Flash lovers rejoice – Google, Yahoo inks deal with Adobe to make Flash searchable

[mark7980]

On July 1, 2008, Adobe announced steps to solve non-indexing of Flash based content by search engines by providing Google and Yahoo! with software that will make indexing and searching of Flash based pages and content possible.

Moreover, Google has announced that it has launched a "Flash indexing algorithm", which will result in better search results, so far as Flash based content is concerned.

This double treat is great news for all those Flash loving designers who always have had great ideas around Flash, but were feeling restricted because of search engine related problems.

Time to celebrate guys, Yippeeee

[PhilipDunn]

have you received any more info on this?
like when the changes might take effect and what uses of flash the search engines will be able to index?

[mark7980]

No, I haven't but I have my eyes on it. As soon as I know more I will let you know.

[PhilipDunn]

i appreciate it--thanks..

it really is good news!

[mark7980]

yes indeed!!!

[mark7980]

Please tell me more about you, where are you located? what is your business?

[gareth_esutera]

I saw certain websites that were already indexed with flash. However, I think it will take at least another three years before search engines can index flash sites in a way that is friendly to human users.

For example, I saw search results wherein google indexed the swf file instead of the page where this swf file is embedded.

Moreover, from academic perspective, it is difficult to site pure flash sites as references. I still prefer the traditional setup wherein one URL = one page. It's awkward to site reference as "http://domain.com/blahblah.htm then click on this link in the flash site."

[GP200]

Gareth is correct it can confuse more than help.

I place Flash files in a separate folder then disallow the folder in robots.txt

Then create alternate content and use swfObject to embed the Flash and alternate content.

The alternate content should be a non-flash version of the flash, say a static image of the Flash or html text of the text contained in the Flash file. All SEO/visitor/ friendly and compliant.

If it's a full flash page create a simple text only version, keeping the text etc the same as the content of the Flash file - this doesn't take long - you already have the text.... use swfObject to place your content and your done. You now have a version of your website for non Flash browsers, screenreaders and mobiles. It also prevents that "click to activate" in IE 6 browsers that aren't updated.

swfAddress allows bookmarking in the normal one bookmark=one page way which as Gareth also says is vital.

Both swfObject and swfAddress are open source, loads of info on Google.

[Stephanee]

Thank you, Mark!
It is really a good news to us.

[GP200]

Hi Stephanee,

It's a step in the right direction. For any Flash files you want listed in Google you need to check exactly what Google is pulling from the Flash file and in what order. In our experience it is never what is required and will never lead to listings for targeted phrases simply because the content is not crawled in a .swf file in the order you would like or have presented it in your Flash file.

You can check your Flash files listing in Google by searching for any phrases used in the file using the .swf file type when searching.

If it's been read okay, great but if not it's not going to help and may hinder. My post above shows you how to keep control of what is being indexed.