Renowned Japanese SEO expert Kenichi Suzuki, and Search advocate at Tokyo’s Faber Company sat down with Google’s Martin Splitt in a recent fireside chat, where he revealed that Gemini AI can handle JavaScript as effectively as Googlebot.
According to Martin, Google’s AI infrastructure, especially the Gemini model has the ability to render JavaScript more effectively than other major AI platforms like ChatGPT and Claude.
But how and why does this matter? And what are the critical consequences for developers still weighing the pros and cons of server-side vs. client-side rendering?
Let’s find out.
What Makes Google’s Gemini AI Stand Out in JavaScript Rendering?
During the conversation, Martin Splitt revealed that Google’s AI Gemini uses the same rendering infrastructure as Googlebot, the bot responsible for crawling and indexing the web.
Unlike most AI tools, Gemini can render complex JavaScript. This is because the bot that Gemini uses to crawl websites, Google-Extended, uses the same infrastructure as Googlebot, which is responsible for real-world web crawling and indexing.
If you see Google rendering your JavaScript without errors in the search console, you don’t need to further optimize it for Gemini.
While most AI chatbots struggle to process or misinterpret client-side JavaScript, Gemini verifies it using advanced techniques already deployed in Google’s web crawlers. This is not just a technical advantage but also a much more efficient way to extract information from websites.
“Could this be content made by Google for AI tools?” Suzuki asked. Martin clarified, “Not quite but Gemini uses the same rendering services as Googlebot.”
That alignment gives Gemini a significant head start in understanding modern websites and their dynamic components.
The Real Cost of JavaScript Rendering Delays
Splitt also addressed concerns around the speed at which JavaScript gets rendered after Googlebot crawls a page.
Splitt clarified that while the rendering itself is fast—typically under 5 seconds—delays in indexing can make it seem slower, especially for pages deprioritized by Google’s systems.
However, the silver lining? “Ninety-nine percent of the time, pages are rendered within minutes,” said Splitt. So while delays can occur, they are usually edge cases, not the rule.
Server-Side vs. Client-Side Rendering: Making the Right Choice
The debate between server-side rendering (SSR) and client-side rendering (CSR) has been ongoing but Gemini’s capabilities bring new considerations to the forefront.
Splitt emphasized that while SSR is generally more reliable for content-rich websites, CSR can be appropriate for highly interactive applications.
“It’s not one or the other—it’s like a hammer vs. screwdriver, ” Splitt said.
If you are building applications on the web, client-side rendering is a good idea. If not, then server-side rendering is a better idea.
The key takeaway is that the choice between SSR and CSR should be informed by the specific needs of the website and its users with an understanding of how Google will interpret and index the content.
So, should you ditch your JavaScript-heavy frontend? Not necessarily. Instead, align your rendering method with your user goals and SEO priorities.
Enhancing Content Visibility in Google Search Results
In a simple yet effective way Splitt focuses on the value of structured data. Even though it directly helps rendering, it enables search engines to better understand content which overall improves the likelihood of rich results.
Microsoft’s Bing, for instance, relies heavily on structured data, making it a crucial element for cross-platform visibility. As Splitt put it: “Structured data gives us more confidence in the information. So yes, use it—if it makes sense.”
There is also a case in point that websites that implemented schema.org markup for FAQs or How-to sections reported a 30–50% increase in organic CTR after earning rich results- According to study by Search Engine Journal.
What This Means for SEO Pros and Developers
This conversation with Martin Splitt is a loud and clear reminder: as AI evolves, so must our strategies.
- For SEOs: Understand how Googlebot sees your content. Tools like Google Search Console’s URL Inspection Tool are more important than ever.
- For Developers: SSR, pre-rendering and static site generation are not just performance perks but they are foundational to discoverability.
- For AI Strategists: Gemini’s top rendering capability makes it the AI of choice when modeling user-facing tools or optimizing for Google’s ecosystem.
At last, Kenichi Suzuki wrapped up the session with a message to the SEO community: “Keep doing great things. Think about your users. Figure out your business goals. Create great content.”The future of search isn’t just about keywords—it’s about how well your content is rendered, structured, and designed for real users and AI systems alike.
Dileep Thekkethil
AuthorDileep Thekkethil is the Director of Marketing at Stan Ventures, where he applies over 15 years of SEO and digital marketing expertise to drive growth and authority. A former journalist with six years of experience, he combines strategic storytelling with technical know-how to help brands navigate the shift toward AI-driven search and generative engines. Dileep is a strong advocate for Google’s EEAT standards, regularly sharing real-world use cases and scenarios to demystify complex marketing trends. He is an avid gardener of tropical fruits, a motor enthusiast, and a dedicated caretaker of his pair of cockatiels.