Google February Core Update: What Website Owners Should Expect
Google released the February 2026 Discover core update, a significant change to how content appears in Google Discover. This update is part of Google’s continuous efforts to enhance the Discover experience, ensuring it is more helpful, relevant, and reliable for users. For website owners, understanding this update is essential, as it affects how content is surfaced and how Discover traffic may fluctuate.
We will explain the update in detail, outline its implications for websites, and provide guidance on optimizing content for better performance in Discover feeds.
What is the February 2026 Discover Core Update?
Google Discover is a personalized feed that shows users articles, news, and content based on their interests and browsing patterns. Unlike traditional search, users do not type queries to find this content. Instead, Google surfaces content it believes is relevant and valuable to each user.
The February 2026 Google core update is specifically designed to improve the content that appears in Discover feeds. Google describes it as a broad update to the systems that surface articles in Discover. Early testing shows that the update makes the Discover experience more useful and worthwhile for users.
Key aspects of the update include:
- Prioritizing locally relevant content from websites based in the user’s country.
- Reducing sensational content and clickbait in Discover.
- Surfacing more in-depth, original, and timely content from sites that demonstrate expertise in a given topic.
This update applies initially to English-language users in the United States, with plans to expand globally to other countries and languages in the coming months.
Why This Update Matters for Website Owners
For site owners, the February 2026 Google core update is significant because it emphasizes quality, relevance, and expertise rather than just generic engagement metrics. Discover has become a key source of traffic for many websites, including news publishers, bloggers, and niche content creators. Understanding how this update works is essential for maintaining or improving visibility in Discover feeds.
Google notes that, as with all core updates, traffic fluctuations are normal. Some sites may see increases in Discover impressions, while others may see decreases. Many sites may not notice any changes at all.
Key Changes in the Google Discover Core Update
The February 2026 core update introduces several important changes that website owners should consider when creating content.
Local and Regional Content is Prioritized
One major focus of the update is surfacing locally relevant content. Users are more likely to see content from websites based in their country. This means articles, blog posts, and news that are specific to a user’s region are more likely to appear in Discover feeds.
For website owners, this highlights the need to incorporate geographic context within their content. Local examples, statistics, and references to regional events can help content resonate with Discover users and increase its visibility.
Sensational and Clickbait Content is Demoted
The update reduces the visibility of sensational content and clickbait. Articles with misleading headlines, exaggerated claims, or overly provocative content are less likely to appear in Discover feeds.
Website owners should focus on:
- Honest, descriptive headlines
- Accurate summaries of content
- Maintaining user trust and credibility
Content that misleads users may see decreased impressions, while high-quality, informative articles are more likely to be surfaced.
Expertise and Original Content are Rewarded
The February 2026 Google core update prioritizes in-depth, original content from sites with demonstrated expertise. Google systems can identify a site’s expertise on a topic-by-topic basis.
This means that whether a site covers multiple subjects or focuses deeply on one area, it can appear in Discover feeds for topics where it has established authority. For example:
- A local news site with a dedicated gardening section could be recognized as an expert in gardening, even if it covers other topics.
- A movie review site that publishes only a single gardening article would not be considered an expert in that topic.
Website owners should focus on producing content that demonstrates knowledge and originality in the areas they cover. Original research, detailed guides, and expert analysis will perform better under this update.
Personalization Remains Central
Google Discover continues to personalize content based on users’ interests, preferred creators, and trusted sources. The February 2026 Google core update does not change this fundamental approach. Websites with a loyal readership or that regularly provide high-value content to specific audiences may continue to perform well.
Steps Website Owners Should Take
To align with the February 2026 Google core update, website owners should focus on several key strategies:
Monitor Discover Performance
Google Search Console provides a Discover report showing impressions, clicks, top-performing pages, and audience locations. Monitoring these metrics can help identify which content is resonating with users and which may need optimization.
Optimize Headlines and Previews
Ensure that headlines and preview text accurately describe your content. Avoid sensational or misleading titles. Use clear, descriptive language to set user expectations. This boosts engagement and lowers the chance of reduced visibility in Discover.
Build Topic Expertise
Focus on creating content that exhibits expertise in your niche. This can include:
- In-depth guides and tutorials
- Original research or analysis
- Thought leadership articles
Even sites with multiple subject areas can establish topic-by-topic authority. Quality content that demonstrates expertise is more likely to appear in Discover feeds.
Include Local and Regional Context
If your website covers topics relevant to specific regions, include local data, examples, and context. Regional relevance can increase your content’s discoverability for users in that area.
Improve Page Experience
A smooth user experience contributes to better performance in Discover. Focus on:
- Fast page loading speeds
- Mobile-friendly design
- Minimal disruptive elements, such as intrusive pop-ups or autoplay videos
A strong page experience encourages engagement and improves the likelihood that Google will surface your content in Discover feeds.
Use High-quality Visuals
Google Discover is highly visual. Large, clear images that accurately reflect content can increase clicks and engagement. Images should be wide and optimized for fast loading. Visuals help attract attention and enhance the overall user experience.
Gain Consistent Growth in Discover Traffic
The February 2026 Google core update, with its emphasis on Google Discover, underscores the growing importance of personalized content delivery.
By aligning with the principles outlined in this update, websites can continue to reach audiences effectively in Google Discover. The update presents an opportunity for website owners to strengthen content strategies, build authority, and engage users in a meaningful way.
Ultimately, success with the February 2026 Google core update depends on prioritizing quality, relevance, and expertise. Websites that do so are likely to see consistent growth in Discover traffic and long-term engagement.
