Google Main Algorithm Updates in 2025
Google makes changes to its search algorithm all the time, but in 2025, there were several big updates that website owners and content creators need to know about. Some of these focused on general search quality, while others brought more AI-driven search experiences.
How Often Does the Google Search Algorithm Change?
All the time. Google updates its search algorithm thousands of times every year.
Small updates - daily
- Google makes small tweaks almost every day
- Most are tiny and go unnoticed
- These help fine-tune results, fight spam, and improve relevance
Core updates - a few times a year
- Major “Core Algorithm Updates” usually happen 3–4 times per year
- These can noticeably impact rankings (up or down)
- They affect many sites at once and can take weeks to fully roll out
Spam & quality updates - several times a year
They target:
- Spammy tactics
- Low-quality content
- Manipulative links
- These may be announced or quietly rolled out
AI-related changes - ongoing
Google is constantly improving:
- AI Overviews
- AI Mode
- How it understands search intent and content
These changes don’t always come with announcements, but they change how results are displayed
Below is a clear list of the main updates of 2025
1. March 2025 Core Update
Google rolled out its first big core search algorithm change in March 2025. These “core updates” are broad changes that affect many aspects of how Google ranks content.
- Sites with helpful, high-quality content tended to do better
- Some sites saw changes in rankings even without any site edits
Google tries to reward content that truly helps users, not just content that tries to game the system.
2. June 2025 Core Algorithm Update
The next major update arrived at the end of June. This update continued to refine how Google understands content relevance and usefulness.
- Sites with strong authority and expert content often benefited
- SEO professionals noticed ongoing ranking shifts that took weeks to settle
3. August 2025 Spam Update
Google rolled out a spam update focused on improving search quality by filtering out low-quality and manipulative tactics.
- Less spammy content appeared in rankings
- Sites using poor practices saw reduced visibility
- Encourages focus on real, helpful content
4. December 2025 Core Update
Google’s third core algorithm adjustment of the year launched on December 11 and finished around December 29, 2025.
- Broad, general improvements to search rankings
- Re-emphasis on relevance and quality
- Ranking volatility for many sites
5. AI Mode in Google Search
In 2025, Google continued to expand its AI features within search, including AI Mode. This allows users to ask complex questions and receive conversational, AI-generated answers.
- Users can ask more detailed questions in natural language
- Traditional search results may be reshaped by AI responses
- SEO now includes optimizing content for AI-generated results
6. AI Overviews Updates
Google’s AI Overviews continued evolving in 2025. These AI-generated summaries appear at the top of search results and aim to answer questions quickly.
- AI Overviews may appear more or less often depending on the search
- Clear, well-structured content has a better chance of being featured
2025 was a big year for Google search updates. The main takeaway is simple - helpful, trustworthy content still wins, but AI now plays a much bigger role in how people search and see results.
To stay ahead, do the following:
- Focus on content written for real people
- Build authority and trust in your niche
- Answer questions clearly and naturally
- Prepare your content for AI-powered search experiences (structured data)
