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- Why linking a trusted source to your Google feed matters
- How to add a preferred source in Google News and Discover
- Tips to get the most from preferred sources
- What publishers should do to be selected as preferred
- How Google treats preferred sources across products
- Common problems and fixes when adding a source
- Privacy and account considerations
If you want the news and stories you value to surface more often on Google, you can tell Google’s products which outlets you trust. Setting a preferred source helps Google News and Discover prioritize content from outlets you choose. Below you’ll find clear steps, practical tips for publishers, and troubleshooting advice to make the process smooth.
Why linking a trusted source to your Google feed matters
Google uses many signals to rank articles. Your preferences influence which publications appear in your News and Discover feeds. Choosing a preferred source helps you see more of the coverage you care about. It also informs personalization across search and mobile experiences.
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How to add a preferred source in Google News and Discover
On Android and iOS (Google News app)
- Open the Google News app on your phone.
- Tap the profile icon or menu at the top-right corner.
- Select Settings or Your interests, depending on your app version.
- Choose Sources or Followed to find the outlet you want to prioritize.
- Tap Follow or add the outlet to your list of preferred sources.
On desktop (news.google.com)
- Go to news.google.com and sign in with your Google account.
- Use the left-hand menu to open Your topics or Following.
- Search for the publication you want to add.
- Click Follow to add it to your preferred sources.
Tips to get the most from preferred sources
- Follow several outlets to diversify viewpoints and reduce echo chamber effects.
- Use the Hide or More stories like this controls to fine-tune results.
- Regularly review your followed sources to reflect changing interests.
- Enable notifications for urgent topics from a trusted source.
What publishers should do to be selected as preferred
Publishers who want their brand to be chosen should focus on clarity and trust signals. Google rewards consistent, high-quality content and proper metadata. Make it easy for readers to recognize and follow your outlet.
- Keep article titles descriptive and concise.
- Implement structured data like schema.org for articles.
- Use clear publisher names and logos in your site markup.
- Maintain fast page loads and mobile-friendly layouts.
How Google treats preferred sources across products
Preferred sources influence both Google News and Discover, but the impact varies. News uses publisher selection more directly, while Discover blends preferences with algorithmic signals like engagement and relevance. Your choices act as a personalization cue.
Common problems and fixes when adding a source
- If a followed source doesn’t appear, try refreshing the app or clearing cache.
- Sign out and sign back in to sync preferences across devices.
- Ensure the outlet has a verified profile on Google News for best results.
- Check account settings if a source shows as followed but remains hidden.
Privacy and account considerations
Following publishers is tied to your Google account and stored preferences. You can update or remove followed sources at any time. Review your account’s personalization settings if you want to limit how Google uses this data.
