Voice search is the use of spoken language to perform a search, typically through devices like smartphones, smart speakers, or virtual assistants such as Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant. It relies on speech recognition technology to convert spoken queries into text, then returns relevant search results—often similar to those from typed searches.
Because people tend to speak more conversationally or ask full questions when using voice search, the phrasing and intent of queries can differ significantly from traditional typed search queries. This shift impacts how digital marketers approach SEO, requiring a focus on natural language, long-tail keywords, and question-based content. Optimizing for voice search also means ensuring fast-loading, mobile-friendly websites and providing clear, concise answers that search engines can pull into featured snippets.