In Navigation AI, we often assess how to improve user navigation. One way to measure this is by looking at the percentage of user navigations that are prepared and prerendered by the browser versus those that are not. To compare Instant and Standard Navigations, we consider whether Navigation AI was successful in predicting and prerendering the navigation (Instant) or not (Standard).
What is Instant Navigation?
Instant Navigation happens when Navigation AI predicts where you'll go next, prepares the page, and prerenders it — either fully or partially. This significantly enhances your users' experience by making page transitions faster and smoother.
Having instant navigations mean:
Fewer early exits: Quick loading times encourage users to stay on your site.
Lower bounce rates: Users are more likely to explore further when navigation is seamless.
Longer sessions and more interactions: A smoother experience keeps users engaged longer.
Improved Core Web Vitals (CWV): Better performance metrics, such as load time and interactivity, which are important for search engine rankings.
All these factors are search engine ranking signals. As a website manager, your goal should be to have as many Instant Navigations as possible for your users. If you achieve this, your users will reward you with better engagement.
What is Standard Navigation?
Standard Navigation is the typical, slower navigation experience without the help of Navigation AI. While we strive to reduce Standard Navigations, they still occur for various reasons:
Navigating to a page excluded from optimization
- cart
- login/logout
- admin stateThe user device does not accept the prerender
Visiting a page where Navigation AI is not present
Navigation AI has not been able to predict the page
Opening a new tab
No memory available
Incompatible with a Chrome Extension
The browser does not support prerenders
Old version of Browser. (before Chrome 121)
The device is in Data-saver mode
iOS device, where Chromium is not supported
Other browser heuristics that are limiting the number of prerenders.
Even though Standard Navigations are slower, there will always be some percent of your navigations. By improving Navigation AI, you can minimize these instances and provide a better experience for your users.