The Product Reviews Update refers to a series of algorithm updates, beginning in 2021, specifically aimed at rewarding in-depth, original product review content that demonstrates genuine hands-on testing and evidence, over shallow, generic reviews.
This update pushed affiliate and review-focused websites to include original photos, specific measurable comparisons, and genuine expert or first-hand testing insights, rather than simply summarizing manufacturer specifications.
The update was later expanded and renamed more broadly as Google’s Reviews System, extending similar quality expectations to service reviews beyond just physical products.
We apply these quality standards to review content within our SEO Content Strategy service.