RankBrain is a sophisticated machine-learning algorithm that was integrated to help Google better comprehend a user’s underlying intention during searches. It functions as an artificial intelligence system that determines the topical relevance of a query and learns how to provide superior results in the future.
RankBrain was initially introduced in 2015 and was only applied to 15 percent of all searches—specifically, those queries that Google had never encountered previously. It now influences every search result displayed on Google.
Essentially, Google’s algorithm attempts to deliver results for your query based on your search intent. Before RankBrain was implemented, Google lacked the necessary context for brand-new queries, making it difficult to guarantee accurate results. RankBrain’s machine-learning capability can now establish the context of queries by factoring in personalization, location, and the keywords themselves.
When it detects an unfamiliar search phrase, RankBrain is capable of inferring words with similar meanings, making it an effective resource for handling novel queries. This capability assists Google in understanding the genuine intent behind searches to provide more pertinent information.