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- Why choose a preferred source on Google and what it changes
- How to add a preferred source in Google Search and Discover
- Best practices for publishers to become a preferred source
- Troubleshooting when the follow option isn’t visible
- How Google uses your followed sources and privacy considerations
- Quick checklist for readers and newsrooms
You can ask Google to prioritize a site you trust, making its content show up more often in Search, Discover, and News. The process is simple for readers and requires a few verification and publishing steps for news outlets. Below, find clear actions for users and publishers, plus tips to fix common issues.
Why choose a preferred source on Google and what it changes
Selecting a preferred source helps Google learn your interests. Over time, you will see more articles, analysis, and updates from that source in your feeds.
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- More visibility in Discover: followed sources appear more frequently in the Google Discover feed.
- Personalized Search results: search results may surface more content from sources you follow.
- Faster access to updates: breaking news or new posts from favored publishers are easier to find.
How to add a preferred source in Google Search and Discover
Google offers a few direct ways to follow or prefer a publisher. These work on mobile apps and on the web in some regions.
- Open the Google app or Google Search on mobile.
- Search for the publication or open a story from that site.
- Tap the three-dot menu or the publisher name in the card.
- Choose Follow or Add as preferred source when available.
If you use Google News:
- Open Google News and find the source’s profile.
- Tap Follow to add it to your Following tab.
- Manage followed sources under the Following tab or settings.
Best practices for publishers to become a preferred source
Publishers who want readers to add them as preferred should focus on trust signals and discoverability.
- Claim your Google Publisher presence: register in Google Publisher or Publisher Center where applicable.
- Use clear site branding and consistent author information.
- Implement structured data for articles and logos to help Google identify content.
- Optimize page speed and mobile layout. Fast pages rank and engage better.
- Publish accurate, timely reporting. Reliability earns recurring follows.
Troubleshooting when the follow option isn’t visible
Not everyone sees the same controls. Regional differences, app versions, and account settings matter.
- Update the Google app to the latest version.
- Sign in with your Google account. Some features require login.
- Clear app cache or try a different device or browser.
- Confirm the publisher is indexed and meets Google News policies.
- If a handle or brand isn’t listed, search for the site URL or the organization’s profile page.
How Google uses your followed sources and privacy considerations
Following a source customizes what you see, but Google pairs that signal with many others. Your activity and settings shape the final result.
- Followed sources are one input among many for Discover and Search personalization.
- You can review and remove followed sources at any time.
- Check your Google account controls to see what personalization data is stored.
Quick checklist for readers and newsrooms
- Readers: Update the app, locate the publisher profile, and tap Follow.
- Newsrooms: Claim your profile, add structured data, and keep stories timely.
- Monitor analytics to see how follows affect traffic and visibility.
Common questions editors ask
- Can any site be followed? — Not always. Google prioritizes indexed and policy-compliant publishers.
- Does following guarantee ranking? — No. It increases exposure but not a fixed rank.
- Where can I manage followed sources? — In Google News’ Following tab or the Google app settings.
