Quick Reference
Element Code: XM-012
Issue: Sitemap contains more than 50,000 URLs
Impact: Exceeds sitemap URL limit, some URLs ignored
Fix: Split into multiple sitemaps with sitemap index
Detection: URL count, Screaming Frog
What Is This Issue?
XML sitemaps are limited to 50,000 URLs per file. Any URLs beyond this limit will not be discovered via the sitemap.
Why This Matters for Your Website
The 50k limit is strict. URLs after the limit are invisible to search engines through the sitemap.
How to Fix This Issue
- Split by count: Keep under 50k per file
- Use sitemap index: Reference all sitemaps
- Automate: Most CMS tools handle this automatically
Tools for Detection
- Screaming Frog: Counts URLs per sitemap
TL;DR (The Simple Version)
Your sitemap has over 50,000 URLs, exceeding the limit. Split it into multiple sitemaps using a sitemap index.
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