Should a canonical profile URL use SteamID64 or vanity?
Use SteamID64 for canonical profile URLs because it is the stable identifier and prevents duplicate profile pages when vanity changes.
SteamID64 vs Vanity URL: Which One Should You Use?
SteamID64 and vanity URLs both work in OPSearch, but they solve different SEO and data reliability problems.
Updated March 25, 2026
When to use SteamID64
Use SteamID64 when you need a stable canonical URL, automated exports, deduplication or repeatable indexing.
- SteamID64 does not change when a player edits their vanity URL.
- It is the right identifier for `/profiles/{steamId}` URLs.
When vanity URLs are still useful
Vanity URLs are easier for humans to read and are convenient for ad hoc lookups copied from profile links or browser bars.