Google’s June 2025 Algorithm Update: What You Need to Know

Google released a major core algorithm update in June 2025, one of the most impactful SEO updates this year. It’s already reshaping search results. A lot of websites have noticed changes in rankings, traffic, and overall visibility. This update focuses on rewarding content that meets user needs while refining how search matches pages to queries. Below, we’ll explain what changed, why it happened, and the steps you need to take to keep your site competitive. 

What is a Core Algorithm Update?

Google's search algorithm is a set of rules that Google uses to determine which websites appear when someone searches for something. A "core algorithm update" is when Google makes significant changes to these rules.

Imagine the algorithm as a recipe for making a soup. Every now and then, Google changes some ingredients (algorithm factors) and their amounts (their importance) to make the soup (search results) better for everyone who tastes it (users).

  • Google’s algorithms control how search results are ranked and shown to users. They decide which pages appear at the top by weighing factors like relevance, quality, user experience, and credibility. The goal is to match each search with the most useful and trustworthy content.

Google’s Goal: Improve Search Quality, Not Punish Websites

Core updates aren’t meant to penalize sites. They’re designed to highlight content that is genuinely useful and satisfies search intent. If a page drops in rankings, it’s usually because another page is seen as a better match, not because the site was “punished.” The focus is on rewarding strong, relevant content rather than demoting sites without reason. 

What Happened in the June 2025 Update

The June 2025 Core Update ran from June 30th to July 17th, taking 16 days and 18 hours to complete. Google described it as “a regular update designed to better surface relevant, satisfying content for searchers from all types of sites.” Many site owners saw changes in rankings, and some industries experienced bigger shifts than others. 

Volatility in Search Rankings & Traffic

Early reports showed noticeable movement in search results across multiple industries. Some websites gained visibility quickly, while others saw sharp drops within days. These swings quickly became major SEO news, with site owners across industries comparing notes on sudden gains and losses. These changes weren’t limited to one niche; both large and small sites experienced the same impact. If you haven’t already, track your keyword positions and review site traffic to see how your pages performed during the update. 

Focus on Human-Authored Content Over Generic Content

Google placed more weight on content that shows originality and is written by people for people. Pages that were thin, repetitive, or heavily AI-generated without review tended to lose ground. On the other hand, detailed, human-edited articles climbed in rankings. This shift reflects a broader move toward search results that provide meaningful value. AI overviews’ visibility reached 20% in specific niches. Zero-click searches jumped from 56% to 69%. These statistics signal that users are interacting differently with results.

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Reduction of Spammy Content in SERP

Google improved its ability to identify and remove keyword-stuffed, copied, or low-quality pages from top positions. Link farms, doorway pages, and other spam-heavy tactics became far less visible. This is part of an ongoing effort to cut low-quality content, building on past updates that already removed 45% of such results. The updated SpamBrain system now identifies 200 times more spam sites than in previous years. 

User Experience & Page Speed Rise in Importance

Google continued to reward websites that load quickly, look good on mobile, and are easy to navigate. Sites with clutter-free layouts and fewer intrusive ads saw strong results as well. This matches its 2025 page experience guidelines. It emphasizes Core Web Vitals, HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) security, and mobile responsiveness as key ranking factors. Many eCommerce sites with slow load times saw noticeable ranking drops during this update.

Emphasis on Human Authors & Clean Links

The update also favored sites that make it transparent who wrote the content and when it was published. Author bios, credentials, and accurate publication dates signal credibility. Outbound links are also under more scrutiny. Spammy or irrelevant backlinks now potentially hurt rankings. Regular link audits keep your site in good standing. 

Why We Think This Update Happened

While Google hasn’t shared every detail about the June 2025 Core Update, the changes point to a few clear priorities. The search engine is refining how it identifies useful content, addresses the rise of low-quality AI pages, and ensures credible sources stand out.  

Google is Still Battling Against Low-Quality AI Content

Over the past year, more AI-generated pages have appeared in search results. Some of these offer actual value, but many are repetitive and lack originality. Google has made it clear that it wants to reduce the visibility of mass-produced AI content that hasn’t been reviewed or improved by a human editor. The June 2025 update continues that push, favoring pages with apparent human involvement. 

Need for Credible Sources & Improved User Experience

The update also placed more emphasis on authority and sourcing. Pages that cited reputable references and demonstrated expertise performed better. This was especially noticeable in sensitive industries like health, finance, and legal topics. In these categories, accuracy and credibility are critical. At the same time, sites that offered a simple user experience (e.g., fast loading, mobile-friendly design, and local navigation) gained an advantage. 

Google Wants to Provide Trustworthy, Useful Content

At its core, this update rewards pages that give people what they came for. Well-structured, actionable content that matches search intent has a higher chance of ranking well. Metrics such as engagement and time on page signal to Google that the content is meeting user needs. The takeaway is simple: publish content that answers questions clearly and keeps readers engaged. 

What to Do Now: Next Steps

With the June 2025 Core Update now complete, the best move is to review how your site has been impacted and make adjustments where needed. Here are practical steps you can take to maintain or improve your visibility in search results. 

Observe Rankings & Traffic Fluctuations & Adjust

Begin by setting benchmark reports so you can track changes over time. Use Google Search Console and Google Analytics to see which pages gained or lost visibility. Look at keyword rankings, impressions, and sessions to identify patterns. If some pages dropped, review them for originality and relevance. If others rose, look for ways to replicate what’s working. 

Follow Google E-E-A-T Best Practices & Lean on Experience

Google’s updated 2025 Quality Rater Guidelines highlight that E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) is more essential than ever. This is particularly so for YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) topics. Content should reflect genuine first-hand experience and be backed up by reliable sources. AI-generated content is fine if it’s reviewed and refined by a knowledgeable editor before publishing. Add author bios, cite reputable references, and showcase credentials to strengthen credibility. 

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Ensure a Positive & Clean User Experience on Your Site

Check your Core Web Vitals, page speed, and mobile usability. Simplify navigation so visitors can find what they need quickly, and also remove intrusive ads or pop-ups that disrupt reading. A positive experience ensures that your site will remain resilient in future updates. 

  • Google announces changes through its Search Central Blog, and industry outlets report on updates quickly. But the best way to stay ahead may be by working with Eyeful Media, where our team monitors SEO updates and adjusts strategies before they impact your rankings.

Contact Eyeful Media

Eyeful Media specializes in keeping clients ahead of search changes like the June 2025 update. We focus on sustainable SEO strategies that work across updates, not just temporary ranking boosts. 

Action Items:

  • Review and optimize content for originality and usefulness.

  • Audit site speed, mobile design, and user experience.

  • Strengthen E-E-A-T signals with clear authorship and quality sources.

  • Monitor rankings and traffic weekly for ongoing changes.

  • Refresh underperforming pages with new insights and details.

Strengthen your search visibility and stay ahead of algorithm changes with Eyeful Media’s expert SEO services. Contact us today to get started!

SEOLawson Robinsonseo, google