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- Why choosing a preferred source matters for your feed
- Where a preferred source has influence: Search, Discover, and News
- How to add a preferred source on mobile and desktop
- Best practices for managing preferred sources
- Troubleshooting: Why your preferred source may not show up
- How publishers can become a preferred source
Want your favorite news site to appear first when you open Google Search, Google News, or Discover? Setting a preferred source helps the content you trust surface more often. This guide walks through why the option matters, where it applies, and how to add or manage a preferred source so your feed and search results better match your interests.
Why choosing a preferred source matters for your feed
When you tell Google which publishers you trust, it adjusts rankings and suggestions. That can reduce noise and surface more relevant coverage.
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- Faster access to outlets you trust for breaking news.
- Cleaner feeds in Google Discover and News with fewer repetitive or low-quality links.
- Better personalization across devices when you’re signed into your Google account.
Where a preferred source has influence: Search, Discover, and News
Each Google surface uses signals differently. Knowing the differences helps you set expectations.
- Google Search: Preferred sources can influence which publisher is highlighted for news topics.
- Google News: The setting steers what appears in your For You and Headlines tabs.
- Google Discover: Personalized cards favor content from sources you’ve marked as preferred.
How to add a preferred source on mobile and desktop
Adding a preferred source is quick. Steps can vary with app updates, but the core flow is consistent.
On Android or iOS (Google app)
- Open the Google app and sign in to your account.
- Tap the profile icon, then go to Settings > News or Discover preferences.
- Search for the publisher name, then choose Follow or Add as preferred.
- Adjust topic and region preferences if offered.
On desktop (news.google.com)
- Visit Google News and sign in.
- Use the search bar to find the publisher.
- Click the publisher card and select Follow or a similar option to prioritize it.
Best practices for managing preferred sources
- Keep your list focused. Too many preferred sources dilutes personalization.
- Combine preferred sources with topic follows to refine results.
- Periodically review and remove outlets that no longer fit your interests.
- Use the unsubscribe or block options for repeat low-quality items.
Troubleshooting: Why your preferred source may not show up
- Not signed in: Preferences sync only when you’re logged into your Google account.
- Regional differences: Some publishers may be limited by country or licensing.
- Publisher changes: Rebrands or domain moves can break follow links.
- Cache and app version: Clear cache or update the app if settings don’t apply.
How publishers can become a preferred source
Publishers can increase the chance of being selected by users and shown prominently in Google surfaces.
- Verify your site in Google Search Console to establish authenticity.
- Use clear author bylines and structured data for articles.
- Publish timely, original reporting and maintain consistent branding.
- Promote subscription and follow options so readers can easily add you as a preferred source.
