A core update, in the context of Google Search, refers to a significant change to Google's search algorithms and systems, designed to improve the overall quality and relevance of search results. These updates typically occur several times a year and can substantially impact the ranking and visibility of websites in search results.
Often, Google doesn't release information about the details of its core updates.
| Year | Core Update Name | Brief Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | “Medic” Core Update | This update primarily affected websites in the health and wellness industry, as well as other YMYL sites that could potentially impact a person's well-being or financial stability. The goal was to improve identification of authority and expertise. |
| 2019 | September 2019 Core Update | Another broad update that aimed to improve the overall quality of search results, with some websites experiencing significant changes in rankings. |
| 2020 | January 2020 Core Update | This update focused on improving the quality and relevance of search results, with some sites in the YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) category being affected. |
| 2020 | May 2020 Core Update | A broad update that impacted websites across various industries, aiming to improve the overall quality and relevance of search results. |
| 2020 | December 2020 Core Update | This update focused on improving the quality and relevance of search results, with some sites experiencing significant changes in rankings. |
| 2021 | June 2021 Core Update | A broad update that aimed to improve the overall quality and relevance of search results, affecting websites across various industries. |
| 2021 | July 2021 Core Update | A continuation of the June 2021 Core Update, further refining the improvements made to the quality and relevance of search results. |
| 2022 | May 2022 Core Update | This update focused on improving the quality and relevance of search results, with some sites experiencing significant changes in rankings. |
| 2022 | September 2022 Core Update | Centered on improving search results quality and relevance, resulting in significant ranking changes for some websites. |