Daily Search Forum Recap: August 19, 2025

08/19/25
Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of Latest Developments in Google Search and SEO Tools

Google Merchant API is set to replace the Content API for Shopping, enhancing merchant feed management. Although the Google Trends API launched recently, SEOs should not expect immediate access. Google is experimenting with vertical image layouts for desktop Top Stories, while core web vitals data differences arise from measuring different metrics. Additionally, Google is testing a new AI overview overlay using a bottom tray interface for improved user interaction.

Optimixed’s Overview: Key Updates on Google APIs, Search Features, and SEO Insights

Google Merchant API Replaces Older Shopping API

After over a decade, the Google Merchant API will officially replace the Content API for Shopping. This update aims to provide merchants with a more streamlined and efficient way to programmatically manage their Google Merchant Center feeds.

Limited Access to Google Trends API for SEOs

Despite the Google Trends API being in alpha release for about a month, widespread access remains restricted. SEOs and smaller publishers are advised not to expect immediate availability, as Google is tightly controlling its distribution.

New Visual Layouts and UI Tests by Google

  • Vertical Images for Top Stories: Google is testing vertical or portrait-style images on desktop search results within the Top Stories section, a format previously common only on mobile.
  • AI Overview Overlay Testing: Enhancements to Google AI Overviews include a bottom tray overlay UI that offers interactive elements such as explanations, related images, and text copying features, along with potential keyboard shortcut support.

Understanding Core Web Vitals Reporting Differences

Google’s Barry Pollard clarified why Core Web Vitals measurements in Search Console often do not match those in the Chrome UX Report. The discrepancy is due to each platform tracking different metrics and data sets, meaning SEOs should interpret these reports as complementary rather than identical.

Additional SEO and Search Industry Insights

Recent discussions and articles cover essential topics such as:

  • Duplicate content penalties and ranking tracking methodologies
  • Growth strategies for AI-era SEO and brand tracking in AI tools
  • Optimizing ecommerce stores and site navigation impacts on SEO
  • Mobile-first indexing, local SEO, and voice search advancements

These insights reflect ongoing evolution in search engine optimization and digital marketing strategies to adapt to Google’s changing algorithms and features.