Unusual search volatility as SEOs spot signs of an unconfirmed update
Over the past week, our keyword volatility indicators at matm have been unusually high, the kind of turbulence SEMrush fittingly describes as a “Google quake.”
What’s puzzling is that Google has only confirmed one update this month: the February 2026 Discover Core Update, which began rolling out on 5 February. Officially, this update targets Google Discover: the personalised news feed experience on mobile, and not traditional Search rankings.
However, data from multiple SEO tracking tools suggests something else might be going on.
What the Discover Update Aims to Do
According to Google, the February 2026 Discover Core Update is designed to improve the relevance and quality of content shown in users’ Discover feeds. The rollout began for English-language users in the US and is expected to expand globally over the following weeks.
The update focuses on:
- Improved assessment of freshness and topical relevance
- Refined understanding of user interests and engagement signals
- Greater emphasis on original, authoritative content
Publishers producing timely, valuable, and people-first content may see improved visibility, while content that leans on clickbait or lacks originality could experience declines.
For reference, Google’s official product update log lists the Discover rollout here:
🔗 Google Update History https://status.search.google.com
Why SEOs Think There’s More to the Story
Despite this, overall volatility across search results remains well above normal — and not just in Discover-related content. Independent trackers have shown sustained turbulence affecting a wide range of industries and rank types:
- Wincher SERP Volatility Tracker
- AccuRanker Grump Rating
- Zutrix Tension Index
- WireBoard SEO Volatility Average
These patterns suggest that Google may also be quietly testing or deploying changes to its main search algorithm — a non-confirmed update that has yet to be publicly acknowledged.
Coverage from SEO observers echoes this theory, with reports of sharp ranking fluctuations and shifting keyword behaviour since early February:
- Search Engine Roundtable – “Google Search Ranking Volatility Remains Heated”
- Nikki Pilkington – “Google’s February 2026 Discover Core Update Is Not a Search Update”
- Found – “The Evolving SEO Landscape and Google Algorithm Updates”
- Blended Digital – “February 2026 Google Discover Core Update”
Key Takeaway
While Google has not confirmed any Search changes beyond the Discover update, all signs point to broader algorithmic adjustments quietly rolling out in parallel.
As always, Google’s core guidance remains the same:
Focus on creating high-quality, original content that serves people, not search engines.
Sites that invest in trustworthy expertise, engaging writing, and meaningful value will be best positioned, whatever the algorithm brings next.
If you want to chat through your own SEO strategy and how recent volatility could impact your visibility, contact the matm team today.
