History of Google Algorithm Updates
Below we have compiled a full list of Google algorithm launches, updates, and refreshes that have rolled out over the years, as well as links to resources for SEO professionals who want to understand each of these changes.
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What are Google Algorithms?
Google’s algorithms are a complex system used to retrieve data from its search index and instantly deliver the best possible results for a query. The search engine uses a combination of algorithms and numerous ranking factors to deliver webpages ranked by relevance on its search engine results pages (SERPs).
In its early years, Google only made a handful of updates to its algorithms. Now, Google makes thousands of changes every year.
Most of these updates are so slight that they go completely unnoticed. However, on occasion, the search engine rolls out major algorithmic updates that significantly impact the SERPs such as:
Below, we have compiled a comprehensive list of Google algorithm updates sorted by their release dates.
November 2023 Reviews Update
Google announced an algorithm update targeting review content on a page-level basis. It began on November 8 and completed on December 7.
November 2023 Core Update
Google announced a core algorithm update, which began on November 2 and was completed on November 28. To learn more about core updates, see the Google Search Central Blog.
October 2023 Core Update
Google announced a core algorithm update, which began on October 5 and was completed on October 19. To learn more about core updates, see the Google Search Central Blog.
Google Launches October 2023 Core Algorithm Update ⇾
Google’s October 2023 Core Update Now Complete ⇾
Google Fixes Discover Traffic Bug Caused By October Core Update ⇾
October 2023 Spam Update
Google announced the launch of the October 2023 Spam Update, which began on October 4 and was completed on October 19. This update applies globally and improves coverage in many languages,
Google Rolls Out October 2023 Spam Update ⇾
September 2023 Helpful Content Update
Google announced the launch of the September 2023 Helpful Content Update, which began on September 14 and was completed on September 28. Site owners who want to learn more about helpful content updates can find more information on the Google Search Central Blog.
Google September 2023 Helpful Content Update – Changes To The Algorithm ⇾
Google Concludes Rollout Of September 2023 Helpful Content Update ⇾
August 2023 Core Update
Google announced a core algorithm update, which began on August 22 and concluded on September 7. To learn more about core updates, see the Google Search Central Blog.
April 2023 Reviews Update
Google announced an algorithm update targeting review content on a page-level basis. It began on April 12 and finished rolling out on April 25. To learn more about core updates, see the Google Search Central Blog.
Google April 2023 Reviews Update Focuses Heavily On Experience ⇾
March 2023 Core Update
Google announced a core algorithm update, which began on March 15 and finished rolling out on March 28. To learn more about core updates, see the Google Search Central Blog.
February 2023 Product Reviews Update
Google announced the launch of the February 2023 Product Reviews Update, which began on February 21 and was completed on March 18. The update applies to these languages globally: English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Russian, Dutch, Portuguese, and Polish. See the Google Search Central Blog to learn more about the product review system.
Google February 2023 Product Reviews Update ⇾