AR VR search results: The Complete 2026 Guide

Google's spatial index was first announced at Google I/O 2025 and became generally available in Search Console in early 2026. It indexes 3D models in glTF and USDZ formats, 360-degree images, spatial audio, and volumetric video. Content is embedded using the 3DModel schema extension and linked to existing text and image content on the page. Google's 2025 developer documentation on spatial search specifies that indexed 3D models must be under 50 MB, use PBR (physically based rendering) materials, and include descriptive metadata.

The spatial indexer runs a separate rendering pass to generate thumbnails and preview animations from each 3D model. Models with clean geometry (under 100K triangles) and baked ambient occlusion render faster and appear higher in spatial SERP carousels. According to Google's 2025 spatial search performance study, models optimized for mobile rendering load in under 3 seconds on mid-range devices.

The 3DModel schema type extends CreativeWork with specific properties for spatial content:

• encoding: Links to the 3D file (glTF binary or USDZ). Include both formats for cross-device compatibility (Android supports glTF; Apple devices prefer USDZ).
• x3dGeometry: Optional but recommended for complex models with interactive states (expandable, rotatable, or animated).
• representativeImage: A high-resolution 2D preview used when spatial rendering is unavailable (e.g., on desktop SERPs).
• interactivityType: Describes how users can interact with the model (rotate, zoom, explode, animate, or none).

Google's 2026 structured data release notes added the interactivityType property specifically for spatial search, and pages that include it are eligible for the "Interactive 3D" badge in SERPs.

Apple's AR Quick Look and Google's ARCore-based "View in Your Space" features are now triggered directly from SERPs. When a user searches for a product (furniture, sneakers, electronics) on a mobile device, the SERP may include a "View in AR" button that places a 3D model in the user's real-world environment via camera feed. For this to appear, the page must have:

• A 3DModel schema with a valid USDZ or glTF URL
• Product schema (for retail items) or Place schema (for location-based AR)
• An explicit ar-recommended flag in the schema's offers property

Google's 2025 AR commerce guidelines state that products with "View in AR" eligibility see a 3.1x higher conversion rate from search compared to standard product listing results.

Spatial search also includes 360-degree video (equirectangular format) and volumetric video (6DoF content). These are indexed via VideoObject schema with the additional property of spatialVideo: true. The spatial video indexer expects minimum resolution of 4K per eye (8K total) for volumetric content and 5.7K for 360-degree video. Lower resolution content may be indexed but will not appear in the "Immersive" SERP filter.

Google's 2025 partner documentation on spatial video recommends placing the most visually interesting content in the first 15 seconds, as the SERP preview loop plays the opening segment on a 15-second cycle.

Spatial content is heavy by nature. Google's ranking system applies a bandwidth-aware boost factor: content that loads within 2 seconds on a 50 Mbps connection receives a ranking bonus, while content requiring more than 10 seconds is demoted in spatial SERPs. Key optimizations:

• Compress glTF files using Draco geometry compression (reduces file size by 70-90%).
• Generate multiple LOD (level-of-detail) variants and serve the appropriate one based on device capability.
• Use HTTP/3 and CDNs with edge caching for 3D asset delivery.

1. Check if your content vertical qualifies for spatial search (product, real estate, tourism, education, and entertainment are confirmed).
2. Create 3DModel schema with encoding links for both glTF and USDZ formats.
3. Validate 3D model file sizes (under 50 MB, under 100K triangles for primary LOD).
4. Test "View in AR" functionality using Google's AR preview tool in Search Console.
5. Monitor spatial search impressions under Search Console > Performance > Search Appearance > "Spatial."
6. Verify 360-degree video meets minimum resolution thresholds (5.7K for single-camera, 8K total for volumetric).

Sources

1. Google I/O 2025, "Introducing Spatial Search: 3D Results in the SERP," developer keynote. https://io.google/2025/spatial-search/
2. Google Search Central, "3DModel structured data and spatial indexing," 2025. https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/3d-model-structured-data
3. Google, "AR commerce guidelines for search," 2025. https://developers.google.com/ar/guidelines/search
4. Google, "Structured data release notes 2026," 2026. https://developers.google.com/search/docs/release-notes