Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Episode Title: Is AI-generated meta description production at scale a trend or trash?
Podcast: Voices of Search
Host: Tyson Stockton
Guest: Tom (from Crowd)
Date: September 24, 2025

In this episode, Tyson Stockton and guest Tom from Crowd take on the "trend or trash" challenge regarding the use of AI to produce meta descriptions at scale. The discussion dives into current best practices, the realities of meta descriptions’ impact on SEO, and predictions about the future of this optimization tactic.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Are AI-Generated Meta Descriptions at Scale a “Trend or Trash”?

• Immediate Reaction: Tom immediately labels AI-generated meta descriptions at scale as "trash" (00:36).
  • Quote:

    "Trash. I have never lost sleep over meta descriptions and for the most part Google rewrites them anyway. So definitely, definitely trash. Wouldn't focus on that."
    — Tom (00:41)

• Rationale:
  • Meta descriptions are frequently rewritten by Google, lessening the value of optimizing them at scale.
  • Investing time in AI-generated meta descriptions is seen as an inefficient use of resources.

2. Is the Issue Meta Descriptions, AI Application, or Both?

• Clarification: Tyson digs deeper, questioning if the “trash” verdict applies to meta descriptions specifically or to AI-generated SEO elements in general (01:09).
• Tom’s Response:
  • The issue is mainly with meta descriptions themselves, not necessarily AI-driven automation for SEO at large.
  • There is some merit to using Generative AI for scalable SEO applications—especially for title tags—but meta descriptions are not worth the effort.
  • Quote:

    "I would say more trash on the fact that it's meta descriptions. I think there is something in being able to use Gen AI to scale things like title tags... But you can definitely use it in those areas, just not on meta descriptions."
    — Tom (01:20)

3. The Future of Meta Descriptions

• Do Meta Descriptions Have a Lifespan?: Tyson asks if meta descriptions will even matter or exist in three years, given current trends (01:42).
• Tom’s Outlook:
  • He predicts meta descriptions are likely to phase out as Google increasingly generates its own descriptions for SERPs.
  • Declining click-through rates (CTR) and the move towards zero-click search results diminish the unique selling point (USP) of meta descriptions.
  • Quote:

    "I do think meta descriptions are going to phase out. I'm right there with you. I think it's—we're going to see it in that same category as meta keywords."
    — Tom (02:06)

4. AI Application for Other SEO Elements

• While meta descriptions are considered obsolete, the application of AI in generating elements like title tags is seen as viable—with caution.
• Potential risks to scaling AI-generated titles are acknowledged, but the payoff is higher than with meta descriptions.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On AI meta description generation:

  "Trash. I have never lost sleep over meta descriptions and for the most part Google rewrites them anyway."
  — Tom (00:41)

• On the future relevance of meta descriptions:

  "I do think meta descriptions are going to phase out. I'm right there with you…we're going to see it in that same category as meta keywords."
  — Tom (02:06)

• On scaling with AI for SEO titles:

  "There is something in being able to use Gen AI to scale things like title tags. Back to our earlier conversation, there's a risk element to that, right. But you can definitely use it in those areas, just not on meta descriptions."
  — Tom (01:20)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:36 | Initial "trend or trash" challenge and Tom’s immediate response | | 01:09 | Differentiating meta descriptions from other SEO elements | | 01:20 | Discussion about applying AI to title tags versus meta descriptions | | 01:42 | Question about the future relevance of meta descriptions | | 02:06 | Likening meta descriptions’ fate to that of meta keywords |

Conclusion

Summary Verdict:
AI-generated meta description production at scale is “trash,” according to Tom. He stresses that the SEO value of meta descriptions has greatly diminished due to Google’s tendency to rewrite them and declining CTRs. The conversation suggests that the industry is moving beyond meta descriptions altogether, possibly relegating them to the history books alongside meta keywords. There is still opportunity and value in using AI for other SEO components, such as title tags, but caution and attention to quality are advised.

For More:
Find Tom’s contact details and information about Crowd in the episode show notes. Check out Crowd’s “Search Anywhere” product and “Brand AI,” as referenced by Tyson.