Google Indexing API vs sitemap lastmod: the legit-use gap

Google Indexing API vs sitemap lastmod: the legit-use gap

Everyone wants the Indexing API for instant Google crawls. Reality check after testing both.

The Indexing API officially supports only JobPosting and BroadcastEvent schema. Use it on a blog post and yes, Googlebot often shows up in minutes, but it's off-label and Google can ignore or deprioritize it any time.

Updating sitemap <lastmod> honestly is slower but durable, and Google increasingly trusts accurate lastmod for recrawl scheduling.

Pros (API): genuine sub-hour crawl, programmatic.
Cons (API): unsupported for most page types, quota 200/day, no guarantee it lasts.
Pros (lastmod): sanctioned, scales to millions, no quota.
Cons (lastmod): only works if your lastmod is truthful; lie once and Google discounts it.

Best for: API only if you run real jobs/events. Everyone else: fix lastmod accuracy first. NOT for spammers who fake timestamps.