Google SERP API

What Is Google SERP API?

A Google SERP API (Search Engine Results Page API) is a tool that lets developers access live search result data from Google. It simulates user queries and returns parsed results, including organic listings, ads, featured snippets, local packs, and more — all in structured JSON format.

Why Use a Google SERP API?

Automate keyword position tracking

Collect featured snippets and People Also Ask (PAA)

Extract Google Ads and Shopping data

Monitor competitors’ SEO strategies

Analyze real-time search intent trends

Build SERP scrapers without parsing HTML manually

Types of SERP Results You Can Access

Organic search results

Featured snippets

Ads (top and bottom)

Local pack / map results

News, images, videos, top stories

Related searches and PAA questions

Knowledge panel and rich results

How Google SERP API Works

• Send a GET or POST request with a keyword and location
• Specify device type, language, and search engine (Google.com, Google.de, etc.)
• API fetches live search results and returns structured data
• Results include all visible SERP elements in JSON
• Some APIs also support batch processing and scheduling

Key Features

Real-time data from Google Search

Support for mobile and desktop SERPs

Geo-targeted and language-specific queries

JSON response with structured fields

CAPTCHA and proxy handling built-in

API key and usage limit management

Scalable for high-volume keyword tracking

Use Cases for SEO and Marketing

Track keyword rankings across regions

Identify and monitor featured snippet opportunities

Analyze paid search presence (Google Ads)

Scrape People Also Ask for content strategy

Compare SERP volatility across industries

Common API Providers

SerpAPI

Zenserp

ScraperAPI + custom parsing

Bright Data / Oxylabs for large-scale SERP crawling

Legal and Compliance Considerations

While using SERP APIs is common in SEO and marketing, keep in mind:

• Data is scraped from publicly available SERPs
• You must comply with Google’s Terms of Service
• Use official APIs where applicable (e.g., Google Ads API)
• Avoid abuse by respecting rate limits and API quotas

FAQ

Is Google SERP API officially supported by Google?

No, Google does not offer a public SERP API. Tools like Google Custom Search API offer limited data, but most SERP APIs are third-party.

Can I track rankings by location?

Yes, most APIs let you set country, city, ZIP code, or GPS coordinates.

How accurate is SERP API data?

Top APIs simulate real browser behavior and return accurate results, including local packs and ads.

Is it better than manual scraping?

Yes — faster, more scalable, handles CAPTCHA and parsing, and reduces maintenance.

What formats does it return?

Most APIs return results in JSON, with fields like title, URL, snippet, and type (organic, ad, snippet, etc.).