Don't chop content into tiny chunks or rewrite it 'for AI'
This no longer works. Google's 2026 AI guide mythbusts this directly: there is no requirement to break content into tiny pieces, there is no ideal page length, and you should write for people because AI systems understand synonyms and meaning.
| Status | Evidence | Applies to | Retired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retired | Official guidance | Google, Gemini | Not dated |
Why it stopped working
Google's 2026 AI guide mythbusts this directly: there is no requirement to break content into tiny pieces, there is no ideal page length, and you should write for people because AI systems understand synonyms and meaning. Fragmenting pages often creates thin, near-duplicate URLs.
What to do instead
- Keep complete pages with clear headings and paragraphs
- Lead each section with its answer instead of splitting it into separate pages
Sources
- Optimizing your website for generative AI features on Google Search · Google Search Central, Jul 10, 2026
Change history
| Date | Change | What changed |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 30, 2026 | Added | Added to the rulebook. |
Checked against its sources every Monday. Only content changes are listed.