Google Search Now Uses OG Title for Title Links

Google has added a ninth possible source for determining title links in its search results—the OG (Open Graph) title meta tag. This means that Google may now pull the clickable title from the OG title metadata in addition to the other sources it already considers.

Where Google Gets Your Title Links From

Google may choose the title link for your search result from various sources, including:

• The content within <title> elements
• The main visual title displayed on the page
• Heading elements like <h1>
• OG title meta tags
• Other large, prominent text on the page
• Other text found within the page content
• Anchor text on the page
• Text within links that point to the page
• WebSite structured data

What’s New? The OG Title Meta Tag

The addition of OG title meta tags is the new update. Now, Google may use the content of the OG title as a potential source for your title link in search results. This is especially relevant if you’ve designed your OG title specifically for sharing on social media platforms.

Understanding OG Titles

OG titles are part of the Open Graph protocol, often used to display the title of an object when shared on social media platforms. These titles are designed to format how your page or object appears in links shared across platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

What Is a Title Link in Google Search?

The title link in Google Search refers to the clickable title within the search result snippet. It’s the primary link that users interact with when they see your page in search results. For example, in the search result snippet, the title link might be something like "How to make the perfect bellini."

Why This Matters for Your Search Listings

This update gives Google one more way to decide which title to display for your search listings. While Google generally pulls the title link from your HTML’s <title> element, it may opt to use another source, like your OG title, depending on how the content is structured. Ensuring consistency between your HTML titles and OG titles can help avoid discrepancies in how your pages appear in search results.