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You can tell Google which news outlets you trust and shape the stories that appear in your feed. Adding a publisher as a preferred source can influence what shows up in Google Discover and Google News. Below we explain what that choice means, how to add a source from your apps, and what publishers can do to earn that preference.
Why setting a preferred source matters for Discover and News
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- Better relevance: Your feed will favor articles from the sites you choose.
- Faster updates: Preferred publishers are more likely to appear quickly after publication.
- More control: You steer the mix of voices and reduce unwanted outlets.
- Impact for publishers: Being marked as preferred can increase visibility and referral traffic.
How to add a preferred source from the Google app or Discover
The exact labels and menus vary by device and app version. Look for options that say “Follow”, “Add”, or “Preferred source” on article cards and publisher pages.
Quick steps in the Google app (Android and iOS)
- Open the Google app and find an article from the publisher you want to follow.
- Tap the three-dot menu on the article card or the publisher name.
- Choose the option labeled “Follow” or “Add as preferred source” if it appears.
- Confirm your choice. The publisher will be prioritized in your Discover feed.
Using Google News or browser settings
- In Google News, go to Following to manage the outlets you prefer.
- On desktop, open an article and look for follow or source settings near the article header.
- If you don’t see a follow option, check that you are signed into your Google account.
Best practices for publishers who want to be added as preferred
Publishers can take clear steps to become easier to find and more trusted by readers.
- Verify and register: Use Google Publisher Center and verify site ownership.
- Publish quality content: Focus on accuracy, clear sourcing, and regular updates.
- Use structured data: Schema and well-formed metadata help Google understand your articles.
- Brand consistency: Clear site names, logos, and author bylines improve recognizability.
- Engage readers: Encourage followers via site banners, social channels, and newsletters.
Privacy, limitations, and troubleshooting tips
- Account-dependent: Preferred sources apply to the Google account you’re signed into.
- Region limits: Some features roll out by country and may not be available everywhere.
- Not seeing changes? Clear cache, update the app, or sign out and back in.
- Unfollow anytime: Remove a preferred source through the same following controls.
- Data use: Google will use your follows to personalize suggestions. Check your account settings for controls.
