Google will use Highly Cited label to identify and reward the exact original source of a story

Starblazer · Jun 20, 2026

Google disclosed at "Google Search Central Live" event in Milan that Google will identify and reward the exact source of a story through "Highly Cited" label.

It's normal for stories and news reports to be distributed through multiple channels when they go viral. If they cite the original source in their coverage, it'll be marked as highly cited in the search results.

Inem2 · Jun 20, 2026

That would be awesome for trust and credibility for website.

wolfofdevstreet · Jun 20, 2026

damn that would be so good

tazarbm · Jun 20, 2026

Inem2 said:
That would be awesome for trust and credibility for website.

wolfofdevstreet said:
damn that would be so good

don't you worry, both of you! They'll make sure that only sites that push google's agenda will get cited the most

BradyX · Jun 22, 2026

That's a positive move if it's rolled out broadly. Rewarding the original source should encourage more original research and reporting instead of recycled content. For SEO, it reinforces the value of publishing unique data, first-hand insights, and exclusive information rather than just rewriting what's already ranking. Originality may become an even stronger competitive advantage.

Starblazer · Jun 22, 2026

BradyX said:
That's a positive move if it's rolled out broadly. Rewarding the original source should encourage more original research and reporting instead of recycled content. For SEO, it reinforces the value of publishing unique data, first-hand insights, and exclusive information rather than just rewriting what's already ranking. Originality may become an even stronger competitive advantage.

Google is struggling since a few years to find alternatives to backlinks. They are heavily focusing on branding and trust signals but backlinks still play the key role. I guess this label is an addition to rewarding the quality content in their push to less dependence on backlinks.

Google will use Highly Cited label to identify and reward the exact original source of a story

Starblazer

Elite Member

Inem2

Supreme Member

wolfofdevstreet

Junior Member

tazarbm

Elite Member

BradyX

Elite Member

Starblazer

Elite Member

Main Menu

Marketplace

Making Money

BlackHat World