What Is Google Discover & How It Works After the February 2026 Core Update

February 10, 2026

Google Discover is a personalized content feed in the Google app and on Android home screens that surfaces articles, videos and social content based on a user’s interests, activity and location, rather than traditional keyword searches. [1][2]

In summary: Google Discover uses machine learning to predict what someone is likely to care about next, and the February 2026 Discover core update shifted this system to favor locally relevant, in-depth, original and non-clickbait content from sites that demonstrate clear expertise. [2][3][4]

Table of Contents

What is Google Discover?

Google Discover is a recommendation feed that appears in the Google app, on the mobile homepage in Chrome and on Android devices. It shows a stream of content cards tailored to each user’s preferences. [1][6]

Instead of responding to a specific query, Discover predicts what a person might want to read or watch based on their search history, location, language, app activity and engagement with specific topics or entities. [1][6]

For publishers, this means Discover can send large, sometimes unpredictable bursts of traffic when content strongly aligns with user interests—even without branded search intent. [1][9]

How Google Discover works in 2026

Discover uses similar systems to Google Search, but ranks content based on predicted user interest rather than typed keywords. [6][8]

Eligible content must be indexed and comply with Discover content policies. Algorithms then evaluate freshness, visual quality, mobile UX, and perceived usefulness. [6][3]

Because the feed is personalized, two users may see entirely different Discover content even if they follow similar interests. [8][6]

What changed in the February 2026 Discover core update?

The February 2026 Discover core update improved how Google selects and ranks articles in Discover—independent of Search updates. [2][3][5]

The update emphasized:

1) Locally relevant content,

2) reduced clickbait, and

3) surfacing original, timely, expert articles.

[2][3][5][9]

Initial rollout began in the U.S., with expansion planned globally. Non-U.S. publishers may experience delayed impact. [2][4][5]

Google Discover Core Update 1

How local and country-level relevance now shape Discover

The update boosts visibility for publishers located in the same country as the user—especially for region-specific content. [2][5]

Non-local publishers may see a drop in Discover reach for those markets, while local experts gain more exposure. [2][4][9]

Globally, Discover aims to deliver more trustworthy, useful results based on a user’s region. [5][8]

Clickbait, page experience and quality signals

Google revised Discover documentation to clearly separate \”clear titles\” from “clickbait” avoidance. [3][6]

Titles should reflect the article accurately—no exaggeration or withholding info. [3]

Page experience also plays a role: fast loading, mobile stability, and minimal intrusive content improve Discover eligibility. [3][6]

Personalization and user-level signals

Discover remains deeply personalized, with user behavior and topic engagement affecting what appears in the feed. [8][6]

Even top-quality content won’t be shown to everyone—Google filters based on likelihood of interest. [1][8]

New features like Follow and feed customization tools allow users more control over Discover content. [7][6]

What site owners should do after the 2026 update

Publish in-depth, original articles with expertise in your niche. Use descriptive, non-clickbait headlines and ensure fast mobile UX. [3][5][9][10]

Focus on geo-targeted content when relevant—Google now highlights regional authority. [2][4][5]

Long-term success in Discover depends on sustained quality, originality, UX, and user alignment not hacks or gimmicks. [2][3][8]

FAQs About Google Discover After the February 2026 Update

  1. Did the February 2026 core update change how my site ranks in Google Search?
    No. It targets Discover only, though similar quality principles apply.
  2. Why did my Discover traffic drop after February 2026?
    Your site may lack local signals, originality, or may use headlines that seem clickbait-like.
  3. Can non-US sites still appear in US Discover feeds?
    Yes, but U.S.-based publishers may be prioritized when content is regionally relevant.
  4. What content performs best post-update?
    Original, locally relevant, well-structured articles from expert sources.
  5. How can I track Discover traffic?
    Use Google Search Console’s Discover report and analytics referral filters.

Sources:

  1. Moz – How to Drive Traffic in Google Discover
  2. Search Engine Land – Google Discover Core Update
  3. Search Engine Journal – Updated Discover Guidelines
  4. Proceed Innovative – Discover Update Breakdown
  5. Search Engine Roundtable – Core Update Insights
  6. Google – Discover Documentation
  7. 9to5Google – Follow & Feed Customization
  8. ThatWare – February 2026 Update Analysis
  9. Practical Ecommerce – Google Discover Tips
  10. SearchPika – 2026 Discover Update Overview

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