How long a user spends on a page after clicking a search result before returning to the SERP.
Dwell time refers to the length of time a user spends on a page after clicking through from a search result, before returning to the SERP. It differs from general page session duration because it specifically captures the bounce-and-return pattern — where a user visits a page and then goes back to Google.
Long dwell time suggests the content was satisfying and addressed the user's query. Short dwell time — sometimes called 'pogo-sticking' — suggests the user didn't find what they were looking for and returned to try a different result.
While Google has never officially confirmed dwell time as a direct ranking factor, many SEO professionals believe Google uses the pogo-sticking signal (clicking a result and immediately returning to the SERP) as a quality signal. Pages that consistently drive users back to the SERP may be viewed as less satisfying than pages that keep users engaged.
Improving dwell time starts with content quality and intent matching. Content that directly answers the searcher's question, is well-structured and readable, and offers compelling next steps tends to hold users for longer.
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