Google Deprecates FID: What It Means for Your Website’s Ranking

Suraj Kumar
Mar 1
3 min read

Introduction

Google's Core Web Vitals have long been a crucial factor in determining search rankings, helping website owners understand and enhance user experience. But change is in the air! Google has officially announced the deprecation of First Input Delay (FID) and replacing it with Interaction to Next Paint (INP) on March 12, 2024, to better assess and improve web page responsiveness.

Think of it like this: FID was like judging a cricket player based on their first ball, while INP evaluates their performance throughout the entire match. This shift means Google now cares about how responsive your website is over time, not just at the first interaction.

So, what does this mean for your website, and how can you prepare for this transition? Let’s break it down.

What Was FID (First Input Delay)?

First Input Delay (FID) measured the time between a user’s first interaction with a page (like clicking a button or tapping a link) and the browser’s response. It focused solely on that initial interaction, helping to gauge how quickly a website could react to user input.

A low FID score (under 100 milliseconds) was considered good, while anything above 300 milliseconds signaled a poor user experience. This metric was useful, but it had a major flaw — it didn’t account for how a site responded after that first interaction.

Why is Google Deprecating FID?

While FID offered insights into a website’s initial responsiveness, it didn't tell the whole story. What about the moments after the first click? What if a user scrolled, typed, or clicked again?

Google realized FID was too narrow. To address this gap, they’ve replaced FID with INP (Interaction to Next Paint) — a metric that tracks the time it takes for a page to respond to all interactions, not just the first one. This gives a much clearer picture of a site’s overall responsiveness.

Introducing INP (Interaction to Next Paint)

What is INP?

INP measures the delay between user interactions (like clicks, taps, and keyboard inputs) and the next visual update or response. It assesses your site’s responsiveness from start to finish, making it a more reliable metric for user experience.

FID vs. INP — The Key Difference:

FID: Measures the delay for the first interaction only.

INP: Monitors responsiveness for all interactions on the page.

Imagine walking into a store and pressing a bell for service (FID). Sure, they answered quickly the first time. But what if every time you asked for something else, they took forever? That’s what INP aims to capture — the entire experience, not just the first impression.

Impact on SEO and Search Rankings

The big question: Will this affect your website’s Google ranking?

Yes, it might. Since Core Web Vitals directly influence search rankings, a poor INP score can push your site down the results page. Here’s how this change may affect you:

Slower websites: If your site struggles with delayed interactions (like unresponsive buttons or laggy forms), your rankings may drop.

Mobile-first impact: Since mobile users often face performance issues due to network conditions, mobile-friendly sites with optimized INP scores will have an edge.

Competitive landscape: Businesses optimizing for INP will likely outrank those still relying on outdated metrics.

How to Prepare Your Website for INP

Getting ready for INP means focusing on overall site responsiveness. Here’s how you can start:

Test Your INP Score:

Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, Lighthouse, and Chrome DevTools to measure your site’s INP.

Optimize JavaScript Execution:

Minimize long tasks by breaking them into smaller, asynchronous operations. This reduces main-thread blocking time.

Reduce Input Delay:

Ensure that user inputs (clicks, taps, and keystrokes) are processed efficiently without unnecessary lags.

Prioritize Critical Resources:

Load essential elements first to improve interactivity. Lazy-load non-critical resources.

Monitor and Iterate:

Regularly test your site’s performance, especially after adding new features or content.

Final Thoughts: Staying Ahead of the Curve

Google's switch from FID to INP is more than just a technical update — it's a wake-up call for businesses to prioritize smooth, seamless user experiences. For Indian startups and global businesses alike, adapting to INP is crucial to staying competitive in search rankings.

At Modelodge, we specialize in optimizing websites to meet Google’s evolving standards. Whether you're running a local business in Bengaluru or serving clients worldwide, we can help you create fast, responsive websites that rank higher and convert better.

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