“INSTANT INDEXING”? GOOGLE'S INDEXING API IS NOT FOR YOUR SERVICE PAGES.
On October 16, 2026, Google updated the quota page for its Indexing API to show the current limits and process, and removed an outdated form. It is a small documentation change, but a good moment to clear up a common myth: the Indexing API is not a way to push any page into Google. It only covers job postings and livestream video pages.
AT A GLANCE
By Conqueror Capital · Published
The short answer: Google's Indexing API can only be used for pages with JobPosting structured data or a BroadcastEvent inside a VideoObject (livestreams). The default limit is 200 publish requests per day per project, and Google runs spam checks on every submission. For service pages, town pages and blog posts, use a sitemap and, for a few key pages, the URL Inspection tool in Search Console.
WHAT CHANGED
Google's list of Search Central documentation changes has an entry dated October 16, 2026: it updated the Indexing API quota page to reflect the current quota limits and process. Google gives the reason as documenting the current limits and removing an outdated form.1
The updated page lists the default quotas:2
- 200 publish requests per day per project. This covers both update and delete notifications. The daily quota resets at midnight Pacific Time.
- 180 read-only status requests per minute per project.
- 380 requests per minute per project across all endpoints.
Google says you can view your quota in the Google API Console, and that all use of the Indexing API is free.2
WHO THE INDEXING API IS FOR
Google's quickstart is clear about scope. The Indexing API lets site owners tell Google when job posting or livestream video pages are added or removed, and it can only be used for pages with either JobPosting or BroadcastEvent embedded in a VideoObject.3
Google also says every submission goes through spam detection, and that attempts to abuse the API, including using multiple accounts or other ways to get around the quota, may lead to access being revoked.3
So if a tool or an offer promises to get your homepage, service pages or blog posts indexed fast through Google's Indexing API, that is not what Google built the API for.
WHAT A LOCAL BUSINESS SHOULD DO INSTEAD
Google's own page on asking for a recrawl lists the normal routes for every other kind of page:4
- A sitemap for many pages. Google calls a sitemap an important way to discover the URLs on your site, especially for a new site or after a site move.
- URL Inspection for a few pages. In Search Console you can request indexing of individual URLs if you are an owner or full user of the property. There is a quota, and requesting the same URL again does not make it go faster.
- Check your platform first. On hosted platforms such as WordPress or Blogger, the platform usually submits new content to search engines for you.
Google also sets expectations: crawling can take from a few days to a few weeks, and requesting a crawl does not guarantee the page will be included in results quickly, or at all.4
A QUICK CHECK FOR YOUR SITE
- Find your sitemap. It is often at /sitemap.xml. Make sure it lists every page you want found, and nothing you don't.
- Submit it in Search Console. Open the Sitemaps report and check that Google read it without errors.
- Inspect your most important new pages. Use URL Inspection on a new service or location page and request indexing once.
- Remove “instant indexing” add-ons pointed at normal pages. If a plugin sends ordinary pages to the Indexing API, switch that feature off.
- Make the page worth indexing. A clear, specific page with real details about your business gives Google a reason to keep it.
Our Search Console guide for local businesses walks through steps 2 and 3.
FOR SITES THAT DO POST JOBS OR LIVESTREAMS
If your site publishes job openings with JobPosting markup, or runs livestreams marked up as a BroadcastEvent inside a VideoObject, the Indexing API is the right tool for those pages.3
- Plan within the quota. The default is 200 publish requests per day per project, shared between updates and deletions.2
- Send a delete when a job closes. Google's quickstart says you can notify it when a page is removed so it stops crawling it.3
- Keep everything else on sitemaps. Service, location and blog pages still go through the normal methods.4
FAQ
Can I use Google's Indexing API for my service pages?
No. Google says the Indexing API can only be used for pages with JobPosting or BroadcastEvent embedded in a VideoObject.
What did Google change on October 16, 2026?
Google updated the Indexing API quota page to show the current quota limits and process, and removed an outdated form.
What is the Indexing API's daily limit?
Google lists a default of 200 publish requests per day per project, covering both update and delete requests. The quota resets at midnight Pacific Time.
How do I get a new page on my site crawled?
Google recommends a sitemap for many URLs and the URL Inspection tool in Search Console for a few. Crawling can take from a few days to a few weeks.
Does requesting indexing guarantee my page shows up?
No. Google says requesting a crawl does not guarantee that the page will be included in search results quickly, or at all.
SOURCES
- Google Search Central, Latest documentation updates (entry dated October 16, 2026).
- Google Search Central, Indexing API: quota and pricing information (last updated October 16, 2026).
- Google Search Central, Indexing API Quickstart.
- Google Search Central, Ask Google to recrawl your URLs.
Platforms change often. Check the sources for the current version before acting.
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