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’s December 2025 Core Update Begins Rollout (Up to 3 Weeks)
Google confirmed its December 2025 core update began rolling out on December 11, 2025, marking the third core update of 2025 after March and June. The rollout may take up to three weeks, and Google recently clarified that rankings can improve from site changes even between major core updates due to ongoing smaller algorithm updates.
Google updated its core updates documentation to clarify that it continually makes updates to search—including smaller core updates—outside the named core updates announced a few times per year. That means sites that improve content may see ranking gains without waiting for the next major core update rollout.
Google Search Console Adds Weekly & Monthly Performance Views (More Granular Reporting)
Google announced at Search Central Live (Zurich) that Search Console is rolling out weekly and monthly aggregation views for Performance reports, letting you smooth out daily volatility and focus on broader traffic trends. The update comes while some Search Console reports are still experiencing significant delays, which Google says it’s working to resolve.
Bing Tests Expandable Favicons on Hover in Search Results
Microsoft is testing a Bing SERP UI change where a result’s favicon expands when you hover over an organic listing and/or ad, likely to make sources more visually prominent. The test was spotted via user-shared GIF/video examples and is similar to an older Bing experiment where favicons appeared only on hover.
Google AI Mode Tests “Search Live” Voice Conversations With Citation Cards
Google is testing bringing Search Live (Gemini Live-style voice search) directly into AI Mode, letting users tap a button and speak follow-up questions for real-time conversational responses. The test also shows citation cards alongside the answers during the voice interaction.
Google Search Console Insights Adds Social Channel Performance (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram)
Google is rolling out an experimental update to Search Console Insights that adds social channel insights, so you can see how your linked social profiles perform in Google Search alongside your site. Initially, channels are auto-identified by Search Console and you’ll be prompted to add them, with reporting that includes metrics like clicks/impressions, top content, and queries for each channel.
PPC Related News and Updates from Major Search Engine
Google Pushes Back on Report Claiming Ads Are Coming to Gemini in 2026
An Adweek report claimed Google told agencies it plans to introduce ads in the Gemini app in 2026, but Google publicly disputed it—saying there are no ads in Gemini and no current plans to add them. Google noted it is monetizing elsewhere (e.g., ads in AI Overviews and tests in AI Mode), while Adweek said it stands by its reporting and framed Google’s denial as focused on the app’s current state.
Bing Tests Grouped “Sponsored results” Ads With a Hide/Show Button (Google-Style)
Microsoft was spotted testing a Google-like ad treatment in Bing where multiple ads are grouped under a single “Sponsored results” label, and users can Hide (then Show) the sponsored block as they scroll. The article notes Microsoft Ads liaison Navah Hopkins said it was a test they chose not to continue.
