Google has rolled out the December 2025 Core Update as of December 11, 2025, and it represents the third core algorithm change rollout within 2025. Google added on LinkedIn that this update was officially launched. According to Google, it should be completed within three weeks, but it might extend into January 2026. It should be noted that it impacts search rankings internationally and in all languages.
The December 2025 Core Update is a move by Google to improve its search algorithm reviews and rankings. According to Google, it is an ongoing search algorithm update, and site owners should be aware that these updates improve searchers by getting satisfying and relevant search results from various sites. Core updates are different from targeted updates because they incorporate changes at a fundamental level based on Google's search algorithm reviews. Examples include updates on spam and mobile user experience.
Information Regarding the December 2025 Core Update
SEO Core updates are universal changes within Google's search algorithms meant to better search result quality. As opposed to some actions being punished and some actions being encouraged, core updates rethink Google search algorithm interpretation capabilities with regard to value and relevance. The December update continues with core updates' traditions and aims at improving search algorithm capabilities based on delivering high expertise, authority, and trustworthiness.
Its release comes at a very critical time as far as online businesses are concerned. It falls within the holiday season, a period when some online businesses will be counting on stable traffic sources. It should be remembered that core algorithm updates taking place in December have been historically associated with rising levels of volatility within commercial queries.
Google December 2025 Core Update Quick Facts
- Launch Date: December 11, 2025
- Rollout Period: Up to 3 weeks (target completion date early January 2026)
- Scope: Global update for all languages and regions
- Type: Broad core algorithm update
- Date: December
- Official Name: Third core update of 2025
- Status: Listed under All incidents reported for Ranking on Google Search Status Dashboard
- Previous Updates: Core updates from March 2025 and June 2025
Previous Broad Core Updates
Google has maintained an ongoing rhythm for core updates. Actually, there have been fluctuations. Below is a detailed list of recent broad core updates:
- June 2025 Core Update: June 30 – July 17, 2025 (16 days, 18 hours)
- March 2025 Core Update: March 13 – March 27, 2025 (13 days, 21 hours)
- December 2024 Core Update: December 12 – December 18, 2024 (6 days, 4 hours)
- November 2024 Core Update: November 11 – December 5, 2024 (23 days, 13 hours)
- August 2024 Core Update: August 15 – September 3, 2024 (19 days, 4 hours)
- March 2024 Core Update: March 5 – April 19, 2024 (45 days)
- November 2023 Core Update: November 2 – November 28, 2023 (25 days, 21 hours)
- October 2023 Core Update: October 5 – October 19, 2023 (13 days, 23 hours)
What Website Owners Should Do
Google also emphasizes that if your pages experience ranking drops after a core update, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re doing something wrong. The algorithms are just comparing what they have against what’s on the rest of the internet. But if your site sees bad effects, it might be worth auditing your content strategy with a user's value and expertise perspective.
It is better to focus on developing content that adds value to your target audience. Google suggests that it is best to focus on developing useful and people-centric content that establishes expertise on your topic. It might take some time before recovering from any effects caused by core updates. The biggest changes occur after subsequent core updates.
It would be advisable for site owners to wait at least a week after completion of the launch before comparing data on Google Search Console regarding site performance and then compare it with data from before the onset of the update.
