search Terms & More

Mar 28, 2025 - 8:01 am
Google Maps

Google Local Knowledge Panel With Promotion Clipable Coupons

Mar 28, 2025 - 7:51 am
Google Maps

Google AI Overviews Itinerary, Lens Tour Guide, Maps Screenshot & Track Prices

Mar 28, 2025 - 7:41 am
Google Ads

Google Tests Contactless Label In Place Of Curbside Pickup

Mar 28, 2025 - 7:31 am
Google Ads

Google Ads WhatsApp Conversation Goals Get Diagnostics & More

Mar 28, 2025 - 7:21 am
Previous Story: Google Business Profile Adds View As Customer Link