What Is the February 2026 Discover Core Update

A major algorithm update of Google is the February 2026 Discover Core Update that came out in February 2026.

This update impacts more specifically Google Discover which is the customized feed that users view on the Google app and in mobile apps.

This update has a significant influence on Discover traffic, in contrast to regular core updates that affect the search ranking.

What Is Google Discover?

Google Discover is a feed-like content that displays articles, news, and videos according to the interests of a user. There is nothing that people have to search for. Google automatically displays the content of which it thinks they will enjoy.

Due to it, Discover is able to provide as much traffic to websites as large volumes can be sent by search sometimes.

Why This Update Is Important

Such an update is significant since:

It focuses only on Discover.

It alters the content chosen on the Discover feed.

A lot of sites experienced high viewership or viewership growth.

This update can have a direct impact on your visitors and income in case your site relies on Discover traffic.

Key Discover Core Update Differences in the February 2026 Core Update.

1. More Emphasis on quality content.

Google now prefers:

Original content

The useful and informative articles.

Clear and simple writing

The text is composed by expert writers.

Low value or thin material will not do as well anymore.

2. Less Clickbait

Misleading and exaggerated headlines can disappear.

For example:

You Will Not Believe What Has Happened!

The Trick That Changed My Life!

Now, Discover praises truthful and transparent headlines, rather than emotional clickbait.

3. Stronger E-E-A-T Signals

Google is laying more emphasis on:

Experience

Expertise

Authoritativeness

Trustworthiness

Websites that present actual expertise and trustworthiness can work better.

4. More Relevant and Local Content.

The content that aligns with interests and location of users are more likely to be featured in Discover.

Discover visibility may increase in case you produce content in a particular country or region.

The Impact of this Update on the Traffic of the Web.

Following this update, the following was reported on some websites:

Major declines in Discover impressions.

Sudden traffic increases

Fluctuations in clicks

The reason why discovery traffic changes fast is due to the fact that it relies on how the users behave and the content revolving around the content.

After This Update, How to Get Traffic.

To get traffic at Discover, do the following:

✅ 1. Compose Informational Content of a High Quality.

Pay attention to problem-solving problems and answering questions.

✅ 2. Use Clear Headlines

Avoid clickbait. Provide clear and useful heading.

Example:

Instead of:

The title is shocking: SEO Secrets Revealed!

Use:

SEO Strategies That will increase the traffic to the website in 2026.

✅ 3. Publish Fresh Content

Trending and current content fare better in Discover.

The formation was been based by the ruling over the sector of the period in the basis of the power over the period of time in the given concept

✅ 4. Add Real Value

Include:

Data

Examples

Expert insights

Unique opinions

✅ 5. Use High-Quality Images

Discover is visually driven. Big, beautiful pictures enhance the rate of clicks.

Final Summary

The Discover Core Update of February 2026 is a significant modification that enhances the quality of content in Discover. It discourages clicks and encourages useful, original, and reliable content.

If you focus on:

Informational articles

Clear writing

User-focused content

Consistent publishing

Discover will still bring you good traffic.