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- Why set a preferred news source on Google?
- Easy ways to add a preferred source in the Google mobile app
- How to add and manage preferred sources on Google News (web and app)
- Steps publishers should take to be added as a preferred source
- Common issues and how to fix them
- How Google uses follows to shape Discover and News
- Privacy and account controls
- Tips to get the most from preferred sources
- Frequently asked questions about adding a preferred source
Want to see trusted outlets first in Google Discover and News? You can. Google lets users follow and prioritize publishers so their stories appear more often. This guide explains how to add a preferred source, what to expect, and what publishers should do to get noticed.
Why set a preferred news source on Google?
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Choosing a preferred source helps tailor the news feed to your interests. Over time, Discover and Google News will surface more stories from outlets you trust. That makes your feed more relevant and reduces noise.
- Faster access: More stories from chosen publishers appear in your feed.
- Better personalization: Google learns your preferences for topics and sources.
- Control over content: You can follow reliable outlets and limit unknown sites.
Easy ways to add a preferred source in the Google mobile app
The Google app on Android and iOS lets you follow publishers directly from search results or Discover cards.
Follow a publisher from a search result
- Open the Google app and search for the publisher’s name.
- In the publisher’s profile or knowledge panel, tap Follow.
- Once followed, their stories can appear more often in your Discover feed.
Follow from a Discover card or News story
- When you see an article you like, tap the three-dot menu on the card.
- Choose Follow or More stories like this to train the feed.
- Google will use that feedback to show similar content and prioritize that source.
How to add and manage preferred sources on Google News (web and app)
Google News offers a more structured way to follow outlets and curate your reading list.
On the Google News app
- Open Google News and tap the Following tab.
- Search for a publisher or browse topics and tap Follow to add it.
- Use the Following tab to view all the outlets and topics you follow.
On desktop
- Visit news.google.com and sign in to your Google account.
- Search for a source or click a publisher link and select Follow.
- Manage followed sources from the Following section.
Steps publishers should take to be added as a preferred source
Publishers can improve their chances of being followed and prioritized by users.
- Verify your site: Use Google’s Publisher Center and verify ownership.
- Submit a sitemap: Include news-specific sitemaps for timely indexing.
- Use clear branding: Consistent names and logos help users recognize your outlet.
- Follow publisher guidelines: Meet Google News content policies and technical specs.
- Optimize for mobile: Fast, mobile-friendly pages increase engagement.
- Use structured data: Implement schema for articles to improve display in search.
Common issues and how to fix them
Sometimes the option to add a preferred source is not visible. Try these quick fixes.
- Sign in to the correct Google account. Preferences are tied to your login.
- Update the Google app. New features often require the latest version.
- Clear app cache or reinstall if menus are missing or unresponsive.
- Check region restrictions. Some features roll out by country.
- If a publisher is not listed, ask them to register with Google Publisher Center.
How Google uses follows to shape Discover and News
Following a publisher gives Google a stronger signal about your interests. It does not guarantee every article will appear.
- Google balances follows with topic relevance and timeliness.
- Engagement and reading history also influence what appears in your feed.
- Following is a preference signal, not an exclusive filter.
Privacy and account controls
Your followed sources are linked to your Google account. You can change or remove them anytime.
- Open the Google app or Google News to manage follows.
- Pause personalization or clear activity from your Google account settings.
- Review privacy settings to control how Google uses your preferences.
Tips to get the most from preferred sources
- Follow a mix of local and national outlets for balanced coverage.
- Unfollow sources that no longer match your interests.
- Use the three-dot menu on cards to fine-tune what you see.
- Provide feedback on stories to improve future recommendations.
Frequently asked questions about adding a preferred source
Will following a publisher block other sources?
No. Following helps prioritize that publisher but does not block other outlets.
Can I follow a topic instead of a publisher?
Yes. You can follow topics, locations, and people to shape your feed.
Do I need the Google News app to add a source?
The Google app and Google News both support following. Desktop search can also add follows through the knowledge panel.
