Automatically rewritten content using synonyms/tools, often low-quality and penalized.
I know the temptation: quickly rewriting a competitor’s top-ranking article to save time and try to steal their traffic.
This practice, called content spinning, is a dangerous form of plagiarism that Google’s algorithms are now very good at spotting.
I am here to tell you that What is Spun Content? is a shortcut to mediocrity, and I will share my ethical, long-term strategies for creating content that truly ranks.
What is Spun Content? The Rehashed Copy
Let us look closely at the problem: What is Spun Content? It is text that has been automatically or manually rewritten by replacing words and phrases with synonyms to make it look unique, but without adding any original thought or value.
In the past, writers used simple “spin tax” software, but now advanced AI tools make the spun content look more natural, yet it is still rehashed material.
Google considers spun content a violation of its spam policies, and it can lead to severe ranking penalties or even removal from the search index.
Spun Content Risk by CMS Platform
The risk of accidentally publishing low-quality, spun content exists across all platforms, but vigilance is key.
WordPress (WP)
WordPress is often used by people trying to quickly publish a massive volume of spun content using automated tools.
I advise my clients to install plagiarism-checking tools before publishing any new article from a freelance writer.
I also use my SEO plugin to set strict rules against pages with very low word counts, which are often targets for spinning.
Shopify
Shopify store owners sometimes use spun content for product descriptions across many similar products to save time.
I must ensure that every single product has a unique, engaging, and original description that highlights its specific features.
Duplicate or spun product content dilutes my category page authority and gives customers a poor experience.
Wix
Wix users should avoid the temptation to generate site text using simple, free online spinning tools.
I focus on creating high-quality, long-form pages for my main services, ensuring the content is deeply informative and original.
I run any content I outsource through a plagiarism checker before I paste it into the Wix editor.
Webflow
Webflow’s focus on custom, high-quality design naturally discourages the mass production of low-effort spun content.
My risk here comes from content writers who submit text that is subtly paraphrased from a competitor’s blog post.
I emphasize adding unique data, case studies, or original graphics that are impossible to spin from another source.
Custom CMS
If I have a large custom CMS, I might have multiple internal teams or external vendors creating content, raising the risk of unintentional spinning.
I establish a strict editorial process that requires content approval only after passing a plagiarism and originality check.
I use a canonical tag only when syndicating content I wrote originally to clearly signal the primary source to Google.
Spun Content Risk by Industry
Some industries face higher risks because content is easily copied and rehashed.
Ecommerce
The biggest risk is duplicating manufacturer descriptions for many similar products across my entire store.
I hire writers to rewrite and expand on every manufacturer description, adding unique selling points and customer benefits.
This original, human-written content ensures I do not trigger Google’s duplicate content filters.
Local Businesses
Local service businesses are at risk if they copy service descriptions from a competitor in a different city and just “spin” the location name.
I must write unique, detailed service pages for every service and location I target, focusing on local details.
Authentic, local information builds trust with the customer and is what Google wants to see.
SaaS (Software as a Service)
SaaS companies must avoid spinning definitions for industry terms or rephrasing competitor feature descriptions in their marketing copy.
I focus on creating original content that highlights the unique user experience and proprietary data from my own software.
My credibility as a tech company would be instantly ruined if I was caught using low-quality, rehashed definitions.
Blogs
The blogging world has the highest risk of spinning due to the sheer volume of content published daily on similar topics.
I always strive to find a new angle, conduct original research, or offer a unique perspective on a topic already covered by a competitor.
My time is better spent creating one amazing, original article than a dozen low-quality, spun copies.
FAQ Section: Your Quick Spun Content Checkup
What is the penalty for using spun content?
Google can penalize my site by significantly lowering its rankings or completely removing it from the search index (de-indexing).
The core problem is that spun content offers no value to the user, which is against Google’s fundamental mission.
How can I check if my content is spun?
I use specialized plagiarism and originality checking tools like Copyscape or similar software.
I also read the content carefully myself, looking for awkward phrasing or unnatural synonym use that clearly signals a low-quality rewrite.
Is using AI to write content the same as spinning?
Not always, but AI-generated content can often be flagged as spun if the prompts simply ask the tool to rewrite an existing article without adding original research or unique insights.
I use AI only as a starting point, always adding my own expertise, data, and unique voice before publishing.
Is it okay to spin my own content?
No, spinning your own content for use on different pages of your website creates duplicate content issues and wastes your crawl budget.
If I want to reuse my content, I should either use a canonical tag or create a new format, like turning a blog post into an infographic.
