# What is IndexNow?

> IndexNow is a protocol that lets a website tell search engines like Bing instantly when pages are added or changed, instead of waiting to be recrawled.

_UK and US · Updated 2026-10-25 · Akkrev, https://akkrev.com/glossary/indexnow/_

**IndexNow** is an open protocol that lets a website notify participating search engines, including Bing and others, the moment a page is added, updated or removed. The site proves ownership with a key file and sends a list of changed web addresses; the engines can then recrawl them quickly.

## Why it matters for AI visibility

Microsoft Copilot draws on Bing's index, and several other AI assistants use Bing-based search. Getting changes into Bing quickly means AI answers can reflect a hotel's new rooms, prices, policies or offers sooner.

## What it doesn't do

IndexNow doesn't guarantee indexing or ranking, and Google doesn't use it; Google relies on sitemaps and Search Console. It's a fast notification, not a shortcut to visibility.

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