February 5, 2026
On February 5, Google announced the release of the February 2026 Discover core update. This isn’t a broad core update like we’re used to - its impact will be specific to content on the Discover feed and it is focused on the systems that decide which articles appear in Google Discover.
The update aims to improve the experience for users by:
For now, the rollout is limited to English language users in the US, but the update will cover other languages and countries in the coming months.
Google also updated their Discover documentation in line with the update. Glenn Gabe and Barry Schwartz gave a side-by-side comparison via X:
Expect to see some volatility during and after the rollout. If your site currently gets a lot of traffic from Discover, you may see increases or decreases in impressions and clicks.
That being said, you don’t need to worry. Volatility is normal during an update. Once the rollout is complete and stable, then you can begin to analyse patterns in Google Search Console’s Discover report.
Discover will now emphasise local relevance. Sites that are tailoring their content to regional trends, events, and audiences, could see better visibility within the feed.
Headlines designed to entice a user by relying on shocking, exaggerated, or overly emotional language are unlikely to perform. Optimising for Google Discover means focusing on using clear and accurate headlines that indicate content of real value.
Discover will give precedence to original content with real insights that hasn't just been created for clicks. You need to be giving users meaningful insights and building topical authority in your space.
This update highlights Google’s mission to surface higher quality, more relevant content that gives users real value. While this update is specific to Google Discover, it’s important to align the key message of this update with your wider organic strategy.
It’s important to keep an eye on your performance, especially once the rollout is complete. Use the Discover tab in Google Search Console to track impressions and clicks from Google Discover and compare trends over time.
If you’re already producing high-quality content that offers genuine value to your customers, you likely don’t need to worry about this update. However, if your current strategy involves cheap SEO tactics, you may want to reconsider your game plan.
If you’re worried about how this update will affect your site or you’re looking for expert guidance on improving your Google Discover rankings, then get in touch with us today.
