Google Algorithm Updates & Changes: A Complete History

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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History of Google Algorithm Updates

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.

Updated:

All 2024 Updates
December 19, 2024

December 2024 Spam Update

Google launched its December spam update on December 19 and completed the rollout on December 26.

Read:

Google Launches (Final?) Spam Update Of The Year

Google’s December 2024 Updates: Final Results

December 12, 2024

December 2024 Core Update

The December 2024 core update started on December 12 and finished rolling out on December 18.

Read:

Google Confirms December 2024 Core Update Is Complete

Will We Still Need The Search Box?

November 19, 2024

Site Reputation Abuse (SRA)

Google has updated its site reputation abuse policy, introduced earlier this year, to tackle ‘parasite SEO’—a tactic where websites use established domains to manipulate search rankings through third-party content. While enforcement is currently handled manually, Google plans to introduce algorithmic updates to automate detection and demotion in the future.

Read:

Google Site Reputation Abuse Penalties Hit Major Publishers

Google's Core Update: Publishers Fall as Reddit Rises

Google Updates Site Reputation Abuse Policy Documentation

November 11, 2024

November 2024 Core Update

Google’s November 2024 core update began on November 11 and concluded on December 5, taking three weeks to complete.

Read:

Google Rolls Out November 2024 Core Algorithm Update

Google November Core Update: 6 Insights From Millions of Queries

November 11, 2024

November 2024 Core Update

Google released the November 2024 core update on November 11. The rollout may take up to two weeks to complete.

Read:

Google Rolls Out November 2024 Core Algorithm Update

August 15, 2024

August 2024 Core Update

Google’s August 2024 core update aims to promote high-quality content while demoting low-value SEO content. The update started rolling out on August 15. The rollout was complete as of September 3, 2024.

Read:

Google Rolls Out August 2024 Core Update

Google’s Mueller On August Core Update vs. Ranking Bug Effects

Google Confirms AI Overviews Affected By Core Updates

Google’s August Core Update Rollout Completed

Google’s Guidance About The Recent Ranking Update

July 31, 2024

Explicit Fake Content Update

Update to Google’s search algorithm to address non-consensual explicit content, specifically targeting artificially generated images and videos known as ‘deepfakes.’

Read:

Google Search Algorithm Update Targeting Explicit Deepfakes

June 20, 2024

June 2024 Spam Update

Google has started implementing the June 2024 spam update, which is expected to take a week to finish.

Read:

Google Launches June 2024 Spam Update

Google Completes June 2024 Spam Update Rollout

May 14, 2024

AI Overviews

Google introduces AI-generated summaries (previously known as SGE) to U.S. search results, utilizing the new Gemini model designed specifically for search.

Read:

Google Rolls Out AI-Powered Overviews To US Search Results

Google’s AI Overviews Documentation: Key SEO Insights

Google Search Expands AI Overviews Globally

May 6, 2024

Site Reputation Abuse

Google’s SearchLiaison confirmed that Google’s site reputation abuse update started on Monday May 6th with manual actions to be followed as some point in the future with algorithmic ones.

Read:

Google: Site Reputation Abuse Manual Actions

Big Brands Apparently Receive Site Abuse Manual Actions