GlossaryLinks
rel=ugc
Also called: User generated content attribute
The ugc attribute marks links added by users, such as comments and forum posts, so search engines know the site owner didn't place them.
rel=ugc stands for user generated content. It's a link attribute Google introduced in 2019 for links that visitors add, like blog comments, forum posts and reviews. It tells search engines the publisher didn't choose or vouch for the link.
Many platforms add it automatically. Forums, community sites and comment systems often use ugc or nofollow on all member links. This stops spammers from gaining from open submission areas and keeps the site's own reputation cleaner.
Practical point: don't build your link strategy around comments and profile links. They're easy to create, so they carry little weight and can look spammy in bulk. If you take part in a community, do it to be useful and reach people, and treat any link as a bonus rather than the goal.
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