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.
Updated:
December 2024 Spam Update
Google launched its December spam update on December 19 and completed the rollout on December 26.
December 2024 Core Update
The December 2024 core update started on December 12 and finished rolling out on December 18.
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.
Google Site Reputation Abuse Penalties Hit Major Publishers ⇾
November 2024 Core Update
Google’s November 2024 core update began on November 11 and concluded on December 5, taking three weeks to complete.
Google Rolls Out November 2024 Core Algorithm Update ⇾
Google November Core Update: 6 Insights From Millions of Queries ⇾
November 2024 Core Update
Google released the November 2024 core update on November 11. The rollout may take up to two weeks to complete.
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.
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 ⇾
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.’
Google Search Algorithm Update Targeting Explicit Deepfakes ⇾
June 2024 Spam Update
Google has started implementing the June 2024 spam update, which is expected to take a week to finish.
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.
Google Rolls Out AI-Powered Overviews To US Search Results ⇾
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.
March 2024 Core Update
Google’s March 2024 Core Update addresses low-quality content and introduces new policies on spam to combat manipulative practices.
It began on March 5 and was completed on April 19, taking 45 days to roll out. The completion of the update wasn’t announced until April 26.
Google March 2024 Core Update: Reducing “Unhelpful” Content By 40% ⇾
Google March 2024 Update: 4 Changes To Link Signal ⇾
Google March 2024 Update: 6 Insights On Manual Actions ⇾
Google's March 2024 Core Update deindexes hundreds of websites ⇾
Google’s Algorithm Hates AI Content? How To Make Google Love It ⇾
Google Completes March Spam Update, Core Update Continues ⇾
AI Spam Sites Beat Google’s March 2024 Spam Update ⇾
Google: When To Fix Sites Hit By March 2024 Core Update ⇾
Google March 2024 Core Update Officially Completed A Week Ago ⇾