This week, Google announced yet another spam update, the fourth of the year, the September 2026 Google spam update. Prior to that, we reported on more Google Search ranking volatility. Google Search Console released multimodal search filters in the performance reports. Google’s page experience document added CrUX ad metrics, but it’s not a ranking factor. Google will be forced by UK’s CMA to make it easier to switch default search providers on Android and Chrome. Google Discover is testing a Dive deeper feature that takes traffic away from publishers. Google AI Overviews reportedly added more external links. But AI Overviews links are also pushing you into AI Mode. Google is testing Local Service Ads redesign with larger images and a highlights box. Google Ads has new AI Max reporting and expands access to AI Briefs. Google Ads budget recommendations with the change feature for forecasting was spotted. Google Ads is testing sitelinks that shows the advertiser name and favicon. Google Ads will test gun accessories ads in the US. Google Ads API version 25.2 is out with new features. Google Merchant Center updates its requirements for Store Ratings. Google Business Profiles gives businesses four days to reject user edits. Google Business Profiles will also email you if it sees a spike in spammy reviews. Google AdSense lowers the identity verification threshold to $0. Bing test expandable sitelinks interface and favicons on shopping carousel ads. Bing is testing using AI Mode in its search tabs, instead of Copilot. That was the search news this week at the Search Engine Roundtable.
SPONSOR: This week's video recap is sponsored by Duda, the Professional Website Builder You Can Call Your Own.
Make sure to subscribe to our video feed or subscribe directly on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favorite podcast player to be notified of these updates and download the video in the background. Here is the YouTube version of the feed For the original iTunes version, click here.
Search Topics of Discussion:
- 0:00 - Introduction
- 0:40 - Google September 2026 Spam Update Has Been Unleashed
- 1:49 - Google Search Ranking Volatility Hits September 23rd & 24th
- 2:31 - Multimodal Search Type Filter In Google Search Console Performance Report
- 3:45 - Google Page Experience Docs Adds CrUX Ad Metrics
- 4:51 - CMA: Google Should Make It Easier To Choose Other Search Engine On Android & Chrome
- 5:30 - Google Discover Tests Dive Deeper Feature
- 7:06 - Google AI Overviews With Way More External Links; Report
- 7:32 - Google AI Overview Links Pushing You To AI Mode Over Web Pages
- 7:49 - Google Tests Local Service Ads With Larger Image & Highlight Box
- 8:07 - Google Ads New AI Max Reporting & AI Brief Expands To More Countries
- 8:35 - Google Ads Budget Recommendation Change With Forecast
- 8:58 - Google Sponsored Results Sitelinks Tests More From Advertiser Name Title
- 9:15 - Google Ads To Run Gun Accessory 6-Month Pilot
- 9:37 - Google Ads API Version 25.2 Now Available
- 9:55 - Google Merchant Center Auto Enables Native Checkout: Buy On AI Mode & Gemini
- 10:42 - Google Merchant Center Updates Requirements For Google Store Ratings
- 11:05 - Google Business Profiles Gives You Four Days To Reject User Edits
- 11:42 - Google Business Profiles Email: Detected A Spike In Spam Reviews
- 12:04 - Google AdSense Drops Identity Verification Threshold To $0
- 12:20 - Bing Tests Another Expandable Sitelinks Interface
- 12:34 - Bing Tests Favicons On Shopping Ads Carousel
- 12:45 - Bing Tests Replacing Copilot With AI Mode In Search Tabs
- 13:06 - Conclusion
Please do subscribe on YouTube or subscribe via iTunes or on your favorite RSS reader. Don't forget to comment below with the right answer and good luck!
