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Choose which news outlets shape your Google results and feed. Google offers controls that let you prioritize certain publishers across Search, Discover, and News. Knowing how to add a preferred source can make your feed more relevant and boost visibility for trusted outlets.
Step-by-step: How to add a preferred source on Google
Adding a preferred source takes just a few taps or clicks. The exact path depends on the device and Google product you use.
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On mobile (Google app)
- Open the Google app and tap your profile picture.
- Go to Settings > Discover or News settings.
- Find Sources or Preferred sources and search for a publisher name.
- Select the publisher and tap Add or Follow.
On desktop (Google Search or News)
- Sign in to your Google account.
- Open Google News or visit Search and access settings via the gear icon.
- Locate the personalization or sources section.
- Search for and add the news outlet you prefer.
Quick tips for a smooth setup
- Use the same Google account across devices to sync preferences.
- If a publisher isn’t listed, try searching by the outlet’s exact name.
- Manage or remove sources anytime from the same settings menu.
What changes when you pick a preferred news outlet
Choosing a preferred source influences multiple Google surfaces. It nudges Search results, shapes the Google Discover feed, and can affect the News tab.
- Discover personalization: Stories from chosen outlets appear more often.
- Search preferences: Articles from preferred publishers may rank higher for topical queries.
- Notifications: You may get alerts when the outlet publishes major stories.
These changes aim to surface trusted voices. But they do not block other publishers or create exclusive rankings.
How publishers can become a preferred source
For newsrooms and brands, being added as a preferred source boosts reach. Follow these practical steps to increase chances.
- Publish high-quality journalism: Accuracy and relevance matter most.
- Use clear branding: Consistent publisher name helps users find you.
- Implement structured data: Use schema.org for articles and news metadata.
- Maintain fast, mobile-friendly pages: Page speed and responsive design improve user experience.
- Keep author and contact information visible: Trust signals help recognition.
Limits, privacy and common issues
There are important boundaries to how preferences work and what they control.
- Preferences personalize content, but they do not remove search filters or all other results.
- Google uses your account and activity to apply preferences. Privacy settings and ad personalization still apply.
- If preferences don’t sync, check account sign-in and app updates.
- Some publishers may not be available to add due to regional or licensing restrictions.
Managing preferences and staying in control
Reviewing and adjusting your source list keeps your feed aligned with your interests.
- Periodically audit your preferred sources to avoid echo chambers.
- Combine preferred sources with topic-level follows for broader coverage.
- Use block or hide options when you want to reduce content from a specific outlet.
