JSON for Linking Data
JSON-LD is a format for implementing structured data, injected in a script tag. Google recommends it over Microdata and RDFa because it can be maintained separately from the visible HTML.
Standalone definition · 30 words
How does JSON-LD work?
An application/ld+json script block contains an object with @context (the vocabulary, for example Schema.org), @type and properties. @graph lets you describe several entities linked by their @id. The format is a W3C standard (JSON-LD 1.1).
Implementation best practices
Render JSON-LD in server-side HTML rather than injecting it on the client, use stable @id values, reflect visible content, avoid duplicates generated by both the theme and a plugin, and validate with the Schema.org validator and the rich results test.
JSON-LD and AI engines
Google says its AI features require no specific markup. JSON-LD helps disambiguate entities and connect pages, with no guarantee of citation. Its value depends on its faithfulness to the content and its availability in the initial HTML.
Frequently asked questions
JSON-LD or Microdata?
JSON-LD is recommended by Google for its maintainability.
Can I put several JSON-LD blocks on a page?
Yes, or a single block with @graph. What matters is consistent @id values.
Does invalid JSON-LD break the page?
No, but it is ignored. Validate regularly.
Related terms
Further reading
- Search Central Live Deep Dive Barcelona 2026: what Google said over the 3 days
- Checklist GEO and LLM / AI 2026
- ← Back to the GEO glossary (114 terms)