Google Algorithm Updates Timeline: Every Update, Newest First

Every time Google changes its ranking systems, I get the same questions from business owners: "Was that an update?", "Did it hit my site?" and "Has this happened before?" The answers are scattered across hundreds of blog posts, forum threads and Google announcements. So I put them all in one place.

This page lists every Google algorithm update we have covered, from the early named updates of 2003 to the latest core and spam updates. The newest update is always at the top, and each entry has the date, the type of update, a short summary and a link to our full breakdown. When Google releases a new update, it appears here automatically.

Let me explain how to use it. Jump to a year with the buttons below, or page through from newest to oldest. If your traffic just dropped, start with the latest entries and compare the dates with your own data in Search Console. If you are researching how Google has changed over time, start with the oldest pages and work forward.

Update types: Core update broad changes to how Google ranks pages · Spam spam and link spam systems · Helpful content · Reviews · Page experience speed, mobile and usability · Local map pack and local results · Policy spam policy changes · AI search

What to do when the next Google update lands

In brief: don't panic, and don't change things in the middle of a rollout. Wait until Google confirms the update has finished on its Search Status Dashboard, then compare a few weeks before and after in Search Console. Our guides on what to do during a core update rollout and diagnosing a core update drop in Search Console walk you through it step by step.

For the bigger picture, read our guide to Google algorithm updates. And if an update has hurt your traffic and you want experts to look at it, our team can help with update and penalty recovery, or you can request a free, custom quote.