If you’ve noticed volatility in your Google Discover traffic over the last 24 hours, you aren’t alone. Google has officially confirmed the rollout of the February 2026 Discover Core Update, marking a significant shift in how content is surfaced in the Discover feed.
As we monitor the situation here at Razib Marketing, here is the breakdown of what this update entails, who is affected, and how you should adjust your strategy.
The Official Announcement
According to the Google Search Status Dashboard, the incident began on February 5, 2026, at 09:00 PST.
Google states:
“Released the February 2026 Discover core update for English language users in the US… This update is designed to improve the quality of Discover overall.”
Key Details at a Glance
- Rollout Start: February 5, 2026.
- Target Region: Currently rolling out to English language users in the US.
- Expansion: Google has confirmed they will look to expand this to all countries and languages in the future.
- Duration: The rollout is expected to take up to 2 weeks to complete.
What This Means for Publishers
Unlike standard Search Core Updates that target ranking positions in search results (SERPs), a Discover Core Update specifically targets the recommendation engine that powers the feed on mobile devices.
The goal is “Quality,” but in the context of Discover, quality often relies heavily on:
- Visual Engagement: High-quality, non-clickbait imagery.
- Relevance: How well the content matches a user’s known interests (Interest Graph).
- E-E-A-T: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness are critical, especially for YMYL (Your Money Your Life) topics.
Action Plan: How to Adapt
Since the rollout is focused on US English users first, this is the perfect time to audit your content before it hits global markets.
- Review Your Headlines: Ensure your titles promise exactly what the content delivers. The algorithm is likely tightening its filter on clickbait or misleading headlines.
- Audit Your Images: Discover is a visual-first medium. Ensure your feature images are high-resolution (at least 1200px wide) and compelling.
- Check Your Analytics: If you see a dip in US traffic, do not panic. Wait for the 2-week rollout window to close before making drastic changes.
Final Thoughts
We will continue to monitor the volatility across our client sites and update our guidance as the rollout progresses. If you are targeting a US audience, keep a close eye on your Google Search Console Discover reports over the next 14 days.
Stay tuned to the Razib Marketing blog for further updates on this rollout.