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- What “preferred source” means on Google and why it matters
- How to add a preferred source on different Google surfaces
- How to confirm your preferred sources and manage them
- Common problems and quick fixes
- Steps publishers should take to become a preferred source
- Best practices for readers who want better recommendations
- Privacy and account control when choosing preferred sources
Want your favorite news outlet to appear first in Google News and Discover? Setting a site as a preferred source makes Google more likely to surface its stories for you. Below you’ll find clear, practical steps to add or manage preferred sources, tips for publishers aiming to earn that status, and quick fixes when something doesn’t show up as expected.
What “preferred source” means on Google and why it matters
When you mark a publication as a preferred source, you tell Google you trust that publisher for coverage. Google uses this signal to prioritize that site’s stories in your feed. This can lead to faster updates and more stories you care about.
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How to add a preferred source on different Google surfaces
Google app (mobile)
- Open the Google app and search for the publisher or article.
- Tap the publisher name or the three-dot menu on a story card.
- Choose the option to follow or set as preferred source, if available.
- Confirm any prompts to save the selection to your account.
Google News
- Open Google News and find the publication page.
- Tap Follow or look for source settings on the publication card.
- Visit Settings > Sources to manage or prioritize followed outlets.
Chrome and desktop search
- Search for the publisher or an article in Google Search.
- Click the publisher name in the Knowledge Panel or article card.
- Use available controls to follow or prefer that source for future results.
How to confirm your preferred sources and manage them
- Open Google News or the Google app and go to Settings.
- Look for sections labeled Sources or Your Interests.
- Review followed publications and remove any you no longer want prioritized.
- Sign into your Google account to sync preferences across devices.
Common problems and quick fixes
- Preferred source not appearing: refresh your feed and clear app cache.
- Stories still not prioritized: confirm you’re signed into the same Google account.
- Option missing: the feature can vary by country, app version, or publisher status.
- Duplicate or outdated items: update the Google app and check site indexing.
Steps publishers should take to become a preferred source
- Register and verify your site with Google News Publisher Center.
- Publish accurate, timely reporting that builds trust and repeat readership.
- Use structured data and clear metadata so Google understands your articles.
- Make pages mobile-friendly and fast to improve visibility on Discover.
- Maintain consistent branding so readers can recognize your content
Best practices for readers who want better recommendations
- Follow multiple trusted outlets to broaden coverage on topics you care about.
- Use the thumbs up/down or feedback tools to refine recommendations.
- Regularly review your followed sources and adjust priorities as needed.
- Sign in to one Google account on all devices to keep preferences synced.
Privacy and account control when choosing preferred sources
You control which publications you follow. Google stores these selections with your account to personalize content. You can remove or change preferred sources anytime through the app or account settings.
