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- What it means to mark a publisher as preferred on Google
- How to add a preferred source on Google: quick steps
- Why readers should use preferred sources
- How publishers can be chosen more often
- Privacy and account control when selecting sources
- Troubleshooting common issues
- Best practices for keeping your feed relevant
A small prompt in a corner of a page can change how you receive news. Google now gives users control over which publishers surface first in results and feeds. This article explains how to make a source preferred on Google, what that choice means for your feed, and how publishers can earn that status.
What it means to mark a publisher as preferred on Google
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Choosing a preferred source tells Google you trust that publisher for news and information. It influences what appears in Google News and, in some cases, the Discover feed. This preference helps tailor your experience so content from selected outlets appears more prominently.
How to add a preferred source on Google: quick steps
The exact steps vary by device and Google product. Below are the most common methods to prioritize a publisher.
- Open Google News or the Google app on your phone.
- Find an article from the outlet you want to prefer.
- Tap the three-dot menu or the publisher name.
- Select options like “Follow,” “Prefer this source,” or “Add to favorites.”
- Confirm your choice when prompted.
Desktop vs. mobile: what to expect
- Mobile interfaces usually offer a simple “Follow” or “Add” button next to an article.
- On desktop, look for the publisher panel or settings in Google News.
- Occasional prompts within Search results may invite you to mark trusted sources.
Why readers should use preferred sources
Setting preferred sources gives readers more control over the news mix. It helps reduce noise and surface content from outlets you trust. It also speeds up discovering updates from those publishers.
- See more articles from trusted outlets in your feed.
- Receive faster coverage of topics you care about.
- Personalize news without changing broader Search settings.
How publishers can be chosen more often
Publishers who want to appear as a preferred choice should focus on trust and discoverability. Google favors authoritative, well-structured sources.
- Publish accurate, timely journalism and correct errors promptly.
- Use clear metadata and structured data so Google can index content correctly.
- Improve site speed and mobile usability.
- Maintain transparent author and contact information.
- Engage readers across platforms so people recognize and follow your brand.
Privacy and account control when selecting sources
Choosing preferred sources is part of your Google account settings. Google uses these signals to tailor content. You can change preferences anytime from your account or app settings.
- Preferences are tied to your Google account, not to anonymous sessions.
- Review and edit your followed sources in News or Discover settings.
- Turning off personalization will reduce the effect of preferred sources.
Troubleshooting common issues
If a source doesn’t appear after you add it, try these steps.
- Refresh the app or log out and back in.
- Clear app cache or browser cookies related to Google News.
- Ensure the publisher’s content is accessible and not blocked by paywalls.
- Check that your account is syncing across devices.
Best practices for keeping your feed relevant
Regularly review your preferred sources. Balance niche outlets with broader publications. Adjust preferences as your interests change.
- Unfollow sources that no longer match your needs.
- Follow topic pages for areas where multiple outlets matter.
- Use feedback options to indicate which stories you find useful.
