What to Know:
– Google is replacing the First Input Delay (FID) metric with a new metric called Interaction to Next Paint (INP) as a Core Web Vital.
– INP measures the time it takes for a web page to become interactive after a user interacts with it.
– INP will be included as a ranking factor in Google’s search algorithm starting March 12, 2023.
– The change is aimed at providing a more accurate measurement of user experience on websites.
– Website owners and developers are encouraged to optimize their sites for INP to improve their search rankings.
The Full Story:
Google has announced an update to its Core Web Vitals, replacing the First Input Delay (FID) metric with a new metric called Interaction to Next Paint (INP). This change will take effect on March 12, 2023, and INP will be included as a ranking factor in Google’s search algorithm.
FID measures the delay between a user’s first interaction with a web page (such as clicking a button) and the time it takes for the page to respond to that interaction. However, FID only measures the delay until the page becomes idle, which may not accurately reflect the user’s experience.
INP, on the other hand, measures the time it takes for a web page to become interactive after a user interacts with it. It considers the time it takes for the page to respond to the user’s input and complete any necessary rendering or processing tasks. This metric provides a more accurate measurement of the user’s experience and the responsiveness of a website.
Google’s decision to replace FID with INP is part of its ongoing efforts to improve the user experience on the web. By focusing on metrics that reflect real-world user experiences, Google aims to reward websites that provide a fast and responsive experience to their visitors.
Website owners and developers are encouraged to optimize their sites for INP to improve their search rankings. This can be done by reducing the time it takes for a page to respond to user interactions and ensuring that rendering and processing tasks are completed quickly.
Google has also provided guidance on how to measure and optimize for INP. The metric can be measured using the Web Vitals JavaScript library or through the Chrome User Experience Report (CrUX). Optimizing for INP involves minimizing the impact of long tasks, reducing JavaScript execution time, and optimizing rendering and layout.
It’s important to note that INP is just one of the Core Web Vitals that Google considers in its search ranking algorithm. The other two metrics, Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS), remain unchanged. LCP measures the time it takes for the largest element on a page to become visible, while CLS measures the visual stability of a page.
In conclusion, Google’s update to its Core Web Vitals by replacing FID with INP aims to provide a more accurate measurement of user experience on websites. Website owners and developers should optimize their sites for INP to improve their search rankings. By focusing on metrics that reflect real-world user experiences, Google is encouraging the creation of fast and responsive websites.
Original article: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-updates-core-web-vitals-with-interaction-to-next-paint-inp/506945/