In a major step forward in search technology, Adobe is working with Google and Yahoo to make Flash files searchable in online search. The project will enable searches on Flash content to return text and links, which can then be indexed, and hence available in search results for the users. Content from a Flash application or even a game or advertisement will be available to search engines, reports InfoWorld. Pages containing a Flash .SWF file will be returned in a search. Google has already implemented this, while Yahoo, ever the laggard, will enable Flash search in a future version, whenever that comes out.

As for images and video, no luck yet. From Google's own description: "If your Flash files only include images, we will not recognize or index any text that may appear in those images. Similarly, we do not generate any anchor text for Flash buttons which target some URL, but which have no associated text. Also note that we do not index FLV files, such as the videos that play on YouTube, because these files contain no text elements."

View: Washington Post


There are 11 additional comments
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(4 replies) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #1 Posted by C++ on 01 Jul 2008 - 09:06
First!

This really is a major search step... Though I don't know if I like the idea. Many developers currently take advantage of the fact that Flash is not so easily dissected and read by robots.
Quote this comment #1.1 Posted by +mrbester on 01 Jul 2008 - 09:59
They therefore have to provide some plaintext equivalent or the content wouldn't get indexed and noone would get the site coming up in listings. Arguably they still have to do this for accessibility reasons, but if the text content in Flash is also indexed, the combination can only help rankings.
Quote this comment #1.2 Posted by Ksg on 01 Jul 2008 - 13:39
If you don't want a website being indexed use the robot rules
Quote this comment #1.3 Posted by WAR-DOG on 01 Jul 2008 - 21:41
I really really really hope they fail, I don't like flash at all, mainly because it's used too much on pages. Flash is only good for banners and movies if you ask me...
Quote this comment #1.4 Posted by +mrbester on 02 Jul 2008 - 11:39
(Ksg said @ #1.2)
If you don't want a website being indexed use the robot rules

... which aren't always honoured. If you don't want a website being indexed you have to set up ACLs on the site.
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #2 Posted by Nexx295 on 01 Jul 2008 - 09:35
Watch an increased number of flash sites coming. More annoying sounds and funky animation.
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #3 Posted by Narutorocker on 01 Jul 2008 - 09:49
This is just a new window for an internet marketer thanks for the info
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #4 Posted by smithy_dll on 01 Jul 2008 - 11:25
I thought Google already did this.
Quote this comment Reply to this comment #5 Posted by +dmd3x on 01 Jul 2008 - 16:58
What about Live Search?
(1 reply) Quote this comment Reply to this comment #6 Posted by ReDwAvE on 01 Jul 2008 - 18:08
Think Microsoft should start doing the same thing for Silverlight ( and make it exclusive to Live Search )
Quote this comment #6.1 Posted by toadeater on 01 Jul 2008 - 21:38
(ReDwAvE said @ #6)
Think Microsoft should start doing the same thing for Silverlight ( and make it exclusive to Live Search )


Yes, because Silverlight's .000000000001% marketshare makes the competition tremble in fear.

If MS doesn't get on the Flash search bandwagon, it'll be another nail in Live's coffin.
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