Many sites are being impacted by a powerful Google algorithm update that was released in late January. And it sure looks like a reviews update to me based on analyzing many sites impacted... In addition, Lily Ray dug in and noticed many self-serving listicles were being impacted. Like we have both said over time, "It works until it doesn't..." Join me as I provide "Reviews update notes" based on what I'm seeing across sites impacted.

Chapters:

00:00 The January 2026 Reviews Update. Maybe?

00:40 A self-serving listicle twist via Lily Ray

02:40 Beyond listicles, a big Google reviews system update.

05:00 Volatility at the end of June. Big movement.

06:05 Lily Ray's blog post about self-serving listicles dropping.

08:52 Don't publish self-serving listicles. It won't end well.

10:34 Algorithm updates impacting AIO and AI Mode visibility.

12:57 "Reviews Update Notes". A lot of impact across review sites.

15:18 Wirecutter impacted backs the idea of a reviews update.

16:07 AI search platforms need to build strong anti-spam systems.

18:44 Summary: The January 2026 Google Reviews Update

Lily's post about the listicle situation:

https://lilyraynyc.substack.com/p/is-google-finally-cracking-down-on

My post about AI search platforms needing to build strong anti-spam systems:

https://www.gsqi.com/marketing-blog/ai-search-core-systems-anti-spam/

Follow me on X: https://x.com/glenngabe

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glenngabe/

I'm on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/glenngabe.bsky.social