Google’s John Mueller has once again confirmed that URL extensions like .html, .htm, or no extension at all do not affect your website’s search engine rankings.
Yes, the question has popped up again and this time on Reddit. Mueller was quick to jump in with a reassuring, unchanged response: “Doesn’t matter. Also, no extension is fine. (The whole thing is historical, very few people host with static files nowadays.)”
But here is the thing that this is not a new conversation. It has been addressed many times over the years, most notably in a Google Search Central video from 2017 where Mueller directly answered whether removing .html helps with SEO.
And once again in 2025, his answer remains clear.
The Never-Ending Debate Over URL Structures
In SEO circles, URL optimization is a big deal. And understandably URLs appear in search results, get copied into emails, shared on social media and bookmarked for reference. They contribute to user experience and sometimes even brand perception.
So, when you see URLs ending with .html or .php, it might feel outdated. Developers, SEOs and clients often ask:
- “Does having .html make my website look old-fashioned?”
- “Will Google favor shorter, cleaner URLs?”
- “Isn’t removing the extension better for crawling or indexing?”
- “Do extensions affect CTR (click-through rate)?”
Let us be clear that these are valid concerns from a usability standpoint. But from Google’s SEO algorithm perspective, URL extensions are simply irrelevant.
Mueller’s recent response confirms what many of us have heard time and again:
It is not the extension that matters. It is how your website is built, structured and optimized overall.
Understanding Google’s Stand on URL Extensions: .html, .htm, or None?
So, what is the actual reasoning behind Google not caring about file extensions?
Historically, web pages served as physical files stored on servers. Pages like about.html were literally pointing to an HTML file. But that was in the early 2000s.
Today, modern websites use dynamic rendering engines, headless CMSs and routing systems that no longer rely on file extensions. With platforms like WordPress, Webflow, Wix and Jamstack frameworks like Gatsby or Next.js, URLs are structured through code, not file naming.
To Google, a URL is simply a unique identifier for a piece of content. Whether it is /about-us, /about.html or /about-us/, as long as the content is accessible and properly indexed, the extension does not influence how it ranks.
Let’s Look at Some Real-World Examples
Still skeptical? Let me help you to examine what successful websites are doing.
- Wikipedia – Use clean, extensionless URLs like en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SEO. No .html in sight.
- BBC – Sometimes uses .html and especially for archived or long-standing content, like bbc.com/news/world-68981234.html. Still ranks extremely well.
- Apple – It is all about simplicity and using URLs like apple.com/macbook-air/ with no file extension.
- U.S. Government Websites – Many government websites still use .html, such as irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1040.html and are consistently indexed and ranked.
This clearly shows that whether or not a URL has an extension does not determine visibility or success in search. Each of these URLs rank well, get massive traffic and are managed by high-authority domains.
Should You Trust Everything You Read About SEO Online?
After John Mueller once again clarified that URL extensions like .html or .htm do not affect SEO, a skeptical user on Reddit pushed back, questioning his authority and experience. It is not the first time someone has second-guessed Google’s advice and certainly won’t be the last.
Mueller’s reply was calm and practical:
“It’s always good to double-check what you run into online!”
And he is absolutely right. To further support this, Barry Schwartz, a trusted voice in the SEO industry and founder of Search Engine Roundtable, added:
“Google has repeated this so many times that I’ve lost count. But still, the myth lingers. So here we are again — .html doesn’t impact your SEO.”
Does It Help or Hurt? If Pages End in .htm / .html : r/SEO
What Does Matter for SEO When It Comes to URLs?
Although URL endings may be irrelevant, it does not mean the entire URL structure is. Let’s break down what does actually impact SEO:
1. Descriptive & Keyword-Rich URLs Improve Relevance
A well-structured URL provides users and search engines with immediate context. Using relevant keywords in the slug not only makes the link more meaningful but can also slightly boost visibility for that keyword.
For example: https://www.stanventures.com/blog/how-to-rank-high-on-google/
It tells both the reader and Google exactly what the page is about that discusses ranking factors in SEO.
Compare that to a vague URL like: https://www.example.com/page?id=4829471
This gives no context and offers zero SEO value. The takeaway? Use clear and relevant keywords, not random alphanumeric characters or overly generic slugs.
2. Shorter URLs Are Usually Better
While not a strict rule, shorter URLs tend to perform better for both usability and SEO. They are easier to remember, quicker to share and less likely to be truncated in SERPs or on social platforms.
Another example: https://www.stanventures.com/guest-post-services/
In under 40 characters after the domain, this URL clearly highlights the topic- white hat link building without any fluff. It is concise, readable and effective.
3. Use Hyphens (-) to Separate Words, Not Underscores (_) or Spaces
It might seem minor but Google recommends using hyphens instead of underscores or spaces in URLs. Hyphens are easier to read and index.
Correct: https://www.stanventures.com/white-label-link-building-agency/
Incorrect: https://www.xyz.com/blog/guest_posting_tips
Even though Google can now interpret underscores better than it used to, hyphens remain the preferred separator for clarity, shareability and parsing accuracy.
4. Proper Canonicalization and Redirects
If your site serves the same content across multiple URLs you must use canonical tags to indicate the preferred version. Otherwise, Google may see it as duplicate content, diluting your page authority.
Moreover, if you do transition URLs (e.g., removing .html), always set up 301 redirects from the old to the new version. This ensures SEO value such as backlinks and page authority passes through to the updated URL
What’s the Final Verdict on URL Extensions and SEO?
After years of speculation, blog debates, Reddit threads and even a standalone YouTube video, Google’s position has not changed. URL extensions don’t matter.
So, whether your page ends with .html, .php or nothing at all, relax.
The algorithm is not judging your extension. It is judging your content and structure.
Dileep Thekkethil
AuthorDileep Thekkethil is the Director of Marketing at Stan Ventures and an SEMRush certified SEO expert. With over a decade of experience in digital marketing, Dileep has played a pivotal role in helping global brands and agencies enhance their online visibility. His work has been featured in leading industry platforms such as MarketingProfs, Search Engine Roundtable, and CMSWire, and his expert insights have been cited in Google Videos. Known for turning complex SEO strategies into actionable solutions, Dileep continues to be a trusted authority in the SEO community, sharing knowledge that drives meaningful results.
