12 Months of Google Algorithm Updates Summarized
Google’s search algorithm is always changing, leading to fluctuations in search rankings over time. So far in 2025, Google has rolled out its second confirmed core algorithm update and one spam update.
Below is a current overview of both confirmed and unconfirmed updates, along with helpful resources to better understand what changed and how it might affect your site.
The volatility score data is taken from Similarweb's SERP Seismometer, tracking SERP Volatility in Google.
2025 – Google Updates
August 2025 Spam Update
Confirmed update
Google launched the August 2025 Spam Update on August 26, and the rollout officially completed on September 22 after nearly 27 days. This broad update aimed at improving Google’s spam-detection systems, targeting manipulative tactics such as auto-generated content, cloaking, and link networks.
Our SERP Seismometer shows search results spiked between September 13-15, then quickly settled down, with stability returning by the end of the month. For full coverage and expert analysis, see Barry Schwartz’s report on Search Engine Land.
June 25 Core Update
Confirmed update
Google launched the June 2025 Core Update on June 30, 2025. The rollout lasted 16 days and was officially completed on July 17, 2025. This was the second confirmed core update of the year and turned out to be one of the most impactful. Sites affected by previous Helpful Content and Reviews updates saw some recoveries, based on Search Engine Land. Our tool doesn’t show a meaningful impact after July 18, as indicated in the SERP Seismometer.
March 25 Core Update
Confirmed update
Our tool doesn’t show a meaningful impact since:
2024 – Google Updates
December 24 Spam Update
Confirmed update
On December 19, Google launched the December 2024 Spam Update, and the rollout finished on December 26. This was a general spam update and the third spam update in 2024. Barry Schwartz of Search Engine Land reported on the update on December 26.
Our tool shows an increase since December 22:
December 24 Core Update
Confirmed update
On December 12, Google launched the December 2024 Core Update, and the rollout finished on December 18. As usual, Google updated its core ranking system to improve the search results. Barry Schwartz of Search Engine Land reported on the update on December 18.
Our tool shows a decrease since December 14 and a recovery since December 22:
November 24 Core Update
Confirmed update
On November 11, Google launched the November 2024 Core Update, and the rollout finished on December 5. The update was designed to improve the quality of search results by showing more content that people find genuinely useful.
On December 6, 2024, Barry Schwartz of Search Engine Roundtable reported on the update. Our tool shows a higher volatility since December 5:
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