Metadata API in Next.js | Next.js Complete Course | S2 Ep. 7

Summary

This video explains how to set meta data for pages in a Next.js application using the Meta Data API. It covers the importance of meta data, such as titles and descriptions, and how to configure them dynamically for different pages. The tutorial highlights best practices like exporting meta data from layout and page components, creating default templates for titles, and handling dynamic data such as blog post IDs. The video also discusses customizing meta descriptions for SEO purposes, as well as using the 'absolute' key for overriding the default template. By the end, viewers will understand how to optimize their web pages using the Meta Data API in Next.js.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Metadata API in Next.js allows for dynamic and global setting of page metadata such as title and description.
• 😀 Titles and descriptions can be set globally in the layout file to apply to all pages by default.
• 😀 Metadata can also be customized for individual pages, allowing for unique titles and descriptions per page (e.g., Home, About, Services).
• 😀 The 'export const metadata' syntax is used to define metadata within Next.js files.
• 😀 Dynamic metadata can be set for pages like blog posts using parameters such as blog ID, allowing for personalized content per page.
• 😀 The 'template' field in the metadata object ensures that the title structure remains consistent across all pages, such as appending the company name.
• 😀 Dynamic metadata requires asynchronous functions for pages that depend on parameters, such as blog post IDs.
• 😀 Default metadata is automatically applied when no specific metadata is set for a page, preventing missing titles or descriptions.
• 😀 The metadata API supports advanced customizations like overriding titles and descriptions for specific pages using properties like 'absolute'.
• 😀 Meta descriptions are important for SEO purposes and can be set dynamically alongside titles in the metadata API.
• 😀 The metadata API in Next.js offers flexibility to control how content is presented to both users and search engines, improving visibility and search rankings.

Q & A

What is metadata in the context of web pages?

Metadata refers to the extra information about a web page that isn't visible to users but can be found in the page's source code, typically within the 'head' tag. It includes details like the title, description, and other properties that help search engines and browsers interpret the page's content.

Why should we not manually add head tags in Next.js?

Next.js recommends using the Metadata API rather than manually adding head tags to ensure proper management of dynamic metadata and avoid inconsistencies. This method helps in making the metadata more manageable and reusable across pages.

What is the Metadata API in Next.js and how is it used?

The Metadata API in Next.js allows developers to dynamically set metadata like titles, descriptions, and other meta tags for pages. You can export an object named 'metadata' from either the layout file or a specific page's component to set these values.

How do you set the title for a page in Next.js using the Metadata API?

To set the title using the Metadata API, export an object named 'metadata' from your layout or page file. Inside this object, define the title property, like 'title: 'Technical Agency'. This title will then be reflected on the corresponding web page.

What happens when the 'metadata' object is placed in the root layout?

When the 'metadata' object is placed in the root layout file, it sets a common metadata (like title) across all pages. This ensures that the same title appears universally, unless overridden in specific pages or components.

How can you set page-specific titles for different pages in Next.js?

To set page-specific titles, you can define metadata in the component or page file. For example, within a 'home.js' file, you can export 'metadata' with a title like 'Home - Technical Agency'. Similarly, this can be done for the 'about' or 'services' pages.

What is the purpose of the 'template' in the metadata object?

The 'template' in the metadata object allows you to set a common structure for your titles, such as 'Page Title - Technical Agency'. This structure can then dynamically replace the '%s' placeholder with the specific page's title, ensuring consistency across pages.

How do you set dynamic metadata for individual blog posts in Next.js?

To set dynamic metadata for individual blog posts, use the 'generateMetadata' function. This function allows you to asynchronously fetch data, like a blog ID, and set dynamic values in the title, such as 'Blog 10 - Technical Agency'.

What does the 'absolute' property in metadata allow you to do?

The 'absolute' property in metadata allows you to override the default template and provide a completely custom title or other metadata for a specific page. This is useful when you want to display a unique title or description on a specific page, without following the standard template.

Can you set both the title and description for a page using the Metadata API?

Yes, you can set both the title and description for a page using the Metadata API. The description can be included alongside the title within the 'metadata' object, and it is typically used for SEO purposes to provide a summary of the page content.