Guide · 10 min · Updated 20/05/2026
Next.js SEO 2026: App Router, ISR, metadata
Next.js App Router is now the default. Here's the SEO patterns that work and the gotchas that don't.
App Router metadata
Use the `metadata` export or `generateMetadata` function. Don't mix with `next/head` — the patterns conflict and produce unpredictable output.
ISR vs SSG
SSG for everything that doesn't change between builds. ISR with `revalidate` for programmatic pages that need fresh data without rebuild. SSR only when you genuinely need request-time data.
Common questions
Should I use the Pages Router for SEO?
No — App Router has reached feature-parity and exceeds it on metadata + streaming. Migrate.