Written by Aaron Rains February 21st 2025

In a noteworthy development, Google appears to be shifting how It ranks images in its search results. There is a growing preference for non-AI-generated images over those produced by artificial intelligence. This change could have significant implications for digital marketers, content creators, and graphic designers who rely heavily on AI tools to create visual content.

Understanding the Change

Google’s search algorithms are notoriously complex and constantly evolving. The company’s possible new stance on AI-generated images might respond to the increasing volume of AI-created content flooding the internet, which can vary widely in relevance and quality. By adjusting their ranking algorithms, Google aims to ensure users receive the most accurate and high-quality results.

Why Google Might Be Making This Change

  1. Quality Control: while innovative and valuable, AI-generated images can sometimes produce off-topic results or lack the nuance and context that human-created artworks provide. Google’s priority has always been relevancy and quality in its search results.
  2. Authenticity: There’s a growing concern about the authenticity and originality of AI-generated content. Prioritizing non-AI-generated images might be Google’s way of promoting original artwork and discouraging the spread of generic, AI-generated visuals.
  3. User Experience: Enhancing user satisfaction is key to Google’s operations. If AI-generated images often do not meet users’ expectations or relevance, reducing their visibility makes sense from a user experience standpoint.

Implications for SEO and Content Creation

This change suggests a pivot in content strategy, especially for those who rely on AI tools for creating images:

  • Increased Focus on Originality: Content creators may need to invest more in original graphic design and photography to maintain or improve their visibility in Google Image Search.
  • SEO Strategy Adaptation: Digital marketers must revise their SEO strategies to accommodate this change. This includes potentially re-evaluating the sources of images used in web content.
  • Verification and Labeling: It might become necessary for creators to verify non-AI-generated content to aid Google’s algorithms in distinguishing these from AI-produced images.

Conclusion

While these observations are speculative until officially confirmed by Google, the potential reduction in rankings for AI-generated images highlights the importance of staying adaptive in digital strategies. As AI plays a significant role in content creation, understanding and adapting to search engines’ evolving preferences will be crucial for anyone involved in digital content creation and SEO.