Google Discover Update (February 2026) Early Signals & What Publishers Should Do

Published: February 7, 2026

Google has launched the first-ever targeted core update specifically for Discover — the February 2026 Discover Core Update. Launch: February 5, 2026, for English-speaking users in the USA. This is not just a technical update: Google is effectively re-evaluating which materials get a chance to appear in the recommendations feed.

The official goal is to make Discover more useful: more local relevance, less clickbait, more in-depth original content. The rollout will last up to two weeks, but the first signals are already emerging. On the third day after the launch, publishers are observing traffic volatility, and this is just the beginning.

This is the first confirmed Discover update of this magnitude in recent years, and it could significantly change traffic distribution in the near future. For some websites, Discover accounts for half of all mobile traffic. Therefore, even a small algorithm change is quickly felt in the statistics.

Google Launched Discover Update: What's Known After the February 5, 2026 Start

Rollout Started: Who the First Wave Affects

• Start: February 5, 2026
• First phase: English-speaking users in the USA
• Duration: Up to 2 weeks for full deployment in the USA
• Next: Expansion to all countries and languages in the coming months

Sources: Google Search Central Blog and Search Status Dashboard.

How This Update Differs from a Standard Search Core Update

The update exclusively concerns Google Discover — a personalized feed of recommendations based on interests, rather than traditional search results. It changes which articles appear in the feed, not the positions of websites in search results for queries.

Does Not Affect Classic Google Search — Only Discover

Important: The February 2026 Discover Core Update does not affect classic Google Search. The changes only pertain to recommendations in Discover. Many American publishers confuse these two products — they are different systems with different signals.

What Google Says About Key Changes in Discover

Google called this a «broad update to our systems that surface articles in Discover». The goal is to make Discover more useful. Three key improvements:

• More locally relevant content from websites located in the user's country
• Reduction of sensational content and clickbait
• Promotion of in-depth, original, and timely content from expert websites

Why Publishers Should Closely Monitor Discover

Discover: Traffic Volatility and Why It Matters

Traffic from Discover can surge or disappear overnight. There are no search queries here — everything depends on the recommendation algorithm, user behavior (viewing time, swipes, CTR), and local relevance.

Key Channel for Niche and News Websites

Particularly vulnerable: tech blogs, news websites, AI/SEO resources, niche media, financial blogs — all those who rely on passive recommendation traffic.

US-first Rollout: A Signal for International Publishers

Changes are first for the USA. For international websites that receive most of their Discover traffic from the USA, this update could be one of the most significant in recent years. Non-American publishers targeting an American audience risk losing visibility in US feeds due to increased local relevance.

First Signals: What's Happening with Discover Traffic

Early Observations from Publishers

It's only the third day after the rollout started, but the first data is already emerging. Publishers on Reddit/r/SEO, WebmasterWorld, and X (Twitter) are reporting sharp fluctuations in impressions: ±30–80% since February 5. Some American news and tech sites are seeing surges of +20–50%, while international affiliate sites and clickbait projects are experiencing drops.

Typical Changes in the First Days

• Volatility of impressions — sharp jumps and drops
• CTR can change both up and down
• Temporary dips during algorithm adaptation

Why It's Too Early to Draw Conclusions

The rollout is ongoing, and the algorithm is unstable. Rollbacks, waves of changes, and inaccuracies in early data are possible. The full picture will become clear in 1–2 weeks.

What to Monitor in the Next 14 Days

• Impressions in Google Search Console → Discover report
• CTR — daily dynamics
• Daily dynamics and anomalies

What to Expect in the Next 7–14 Days

• Continued volatility — both surges and temporary dips are possible
• Partial traffic recovery for some sites after algorithm adaptation
• Do not draw conclusions from early data — these are just the first signals

Probable Changes Google is Implementing

Increased Local Content Relevance

More content from the same country as the user. For American users, US-based websites receive priority — non-US websites may lose visibility in Discover.

Reduced Visibility for Clickbait and Sensationalism

Google has for the first time directly pointed to «sensational content and clickbait». Aggressive headlines like «You won't believe…» may see a sharp decline. Emphasis is on honest and descriptive headlines.

More Weight to Expert and Original Content

In-depth articles, original research, topical authority, E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Algorithms are better at recognizing website expertise and authorship.

Who Might Win and Who Might Lose Traffic

Potential Winners

• US publishers with local content
• Niche experts and authoritative blogs
• Sites with strong authorship and verified sources
• Original and in-depth articles

Sites at Risk

• Content aggregators
• Clickbait projects
• Mass-produced low-quality AI content
• Sites without a strong brand
• Non-US sites with a US audience

Is the Update Related to AI Content

Why the AI Topic is Important for Discover

In 2026, the oversaturation of AI-generated content reached its peak. Users are seeing repetitive, low-quality materials, which reduces the value of the recommendation feed.

Possible Reinforcement Signals

Early observations indicate that the update may intensify the filtering of low-value AI content. Algorithms are paying attention to originality, authorship, and expertise. This means faster penalties for mass AI spam, although Google has not yet officially confirmed this.

What This Means for Websites

AI can be used as a tool for content creation, but it's important to involve human editorial control, personal experience, analysis, and a unique perspective. This way, value and safety for Discover can be maintained.

How to Understand if the Update Affected Your Site

Where to View Data

Google Search Console → Discover report. This shows impressions, clicks, and CTR for your site in Discover.

Which Metrics to Pay Attention To

• Impressions — sharp fluctuations
• Clicks — surges or drops
• CTR — assessment of audience engagement quality
• Sudden changes and anomalies

How to Correlate with the Rollout

Start February 5 → 2-week rollout. Waves of changes are expected, so analyze trends, not one-time drops.

What Publishers Should Do Right Now

Don't Jump to Conclusions

Wait for the rollout to finish, evaluate trends daily, and don't react to early fluctuations.

Check Headlines and Content

Eliminate clickbait, create descriptive headlines with elements of curiosity that honestly reflect the essence of the material.

Strengthen Website Expertise

Add author bios, links to sources, and demonstrate the author's experience. Algorithms value expert content.

Improve Content Quality

Depth, originality, timeliness, and proprietary research — all of these help to stay at the top of Discover.

Page Experience Optimization

Loading speed, mobile-friendliness, non-intrusive advertising, and good UX are factors that support visibility in Discover.

Daily Data Tracking

Especially carefully during the first 14 days after the update's launch.

Strategic Conclusions for 2026

Discover is Becoming More Demanding

Less viral junk, more expertise and quality — valuable content gains an advantage.

Brand and Trust Are More Important

Authors with a reputation, a strong niche, and quality content are key to stable traffic.

Probable New Discover Updates

Separate updates for Discover, independent of search. Monitor algorithm signals and adapt content.

FAQ About the Discover 2026 Update

• Does the update affect Google search rankings? No, the changes only concern Discover.
• When will the rollout end? Up to 2 weeks for English-speaking users in the USA; globally, several months.
• What to do if traffic dropped? Don't panic. Analyze data daily, improve content and expertise. Many sites recover after the rollout is complete.
• Does it affect AI content? Likely, the update strengthens the filtering of low-value AI content. Use AI as an auxiliary tool, but add uniqueness and human oversight.
• How to understand what the algorithm filtered? Monitor sharp fluctuations in CTR and impressions, check content quality and its relevance to the local audience.
• Should I change my strategy for a US audience? Yes, prioritizing local content in Discover for the USA is important. For international sites, adapt content and authorship.

Conclusion and What's Next

Expect volatility for another 1–2 weeks; rollbacks are possible. The safest path is high-quality, original content with strong expertise and local relevance.