We hope you are in good health. Here are some of the major SEO news updates of the week that you need to know:
Search Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Google Rolls Out August 2026 Spam Update Globally
Google launched the August 2026 Spam Update on August 18, 2026, rolling it out globally across all languages. The update is expected to take a few days to complete and focuses on Google’s existing spam detection systems, with no new spam policies announced. Websites affected by the rollout should review Google’s existing spam guidelines and monitor their Search performance.
Google Clarifies Search Updates Are Not Rolled Out Before Announcements
Google’s John Mueller clarified that Google does not begin rolling out major Search updates days before announcing them. He explained that announcements are made as close as possible to the actual rollout, although time-zone differences can sometimes create a small gap. Mueller also noted that ranking volatility seen before an announced update may be caused by other changes and should not automatically be attributed to the update.
Google Expands Personalization Across Search, Discover and News
Google is rolling out new personalization features across Search, Discover, and Google News. The updates include an interactive Preferred Sources button for publishers, natural-language controls that let users customize their Discover feed, and more personalized audio briefings in the Google News app. The changes give users greater control over the content and sources they see across Google’s platforms.
Google Expands Generative UI From AI Mode to AI Overviews
Google has started rolling out Generative UI in AI Overviews, expanding the feature beyond AI Mode. The technology can dynamically create custom visual layouts, interactive tools, and simulations based on a user’s query, such as interactive scales, calculators, and other useful experiences. The rollout has begun globally in English for AI Overviews, with broader availability expected in the coming weeks.
Google Search to Support the New HTTP QUERY Method
Google’s Gary Illyes said Google Search will eventually support the new HTTP QUERY method, once the broader web ecosystem catches up. The method is designed for complex searches and filtering by allowing structured query data to be sent in the request body while retaining the safety and caching benefits of GET. Widespread adoption will require updates across web servers, CDNs, browsers, and other infrastructure.
Google Tests Revamped Q&A Feature for Business Profiles
Google appears to be testing a revamped Q&A experience for Google Business Profiles, adding a new Q&A button within the Business Profile dashboard in Google Search. The test also introduces a new flow with yes-or-no questions tailored to individual businesses, potentially giving Google another way to collect structured information for local search and features such as Ask Maps.
PPC Related News and Updates from Major Platforms
Microsoft Advertising Rolls Out AI Max Globally
Microsoft Advertising is rolling out AI Max globally to all advertisers for Search campaigns. The opt-in feature uses Microsoft AI to expand search term matching, generate additional ad assets, and direct users to more relevant landing pages. It also includes brand controls, reporting, and URL rules, giving advertisers more control while using AI to expand campaign reach and improve relevance.
Microsoft Bing Tests Larger Images in Sponsored Search Results
Microsoft Advertising is testing larger, full-block images in Bing sponsored search results, particularly on mobile. The format gives images significantly more space within ads, making them more visually prominent and potentially more engaging for users. The test is currently limited in scope and does not appear to be a confirmed wider rollout.
Google Ads Rolls Out Enhanced Matching for Customer Match
Google Ads appears to be rolling out Enhanced Matching for Customer Match, allowing advertisers to securely match consented customer lists with publishers’ consented lists to expand audience reach. The feature can improve match rates by supporting email addresses not associated with Google accounts and works in third-party cookie-free environments, while limiting membership duration to 60 days.
Google Ads API Version 25.1 Adds New Measurement & AI Max Features
Google has released Google Ads API v25.1, a minor update that adds support for text disclaimer assets, AI Max tracking, Brand Lift and Conversion Lift measurements, and brand sentiment insights. The release also introduces new fields for tracking upcoming AI Max migrations and additional reporting capabilities, while Google notes that minor API versions such as v25.1 do not include breaking changes.
Social Media Related News and Updates from Major Platforms
YouTube Changes How Views Are Counted for Long-Form & Live Videos
YouTube will change how it counts views on long-form videos and live streams starting August 24, 2026. A view will be counted as soon as a video begins playing, with no minimum watch time required. YouTube will separately report Engaged Views in Analytics, while the change to public view counts will not affect how creators earn through the YouTube Partner Program.
