77% of sites lost keyword visibility after Google removed num=100: Data

77% of sites lost keyword visibility after Google removed num=100: Data

Google’s removal of the num=100 parameter is massively reshaping SEO data: 87.7% of sites lost impressions in Google Search Console, according to a new analysis of 319 properties by SEO Tyler Gargula, director of technical SEO at LOCOMOTIVE Agency.

By the numbers.

• Impressions: 87.7% of sites declined.
• Query count: 77.6% of sites lost unique ranking terms.
• Keyword length: Short-tail and mid-tail keywords took the biggest hit.
• Rank positions: Fewer queries now show on page 3+, while more surface in the top 3 and on page 1 – suggesting rankings now reflect actual positions, without distortion from num=100.

Why we care. The removal of &num=100 is reshaping how performance is measured, with fewer impressions and keywords making reports look weaker even if rankings hold steady. You’ll have to rethink how you explain visibility, track long-tail opportunities, and report progress.

Zoom out. Less keyword visibility means fewer opportunities for sites to capture impressions – particularly for competitive, shorter terms.

• Platforms including Semrush and Accuranker have acknowledged disruptions and are working on fixes.
• SEOs, including Brodie Clark, have flagged sharp impression drops and inflated average positions. Clark suggested scrapers tied to num=100 may have distorted Google Search Console metrics for years.

What’s next? Google hasn’t said whether the change is permanent or accidental. But Gargula’s dataset shows the fallout is widespread – and more significant than some anticipated.

The post. Tyler Gargula shared the data on LinkedIn.

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