.avif)
Google has rolled out its December 2025 Core Update, confirmed through the official Search Status Dashboard. The update began on December 11, 2025 and is expected to continue rolling out for up to three weeks. This is the third broad core update Google has released this year, following the March and June 2025 core updates.
Core updates are large-scale adjustments to Google’s ranking systems that affect how content is assessed across the web. Unlike targeted updates that focus on specific issues such as spam or link quality, core updates refine the overall way Google evaluates relevance and quality for all types of content.
What a Core Update Actually Is
A core update represents a substantial change to Google’s algorithm. These updates are not penalties but broad reevaluations of how the search engine determines relevance and satisfaction for users. They aim to better serve high-quality content while continuously improving how the search system interprets and ranks pages.
Core updates do not target single ranking factors. Instead, they adjust how multiple signals are weighted and interpreted by the search system. This means that sites can experience gains or drops in visibility even if nothing on the site has changed.
What’s New in the December 2025 Update
Unlike updates focused on a specific ranking issue, the December 2025 Core Update appears to be a broad recalibration designed to improve the overall quality of search results. Google has described this update as part of its ongoing effort to better surface relevant and satisfying content to searchers.
The update rollout is expected to be global, impacting rankings across languages and regions. Early signals suggest that this is a standard core update rather than a highly specialised change.
Core Update Timeline for 2025
This timeline highlights how Google continues to refine its systems throughout the year. Core updates do not follow a fixed schedule, so SEO teams need to be prepared year-round.
To put the December release into context, here is how Google’s major updates have unfolded this year:
Why This Update Matters for Your SEO
Core updates can cause ranking fluctuations for pages that are not in violation of any guidelines. Google has consistently stated that sites that lose visibility after a core update are not necessarily doing anything wrong. Instead, the system is reassessing content relative to what else is available for a given query.
If you experience changes in rankings or traffic over the coming weeks, this update is a likely contributor. Because the rollout can take up to three weeks to complete, volatility may continue until the process finishes.
What to Do if Your Visibility Changes
Google’s guidance for core updates remains consistent:
- Review your content quality: Focus on depth, accuracy, and user value.
- Compare with competitors: Understand whether others have stronger relevance signals.
- Avoid quick fixes: Core updates are broad and not tied to single ranking factors.
- Monitor performance: Watch traffic, rankings and engagement metrics over time.
If your site drops in visibility, it does not automatically indicate a penalty. Often, it means that other content is now viewed as more relevant for specific queries.
Continuous Algorithm Changes and Documentation Updates
Ahead of the core update, Google updated its documentation to clarify that improvements to content can influence rankings even outside of major announced updates. Google now explicitly states that smaller core changes occur regularly as part of ongoing search refinement.
This change highlights that content improvements should be a continuous effort. Waiting for the next core update is not always necessary to see movement in rankings if substantive improvements are made.
Looking Ahead
Google will signal the completion of the rollout through its Search Status Dashboard and official channels. Monitor these sources for updates as volatility settles.
In the meantime, document ranking changes relative to the update timeline and use the extended rollout period to assess which parts of your content benefit from optimisation and which may need refinement. Google Search Status
FAQs
Does this update target specific sites?
No. Core updates are broad changes that affect many sites and industries. They are not penalties but rebalancing mechanisms.
Can visibility improve without a core update announcement?
Yes. Google’s documentation now acknowledges that smaller continuous algorithm changes may affect rankings outside of major announcements. Search Engine Land
Will this update affect AI search features?
Core updates influence the ranking system as a whole, which indirectly impacts how content is evaluated for AI-driven features as well.
References:
https://ahrefs.com/seo/glossary/google-penalty
https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/core-updates
https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/how-search-works
https://searchengineland.com/google-december-2025-core-update-rolling-out-now-465852
https://www.seroundtable.com/google-december-2025-core-update-40569.html
https://status.search.google.com/
https://status.search.google.com/incidents/DsirqJ1gpPRgVQeccPRv
Get a FREE Website Audit
Dominate search results and attract more qualified traffic. Our free search performance audit will analyse your website's visibility across all major search engines and provide actionable insights to improve your online presence.
