What is hreflang?

By the Variask team · Updated

Definition

hreflang is a tag that tells search engines which version of a page is for which language or country, such as en-GB or hi-IN. It helps the right version show in each market, including in AI features built on search engines.

With Variask: The free hreflang checker tests codes, self links, x-default and return links.

How it works

  • Each language or country version lists all versions, including itself.
  • Codes use a language, optionally with a region.
  • Every version must link back to the others.
  • An x-default version catches everyone else.

What it means for brands

  • Brands in several markets need hreflang to avoid the wrong version showing.
  • Check it after every site change.

Questions

hreflang:
common questions

It helps search engines show the right version, and AI features built on them benefit.

No, unless you have country versions in the same language, such as en-US and en-GB.

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