Page Experience.

Page Experience is a Google ranking signal category introduced in 2021 that evaluates the quality of a user's interaction with a web page beyond its information value. The signals include Core Web Vitals (LCP, INP/FID, CLS), HTTPS security, mobile usability, and the absence of intrusive interstitials. Google uses Page Experience as a tiebreaker among content of similar quality.

Core Web Vitals as the Primary Signals

Within Page Experience, Core Web Vitals carry the most weight. Largest Contentful Paint (LCP ≤ 2.5s for 'good'), Interaction to Next Paint (INP < 200ms for 'good'), and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS < 0.1 for 'good') are measured from real user data via the Chrome User Experience Report (CrUX).

Page Experience vs. Content Quality

Google has been explicit that Page Experience does not override content quality. A page with poor Core Web Vitals but uniquely authoritative content will outrank a technically perfect page with thin content. Page Experience matters most in highly competitive SERPs where content quality is similar across top-ranking pages.

Intrusive Interstitials

Google penalises mobile pages that show interstitials (pop-ups) that block the main content immediately after page load or while scrolling. Exempt interstitials include legally required consent dialogues (GDPR cookie banners), age verification, and login gates for paywalled content. Non-exempt: marketing pop-ups that cover the main content before the user has had a chance to read it.