Do Hidden Backlinks Still Help with SEO in 2026?
- Thread starter Altrawatch
- Start date
Arthur seo
BANNED
- Apr 11, 2026
- 31
- 14
In my experience relevance and the overall quality of the backlink matter far more than whether it's hidden.
- Apr 27, 2016
- 6,358
- 2,519
It is not worth it. They are useless.
sheikhUsama
BANNED
- May 28, 2026
- 47
- 9
I haven't seen consistent results from hidden backlinks, and I wouldn't rely on them as part of a long-term strategy. In my experience, links that are placed naturally within relevant content tend to hold up much better over time.
I'd be interested to hear if anyone has run a proper side-by-side test, but personally I'd rather invest the effort in links that provide value to both users and search engines.
I'd be interested to hear if anyone has run a proper side-by-side test, but personally I'd rather invest the effort in links that provide value to both users and search engines.
- Oct 5, 2009
- 2,371
- 1,209
I tested hidden backlinks a while ago, and the results were inconsistent. They might give a short-term boost on low-competition keywords, but I haven't seen them produce sustainable rankings. better long-term results with relevant editorial backlinks, strong internal linking, and topical authority.
RankWithDominator
Newbie
- Jul 29, 2026
- 28
- 4
i haven't seen hidden backlinks provide consistent long-term gains lately If they work at all the results seem short lived while visible relevant links have been much more reliable in my own testing
- May 27, 2016
- 11,431
- 2,606
They're highly risky, if you get caught you get penalized by google, so I'd advise against using them.
EchoPandaX
BANNED
- Apr 29, 2026
- 51
- 27
I do not think hidden links are worth the risk anymore. Natural backlinks usually give better long-term results.
thomas.robert
Newbie
- Jun 9, 2026
- 4
- 2
Experimented with a couple of years ago, but personally, the outcomes were not always consistent enough to be counted on. In most cases, a good backlink from an appropriate website proved more efficient.
- Jun 7, 2012
- 4,420
- 1,415
does not work in 2026, as it used to some years back in SEO. Google now owns chrome, bots and AI based search and can detect all these techniques with ease.
Fun_bitesX03
Newbie
- Jun 5, 2026
- 25
- 5
I tested different link types before, but the biggest improvements came from relevant backlinks. Hidden links never felt like a reliable strategy.
AdMetricGeek
Newbie
- Apr 27, 2026
- 40
- 11
Some old SEO tricks still get discussed, but search engines have improved a lot. I prefer focusing on links that actually bring value.
growthcraft
Newbie
- May 2, 2026
- 9
- 3
Based on my experience, hidden backlinks would not be something I would count on nowadays. While I do understand that there could be certain instances when they can produce an effect, what I would rather be concerned about is how relevant it is for the website.
This change in approach to such techniques can be seen among other SEO specialists who discuss these issues on BacklinkSense.
This change in approach to such techniques can be seen among other SEO specialists who discuss these issues on BacklinkSense.
Antonio0758
Newbie
- Mar 29, 2026
- 25
- 3
From my experience, hidden backlinks don't carry much weight anymore. If they're genuinely hidden, Google is pretty good at ignoring or devaluing them. I've seen much better results from relevant, contextual links on indexed pages.
