GLOSSARY TERM
What is Dwell Time?
Definition
How long a user spends on a page after clicking from search results before returning to the SERP. A behavioral signal indirectly influencing rankings via Google's click models.
Why it Matters for AI Search
Long dwell time suggests the page satisfied the query; short dwell time (especially with a "pogo-stick" back to search) suggests the opposite. Improve dwell time with clear answers above the fold, related content suggestions, and engaging media.
Related Terms
Zero-Click SearchInteraction to Next Paint (INP)Meta DescriptionRanking FactorFeatured SnippetAI Overview (Google SGE)
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