Google has launched a Google Discover core update that applies only to the Discover feed. The rollout began in February 2026 and is expected to last up to two weeks. The update currently affects English-language Discover users in the United States. Google stated that the update is focused on improving content quality in Discover. It does not directly affect traditional Google Search rankings.
This is the first time Google has released a core update that targets Discover separately. Previous core updates applied to both Search and Discover at the same time. Traffic changes seen in Discover may not reflect changes in Search performance.
Google Discover Core Update and Publisher Impact
Publishers are being advised to track Discover performance independently. Google Search Console provides separate Discover reporting. Changes in Discover visibility may occur even if Search rankings remain stable. The update does not require technical fixes or manual actions from publishers.
Google did not provide specific ranking signals for the Google Discover core update. The company confirmed that content quality remains the primary focus. Expansion to other languages and regions has not yet been scheduled.
Google Discover Core Update and AI Mode Advertising
During Alphabet’s Q4 2025 earnings call, Google executives discussed monetization plans tied to AI search features. Search revenue increased 17% year over year, reaching $63 billion. Google revealed early testing of advertisements within AI Mode. These ads are positioned below AI-generated responses.
Google stated that AI Mode search queries are approximately three times longer than standard queries. This behavior is influencing how ads are tested and displayed.
Crawl Policy and Technical Search Updates
Google Search Advocate John Mueller criticized proposals suggesting Markdown files be served directly to AI crawlers. He stated that removing HTML structure limits crawl understanding. Google also filed bug reports against WooCommerce plugins that generate unnecessary crawlable URLs.
LinkedIn shared internal findings showing that structured pages perform better in AI-powered search results. Pages with visible authorship and publication dates appeared more often in AI citations.
These updates occurred alongside the Google Discover core update and reflect broader changes across search systems.
Source: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/discover-core-update-ai-mode-ads-crawl-policy-seo-pulse/566659/
