We have been informed of the September 2026 Spam Update by Google. As global algorithm update for the search results the update addresses content and search manipulation spam.

As mentioned earlier, the update has kicked off in September 2026 and is being rolled out globally across all languages and countries.

What Is the September 2026 Spam Update?

Google continuously updates its algorithms for search spam in order to better recognize spam as well as web behavior and content policies that are in contrast to Google’s search criteria. Updates for search spam are therefore released on an ongoing basis. They contain all changes to Google’s algorithms for searching the web that better enable Google to distinguish between good and spam web sites.

It is important to note that this update, just like all updates, is not limited to one country or region. In addition, it does not matter if you write in English or in any other language as Google supports all languages and regions.

How Long Will the Rollout Take?

Google mentioned that this update would roll out within the next two weeks.

Note that changes in search rankings and in organic traffic may take some time to show up. We have no control over how long it takes for all Google servers to roll out the update and changes in ranking and in traffic will thus occur at random times.

Therefore, it is not advisable to make conclusions based on temporary changes to rankings during the update’s implementation.

What Should Website Owners Do?

In addition to monitoring the typical Search Engine Optimization metrics for your website (organically generated traffic and impressions, keyword rankings and search visibility, etc.), pay close attention to how traffic to individual pages changes during and after the update. Additionally, verify changes to your traffic using your Google Search Console account.

• Organic traffic and impressions
• Keyword rankings
• Search visibility
• Pages experiencing significant traffic changes
• Search Console performance data
• Changes in traffic quality or user engagement

An algorithm update to Google Search will affect all languages globally. There may be changes in rankings, search impressions and traffic to pages over a 2 week period. However, these changes are part of the natural Google algorithm and may form part of Google’s search spam updates. They do not necessarily mean a manual action has been taken against a website and changes in rankings will, over time, return to normal providing the website in question continues to operate within Google’s established search spam policies.

The website owner would not need to immediately implement massive changes to the SEO strategy and content since most of the changes that are part of Google’s algorithms are designed to combat spam in search. By following established Google search spam policies for building out great original content for real users, businesses will be just fine.

Key Takeaways

This update affects countries and languages all over the world and as such will take up to two weeks to complete. So even if you see changes in your search rankings and traffic within the first few days of the update, wait a couple weeks to see if any long-term changes have occurred.

For businesses and SEO practitioners, the update is something to be monitored over the time frame that the update is “rolling out” and then evaluate any lasting changes to search engine positions before taking any action at all.

The same applies to all future Spam Updates by Google:

By maintaining a website that is in line with Google’s search spam policies and that offers great, original content for users, website owners can make sure to implement a long-term SEO strategy.