Google Image Search Update: Are AI-Generated Images Losing Their Rankings?

In recent weeks, SEO experts and digital marketers have noticed a significant shift in Google Image Search rankings, particularly affecting AI-generated images.

While Google has not officially confirmed any algorithmic update targeting AI visuals, anecdotal evidence from various industry professionals suggests a potential downranking of such images.

The Decline in AI Image Traffic

The discussion gained traction when Zack Notes, a game developer, shared his findings on a noticeable drop in image search traffic for his game “Animal Matchup.”

Despite stable web traffic, he observed a sharp decline in visits from Google Image Search, particularly for AI-generated visuals. This raised concerns that Google might be tweaking its algorithm to deprioritize AI-created content in image search results.

Kane Jamison, another expert in the field, supported this observation. He pointed out that since late 2024, Google has been making continuous refinements to its Image Search, which appear to negatively impact AI-generated pictures.

According to Jamison, there are instances where AI images have been downranked even when there were no high-quality alternatives available.

Possible Reasons for Google’s Shift

While Google has not explicitly outlined its stance on AI-generated images in search rankings, a few potential reasons could explain this change:

1. Quality Assurance – AI-generated images often contain subtle imperfections that make them less reliable or aesthetically appealing compared to human-created ones. Google may be adjusting its algorithm to ensure only the most valuable images reach the top.
2. User Experience Concerns – If AI images flood search results, users may find them less engaging or relevant. Google likely wants to maintain an organic balance between AI and human-created images.
3. Copyright and Authenticity Issues – With AI-generated images being easy to replicate, concerns around originality and ownership could be prompting Google to be more cautious about ranking such content highly.
4. Algorithmic Refinements – Just as Google continues to refine search rankings for text-based content, it is possible that similar updates are being applied to image results, emphasizing genuine and authoritative sources over AI-created assets.

What This Means for Content Creators

If Google is indeed deprioritizing AI-generated images, creators relying heavily on AI tools for visual content may need to reassess their strategy. Here are some best practices to navigate this shift:

• Blend AI with Human Editing: Instead of solely relying on AI, consider enhancing the generated images manually to improve authenticity and uniqueness.
• Optimize Metadata: Ensure that your images have strong alt text, descriptive file names, and relevant captions to boost their visibility.
• Diversify Content Sources: Don’t put all your eggs in the AI basket. Use a mix of original photography, AI-enhanced images, and traditional graphic design.
• Monitor Traffic Changes: Keep a close eye on your Google Image Search analytics to detect any significant trends and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Final Thoughts

While some websites have reported a drop in AI-generated image rankings, others—like Barry Schwartz, the author of Search Engine Roundtable—haven’t seen a similar impact.

This suggests that the potential downranking may be selective, depending on factors such as website authority, content quality, and the overall user experience.

Google’s ultimate goal remains clear: delivering high-quality, relevant, and user-friendly content.

Whether AI-generated images will continue to face ranking challenges is still uncertain, but one thing is clear—creators must stay agile and prioritize quality above all.

Have you noticed changes in your image search traffic? Let us know your thoughts!