Duplicate content
Duplicate content is the same or near-identical content available at more than one URL. Engines pick one version to rank and may split signals across the copies.
It is usually accidental: URL parameters, http and https, or www and non-www serving the same page.
Canonical tags and consistent internal links tell engines which version to keep, so signals consolidate instead of scattering.
A practical example
The same category is accessible through several parameter combinations without a clear preferred URL.
A common mistake
Assuming every duplicate causes a penalty or that all duplicates require deletion.
How to check it
Compare the pages' purpose and content, then align appropriate canonicals, redirects, internal links and sitemap entries.
Related terms
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