Google RankBrain (2015)
Machine-learning system that helps Google interpret unfamiliar queries.
DateOct 26, 2015 (announced)
PlatformGoogle SEO
TypeMachine learning
Who it affectsAll sites
What happened
Google revealed in October 2015 that RankBrain, a machine-learning system, was helping process search results, particularly for queries Google hadn’t seen before. It helps match queries to concepts rather than exact words.
Who it affected
All sites.
What it means for marketers today
Machine learning means Google understands synonyms and intent. Focus on fully answering what searchers want instead of exact-match keyword targeting.