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- What “choose this source” means for your Google feed
- How to set a preferred news source on Google
- Why publishers should encourage users to prefer their site
- SEO and content tips to maximize impact
- Troubleshooting common issues
- Privacy and control for users
- Best practices for publishers to promote preferred-source actions
Spotting a small floating badge that invites you to make a news outlet your go-to on Google can change how you see updates. That simple prompt aims to let users tailor their news feed across Google Discover and Google News. Below we explain what that prompt does, how it helps both readers and publishers, and practical steps to use it effectively.
What “choose this source” means for your Google feed
When you tap a prompt to make a site your preferred source, Google treats that choice as a signal. Over time, the algorithm gives more weight to stories from that outlet in your personal feed. This affects content in Google Discover and Google News, making relevant articles from the chosen publisher more visible.
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Key effects for readers
- More stories from the selected publisher appear in your feed.
- Related topics covered by that publisher can be prioritized.
- You can influence the balance between local and national coverage.
Key effects for publishers
- Higher engagement from users who opt-in as preferred readers.
- Potentially greater referral traffic from Google surfaces.
- Stronger brand recognition among targeted audiences.
How to set a preferred news source on Google
The process is quick and works across most Google apps where news appears. Follow these steps to make a site your preferred source.
- Find the badge or prompt near an article or site card in Google News or Discover.
- Tap the badge or the related menu that mentions preferences.
- Select the option to prioritize or follow the source.
- Confirm your choice if Google asks to save your preference.
If you change your mind later, you can remove the source from your preferences in Google News settings or in your Google account content preferences.
Why publishers should encourage users to prefer their site
Encouraging readers to mark a site as preferred can improve visibility and loyalty. For newsrooms, that small action can translate into measurable audience growth.
- Direct engagement: Preferred status raises the chance of repeat visits.
- Algorithmic relevance: Repetition and user choice help Google understand which outlets are trusted.
- Monetization opportunities: More consistent traffic supports subscriptions and ad revenue.
SEO and content tips to maximize impact
To turn a one-time preference into lasting reach, publishers must back it up with strong SEO and quality content.
- Publish timely, accurate reporting. Fresh coverage increases pick-up by Google.
- Use clear headlines that reflect the article’s content and include relevant keywords.
- Optimize structured data like schema.org for articles and organization to aid indexing.
- Improve mobile performance. Fast pages help content appear in Discover and News.
- Encourage newsletter sign-ups and account creation to convert preferrers into loyal users.
Troubleshooting common issues
Sometimes preferences don’t seem to change your feed. Try these checks.
- Verify you are signed into the correct Google account.
- Allow some time for Google to adjust personalized signals.
- Clear app cache or update the Google app if prompts don’t appear.
- Review your Google Discover and News settings to confirm saved sources.
Privacy and control for users
Choosing a preferred source is reversible and part of Google’s personalization tools. You remain in control of the signals that shape your feed.
- You can remove or add preferred sources at any time.
- Google uses these preferences along with other signals, like search history.
- Check account privacy settings to manage how personalization is used.
Best practices for publishers to promote preferred-source actions
Prompting users to make your outlet a preferred source works best when the request is paired with clear value.
- Explain benefits: exclusive alerts, curated coverage, or faster updates.
- Use unobtrusive in-page prompts similar to the floating badge, without disrupting reading.
- Make it easy for mobile users to tap and confirm the choice.
- Combine prompts with social proof: show how many readers already prefer your site.
