CLS is Cumulative Layout Shift, a metric for visual stability and unexpected layout movement.
Example of CLS
Example: If a review widget loads late and pushes the CTA button down the page, CLS increases. Reserving space for dynamic elements can prevent frustrating layout jumps.
Why CLS matters
It matters because technical issues can prevent great content from being discovered, rendered, indexed, or trusted. Strong technical foundations protect rankings during redesigns, migrations, content expansion, and platform changes.
Related terms
- Mobile-First Indexing
- Cumulative Layout Shift
- Structured Data
- INP
- Schema Markup
- Interaction to Next Paint
Frequently Asked Question
What does CLS mean?
CLS means Cumulative Layout Shift, a metric for visual stability and unexpected layout movement.