A large analysis of 300,000 domains published November 2025 shows that adding an llms.txt file does not boost how often major large language models cite a website. The investigation found no measurable correlation between llms.txt implementation and citation frequency in AI-generated answers. Only about 10.13 % of domains tested had adopted the file.
Study Results at a Glance
- Adoption is low: just over 1 in 10 websites include llms.txt.
- Statistical tests and machine-learning models found no impact of llms.txt on how often AI systems referenced those sites.
- The study noted the standard remains optional. Until major AI platforms adopt it, effects remain speculative.
What This Means for Content Owners
Using llms.txt alone is unlikely to deliver a short-term visibility boost. Relying on it may lead to false confidence. Instead of chasing unproven standards, focus should shift back to core site quality: strong titles, clean metadata, fast performance, clear structure, and content value.
That shift makes optimizing for click-through more critical than ever. A well-crafted title and compelling metadata can improve your chances of generating actual clicks, whether from AI search or human users.
That is why many are now investing effort into improving ranking by optimizing CTR through consistent headline and metadata optimization.
Actionable Steps for Websites
- Audit and clean up page titles and meta descriptions.
- Use structured data and schema markup to help content clarity.
- Ensure page load speed and user experience are strong.
- Emphasize content quality, relevance, and accuracy.
- Treat llms.txt as optional future-proofing — not as a core visibility lever.
Anatolii Ulitovskyi, CEO at UNmiss, said:
“Data from 300,000 domains now shows that simply placing an llms.txt file does not increase citation rates or visibility in AI outputs. Visibility depends on fundamentals: clarity, metadata, performance, and content depth. A strategic CTR and metadata audit gives publishers real insight into what works today. That is the path to sustainable visibility in the AI era.”
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