Quick facts
The December 2021 Product Reviews Update began on 1 December 2021 and finished around 21 December 2021. It was a reviews update, which rewards review content that shows real expertise and first-hand use.
What was the December 2021 Product Reviews Update?
Favoured in-depth, first-hand reviews over thin summaries. The update favours detailed, evidence-based reviews over thin summaries or lists copied from manufacturers.
Dates are taken from Google’s Search Status Dashboard and may be off by a day because end dates are calculated from the stated rollout length.
Who was affected?
Visibility changes can show up in rankings, clicks and impressions. Check the rollout window in Google Search Console and compare it with the previous period. Seasonality and tracking changes can also cause movement, so look at several weeks of data.
What to do after the December 2021 Product Reviews Update
- Add original photos, test results and first-hand experience.
- Explain pros, cons and who each product or service suits.
- Compare alternatives and link to credible sources.
- Show author expertise and how you tested.
- Keep reviews up to date as products change.
Related updates
- Previous: November 2021 Core Update
- Next: Page Experience Update for Desktop (2022)
- Full Google algorithm updates timeline (2021 to 2026)
- Get an SEO audit after a ranking change
Frequently asked questions
When did the December 2021 Product Reviews Update roll out?
According to Google’s Search Status Dashboard it rolled out from 1 December 2021 to about 21 December 2021.
Was the December 2021 Product Reviews Update a penalty?
No. It was a ranking system update, not a manual penalty, so there is no reconsideration request to file.
How do I check if my site was affected?
Compare clicks and impressions in Google Search Console before, during and after the rollout, and look at which pages and queries changed.
Lost rankings after an update?
We review what changed, find the cause and build a recovery plan.
