Google’s Algorithm Updates History [as of 2024]
What is the internet and its users without Google?
Google has been able to provide users with answers to all their questions, eventually ending up as the world’s go-to source for information.
However, just like all machines and technological platforms, Google has undergone several changes to perform at its best. One of its most frequent changes lies in its algorithm.
Google’s algorithm history is full of new features and standards that site owners must know today.
Looking back at all the previous updates can give site owners new knowledge on how to cater their content to the search engine’s guidelines and what kind of updates to expect in the future.
What is Google’s Algorithm?
Google’s algorithm is an extensive formula used to filter out data in the search results, which helps users find exactly what they are looking for.
It is similar to how we use mathematical algorithms to find the right answer. In Google’s case, it is used to find the closest or best possible answer to any query.
The Google algorithm and other factors work together to rank websites according to how relevant and accurate their data is.
A Timeline of the Google Algorithm Update (2022–Present)
Google has undergone several major and minor updates over the years, many influencing how we use the search engine today.
The following section highlights some of Google’s significant updates from 2022 until the present.
2024 Updates
March 5, 2024: Google Core Update
This Google algorithm update was released on March 5, 2024. It is a content-centered update that prioritizes helpful content and prevents low-quality content from reaching users.
This update promised to remove 40% of poor-quality websites. Additionally, this is also the latest Google update that includes new spam policies, which aim to prevent issues like:
- Scaled content abuse
- Site reputation abuse
- Expired domain abuse
Some site owners may have found their website completely deindexed by Google, which is a telltale sign of the quality of their content.
Furthermore, websites with unethical SEO tactics or that did not follow Google’s guidelines were either penalized or completely wiped out as well.
Think of Google as the great god of the internet. If you do not meet its standards, prepare to be removed completely! Plus, just because you survived a previous update does not guarantee the same for the next one.
2023 Updates
November 8, 2023: Reviews Update
Both Google and its users prefer websites that offer high-quality product reviews, which is what this update is all about.
If you need, let’s say, a new cleaning product for your kitchen, this update ensures that Google leads you to the best options.
If someone tries the product themselves, Google is more likely to give that person’s site a free ticket to the top of the search results.
This update, which rolled out from November 8 to December 7, emphasized the advantage of firsthand experience and clear product descriptions, including pros and cons.
However, Google has confirmed that this is the last update concerning product reviews. Additionally, this update coincided with November’s core update.
November 2, 2023: Broad Core Update
No user wants to read information only to find out it was wrong. How frustrating!
Google seeks to give users the most valuable information possible, and this core update played a big part in that. It was a major update that aimed to further improve the quality of the search results.
Additionally, this update emphasized the importance of E-E-A-T (experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and trustworthiness), the four horsemen in determining a site’s credibility.
This was a big update that saw numerous sites drop in rankings. Not to mention that this update was rolling out at the same time as the new Reviews update. Regardless of which of the two updates, was responsible, it is safe to say that a lot of sites were hit pretty hard.
October 4, 2023: Spam Update
Google is no place for spammy content, hackers, and other manipulative tactics. Fortunately, we can be grateful to Google for releasing this update.
This update made some major improvements to Google’s spam detection system, as it was able to rid the SERP of spam content in several languages.
Some of the spam content that Google was able to filter out included overly promotional content, misleading content, and low-value AI-generated content.
September 14, 2023: Helpful Content Update
Google puts people first, and it is your responsibility as a content owner to do the same.
As the name suggests, this update focused on delivering helpful content to users versus content that was written to satisfy the search engine.
To accomplish this, Google used E-E-A-T to measure the quality of websites and filter out those that were deemed helpful from those that were not. Remember, it is best to keep these four in mind when creating your content.
The ultimate goal of this algorithm update was to bring forth more helpful and people-centered search results versus content that was made just for the sake of ranking.
2022 Updates
December 14, 2022: Link Spam Update
Everyone knows that for a site to rank well on Google, it must have the proper backlinks to support its content. However, link building can also be overdone, which is where this update comes in handy.
Through this update, Google brought forth its worthy assistant, SpamBrain, an AI-based program that tracks all link-building concerns.
The goal is to neutralize spammy links, meaning any power that these links had will no longer count. As a result, only credible, organic links will be prioritized.
October 19, 2022: Spam Update
If you were in Google’s position and someone kept spewing spammy content, you would certainly not want to give them a high ranking.
This spam update focused on reducing all sorts of spam-related issues, such as link spamming and content spamming. Say goodbye to incorrect or irrelevant information!
Moreover, this update ensured that all sites in all languages abide by Google’s guidelines.
February 22, 2022: Desktop Page Experience Update
A part of ensuring the user has a good experience using Google is optimizing the pages of the results themselves.
No one likes feeling lost and confused in any place, even on a website! This update made sure all results on Google were user-friendly and easy to navigate.
Earlier Updates
Google has also rolled out major updates since before 2021. Here are a few notable ones to remember:
- May 28, 2020: Core Web Vitals and Page Experience Update: Google released a new set of factors to help determine a website’s overall user experience and interaction, known as the Core Web Vitals.
- October 25, 2019: BERT Update: Google announced that BERT, a natural language processing model, would be integrated into the core search algorithm.
- August 13, 2013: Google Hummingbird: Hummingbird was a major core update that aimed to make Google’s algorithm more precise and accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Google’s SEO algorithm?
Google’s SEO algorithm is a system that looks at relevant keywords and phrases to determine your website’s ranking in the search results.
Google uses SEO to ensure that your website is a credible and authoritative source of information. If you meet all the requirements, you are more likely to reach the top of the SERP.
How Many Times Has Google Changed Its Algorithm?
Search Engine Land has reported that Google has made 4725 changes as of 2022. However, that number has jumped since 2024.
How Often Does Google Update Their Algorithm?
Google updates its algorithm every year, several times per month. There is no regular schedule for when the algorithm can change, so it may come without warning.
What is the Last Google Algorithm Update?
Google’s latest algorithm update took place on May 6, 2024, and focuses on site reputation abuse. They are beginning to implement manual actions before algorithmic ones.
Has Google Changed its Search Algorithm?
Google has changed its search algorithm multiple times over the past decade. Each change aims to provide users with higher-quality content and better user experiences with each search.
