The UGC link attribute UGC refers to User-generated Content ( UGC) attributed, written as  (rel=”UGC”). This link attribute identifies links that are placed within the user-generated content ( UGC). This attribute was introduced by Google in 2019.  This includes links in comments, forum posts, reviews, and other community-contributed content.

Purpose of UGC Link Attribute 

• Helps search engines differentiate user-generated links from editorially placed links.
• This attribute prevents spammy or unverified links from affecting a site’s SEO.
• Provides a better and more organized link classification, this attribute works alongside the nofollow and sponsored attributes.

SEO Impact of UGC Link Attribute

• Google interrupts code  rel=”UGC” as a hint or reference rather than a directive for ranking.
• Using the UGC link attribute can help avoid penalties for unnatural or spammy external links.
• Alternatives: If unsure, using rel=”nofollow” is also an accepted practice for SEO.

Best Practices of using UGC Link Attribute

• Apply rel=”UGC” to all links within user-generated content.
• Regularly monitor and audit UGC links to prevent spam.
• Use SEO tools like Google Search Console or Ahrefs to analyze UGC backlinks.

By implementing UGC link attributes, site owners can maintain a clean link profile and comply with Google’s guidelines for user-generated content.