Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article
TL;DR Summary of Google Search Ranking Volatility Detected in Mid-January 2026
Google Search rankings experienced noticeable volatility starting January 15, 2026, as identified by multiple third-party tracking tools. This follows earlier unconfirmed fluctuations in early January and a major core update in December 2025. User reports indicate mixed effects on traffic, with some noting declines and others slight recoveries, alongside concerns about increased spam in Discover. Overall, the update’s reach and impact remain uncertain but warrant close observation by SEO professionals.
Optimixed’s Overview: Insights into Recent Fluctuations in Google Search Rankings and Their Impact
Background on Recent Google Search Ranking Movements
Since early January 2026, Google Search has exhibited increased ranking volatility, with a notable spike beginning around January 15th. This comes shortly after the December 2025 core update, which ran from December 11 to December 29 and featured two significant activity peaks. Unlike the December update, the current fluctuations have generated limited chatter but are nonetheless detected by various SEO tools.
Data from Monitoring Tools
- Semrush, Mozcast, Accuranker, and Advanced Web Rankings have all recorded changes indicating ranking shifts.
- Aggregated reports from Wiredboard’s tool confirm the overall trend of volatility across multiple platforms.
- Additional tools like SimilarWeb, Zutrix, Algoroo, and Mangools corroborate ongoing fluctuations.
User Feedback and Observations
Community feedback from forums such as WebmasterWorld reveals varied experiences:
- Some users report traffic declines of up to 25% compared to previous weeks.
- Others mention slight increases in traffic, though these are generally minimal (<5%).
- Concerns have emerged about increased spammy content appearing in Google Discover, with old spam sites resurfacing.
Implications for SEO Professionals
Given the ongoing ranking fluctuations and uncertain scope of this update, SEO specialists should:
- Closely monitor their website analytics and ranking positions using reliable tracking tools.
- Stay alert to potential increases in low-quality or spam content impacting search results.
- Prepare for possible adjustments once Google confirms or clarifies the update details.
Continued vigilance and adaptive SEO strategies remain essential in navigating these dynamic search ranking changes.
