Google Confirms Continuous Core Updates

Google has updated its official core updates documentation to better explain how changes to its search ranking systems actually work in practice. The new wording highlights that updates are not limited to the major, named core updates that are announced a few times each year.

According to the updated guidance, Google is constantly refining its algorithms. This includes making smaller core updates on an ongoing basis, which can influence rankings at any point throughout the year.

Previously, many website owners believed they had to wait for the next confirmed core update before seeing any recovery or improvement in rankings. Google’s clarification challenges that assumption.

The documentation now clearly states that sites which improve their content can see positive movement in search results without waiting for a major core update to roll out.

To support this, Google added a new explanation in its core updates changelog. The entry notes that the company continually makes updates to its search systems, including smaller core updates.

Google says the reason for adding this explanation is to provide clarity. The company wants site owners to understand that meaningful content improvements can be recognised in Search at any time.

While this idea is not entirely new, it is the first time it has been clearly set out within the core updates documentation itself. In the past, smaller core updates were only mentioned in a 2019 blog post aimed at publishers.

By including this information in official guidance, Google is reinforcing that its ranking systems are always evolving. Search results are shaped by continuous adjustments rather than occasional large-scale changes alone.

This update is particularly relevant in light of Google’s update schedule in 2025. So far, only two named core updates have been confirmed, one in March and another in June.
With several months often passing between major updates, the confirmation of ongoing updates gives website owners more confidence to act quickly rather than wait.

For sites negatively affected by earlier updates, this clarification is especially important. It confirms that recovery does not depend on the arrival of a future named update.

Instead, Google suggests that progress can happen as its systems reassess content over time. Improvements made today can be reflected in rankings sooner than expected.

The documentation also explains that the speed of change can vary. Some ranking adjustments may appear within days, while others can take months.

This depends on how long Google’s systems need to confirm that a site consistently provides helpful and relevant content.
Google continues to stress that making changes does not guarantee improved rankings. However, the window for seeing results is wider than just the periods around named core updates.

Overall, the updated guidance encourages site owners to focus on long-term improvements. Monitoring performance through tools like Search Console is advised, rather than waiting for formal update announcements.