Mobile and hidden content - Any issue for SEO?

[Oxfordcomma]

In reference to mobile - am I walking a fine SEO line when it comes to hidden content on mobile?

On the responsive variations of sites we are working on some content is hidden (that displays on the desktop version of the site) so that pages on mobile can display correctly.

Is this negative for SEO?

Appreciate any feedback

Cheers.

[MikeTek]

I don't know of any instances of elements hidden on mobile causing a penalty or similar issue. So I can't give you criteria/examples.

With a truly responsive design, Googlebot and Googlebot Mobile are going to see the same source code. There should be no difference, just a difference in display settings based on viewport size.

Google publicly supports serving up entirely different source code for mobile users on the same URL - so hiding a few things with JavaScript/CSS based on viewport is relatively tame and has become a standard for delivering a fast-loading and usable mobile experience.

[Oxfordcomma]

Thanks Mike.

Is there any instance where hidden content on mobile may become an issue - just after specific criteria/examples of when this can cause an issue. Or is it simply fine to hide on mobile versions for responsive design.

[MikeTek]

This is not cause for worry. As Stefan noted, this is common with responsive design today. Google does not want to start penalizing sites that roll out responsive designs.

[AJPro]

This is not an issue, it is quite common today with responsive designs. If hiding elements is not for tricking the crawlers then you should be safe.