The llms.txt file is a recent initiative aimed at guiding artificial intelligence models (such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude) in their exploration of websites. On paper, this file would allow control over which pages an LLM can use for its training or responses.

John Mueller has clarified the situation: no AI system currently consults this file. Although SEO tools like Yoast already offer to generate it automatically, this functionality remains purely theoretical.

LLMs access web content directly without going through this type of configuration file. The llms.txt initiative therefore remains a conceptual project with no real adoption by major AI players.

• The llms.txt file is not used by any LLM to date
• AI models explore websites directly
• SEO tools already offer its generation despite its current uselessness
• The initiative remains theoretical without concrete implementation

This clarification from John Mueller is consistent with what we observe in the field. LLM crawlers (GPTBot, Google-Extended, Anthropic-AI) use the classic robots.txt file to respect exploration directives, not a new standard that has never been officially adopted.

The important nuance to provide: even if llms.txt is not used, this does not mean you have no control over the use of your content by AI. The robots.txt already allows blocking specific LLM crawlers with dedicated user-agents.

• Don't create an llms.txt file for now - no concrete benefit
• If your SEO plugin has generated it automatically, you can disable it without risk
• Use robots.txt to control AI crawlers (GPTBot, Google-Extended, CCBot, etc.)
• Prioritize classic meta tags and structured data to optimize your visibility in AI results
• Monitor the evolution of standards - llms.txt could become relevant if major players adopt it
• Focus your resources on optimizations with measurable impact: quality content, user experience, technical performance

Optimal management of visibility in AI systems and anticipation of emerging standards require constant technical monitoring and specialized expertise. These strategic decisions - deciding which content to expose to LLMs, how to structure information for AI, while preserving your traditional SEO positioning - represent complex challenges. Support from a specialized SEO agency allows you to benefit from a personalized analysis of your situation and a strategy adapted to the rapid evolution of this sector.