Google Discover ranking factors now prioritize content quality, engagement satisfaction, mobile performance, and trust signals more than ever following recent Google system refinements. While Google does not publish a fixed ranking formula, official documentation confirms Discover favors helpful, reliable, mobile-friendly content aligned with user interests. [1]

In summary: After the February update, Google Discover ranking factors emphasize E-E-A-T, people-first content, mobile experience (including Core Web Vitals), original reporting, and accurate headlines. Sites relying on sensationalism, weak UX, or thin content are seeing reduced visibility. [1][2]

Table of Contents

• What Changed in Discover?
• Primary Google Discover Ranking Factors
• Core Web Vitals & Mobile Performance
• E-E-A-T and Authority Signals
• User Engagement & Satisfaction
• Headline Accuracy & Clickbait Reduction
• Conclusion

What Changed in Discover?

Google continuously refines its systems to surface helpful, relevant content across Search and Discover.[2] Recent updates reinforced guidance around content reliability, page experience, and accurate representation of information.

Discover remains interest-based rather than query-based, meaning algorithmic emphasis is placed on predicting satisfaction, not matching keywords alone.[1]

Primary Google Discover Ranking Factors

While Google does not disclose exact weighting, official documentation and Search Central guidance highlight these core signals:

• Helpful, people-first content [2]
• Strong E-E-A-T signals [3]
• Mobile usability [1]
• Page experience & speed [4]
• Original reporting and insight [2]
• Accurate, non-misleading headlines [1]
• Positive user engagement patterns

Core Web Vitals & Mobile Performance

Core Web Vitals measure loading performance, interactivity, and visual stability. [4] Since Discover traffic is predominantly mobile, poor page speed or unstable layouts can directly impact user satisfaction and reduce visibility.

• LCP (Largest Contentful Paint): Loading speed
• INP (Interaction to Next Paint): Responsiveness
• CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift): Visual stability

Google confirms page experience signals are incorporated into ranking systems. [4]

E-E-A-T and Authority Signals

Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trust (E-E-A-T) are foundational quality concepts in Google’s evaluation framework. [3] Content that demonstrates clear authorship, cited sources, and subject-matter depth is more likely to be surfaced consistently.

This is particularly important in finance, health, and news-related verticals.

User Engagement & Satisfaction

Discover’s predictive model evaluates how users interact with content in their feed. [1] While Google does not disclose metrics, industry consensus suggests satisfaction indicators such as dwell time and reduced bounce patterns play a role in long-term visibility.

Content that attracts clicks but fails to deliver value often declines in reach.

Headline Accuracy & Clickbait Reduction

Google explicitly advises against misleading or exaggerated headlines. [1] Recent system refinements have reduced the reach of sensational framing that does not accurately represent the article’s content.

Discover-optimized headlines should:

• Reflect the true scope of the content
• Avoid artificial urgency
• Use specific, verifiable claims
• Align with on-page value

Conclusion

Google Discover ranking factors now center on quality, trust, and mobile experience. Sites investing in helpful content, strong E-E-A-T foundations, and fast mobile performance are positioned to gain sustained visibility. [2]

Instead of chasing algorithm rumors, align your content with documented guidance and measurable user value.

FAQs About Google Discover Ranking Factors

1. Are Core Web Vitals important for Discover?
   Yes. Page experience and mobile performance influence user satisfaction and are incorporated into ranking systems. [4]
2. Does E-E-A-T affect Discover rankings?
   Yes. Strong expertise and trust signals improve overall content evaluation. [3]
3. Does keyword density matter in Discover?
   Discover is interest-based rather than query-based, so quality and engagement matter more than keyword repetition. [1]
4. Can clickbait headlines hurt Discover traffic?
   Misleading or exaggerated headlines may reduce visibility over time. [1]

Sources:

1. Google Search Central – Google Discover Documentation
2. Google Search Central – Creating Helpful, Reliable, People-First Content
3. Google – Search Quality Evaluator Guidelines (E-E-A-T)
4. Google – Core Web Vitals Overview