Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article
TL;DR Summary of Impact of Google December 2025 Core Update on News Publishers
The Google December 2025 core update caused significant search visibility fluctuations for many news publishers worldwide. Indian news outlets faced notable declines on U.S. search results, but the impact was widespread, affecting publishers across multiple countries. This update triggered volatility across key Google surfaces like Discover, Google News, and Top Stories. Publishers are currently assessing whether rankings will stabilize or continue to fluctuate in the coming weeks.
Optimixed’s Overview: Understanding the Widespread Effects of Google’s December 2025 Core Algorithm Update on News Publishers
Key Insights into the Update’s Impact on Search Visibility
The December 2025 Google core update introduced major shifts in search rankings, particularly impacting news publishers globally. Several noteworthy trends emerged:
- Significant declines were observed among India-based news publishers on U.S. Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs), highlighting geographic-specific volatility.
- Volatility was not limited to one region; publishers in the U.S. and other countries also experienced both sharp drops and surges in visibility.
- The update affected multiple Google platforms including Discover, Google News, Top Stories, and the News tab, indicating broad algorithmic shifts beyond conventional search results.
Publisher Reactions and Future Outlook
Industry experts and publishers have reported ongoing fluctuations following the update, with some expressing concerns about long-term ranking stability. The community remains attentive to how these shifts will evolve, as further tremors and possible adjustments from Google could influence recovery or further changes in visibility.
