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- What “Add as preferred source” means for readers
- How to add a preferred source on Google
- Why adding a preferred source changes your news mix
- Tips for managing your preferred sources
- What publishers need to know about being chosen
- Privacy and control: What to expect
- How this affects search and discovery
Google now gives users a simple way to prioritize where they get news. Adding a preferred source helps surface content you trust across Google services. This short guide explains what that option means, how to add a source, and why it matters for both readers and publishers.
What “Add as preferred source” means for readers
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When you mark a publisher as a preferred source, Google uses that signal to tailor the news it shows you. This can influence results in Google News, the Discover feed, and sometimes Search. The intent is to show more stories from outlets you trust.
How to add a preferred source on Google
Interfaces vary by device and app, but the steps are similar. Follow these general actions.
- Open the Google News app or the Discover feed on mobile.
- Find an article from the outlet you want to prioritize.
- Tap the article’s menu or the three-dot icon next to it.
- Choose the option to follow, favor, or add as a preferred source.
- Confirm your choice when prompted.
If you don’t see the exact wording “Add as preferred source,” look for terms like “Follow” or “Show more from this source.”
Why adding a preferred source changes your news mix
Google personalizes content to match your interests and trust signals. Marking a source as preferred increases the likelihood you’ll see its stories.
- It affects the mix of articles in the Discover feed.
- It can elevate trusted outlets for local or topical searches.
- It helps Google learn your preferences faster than passive reading alone.
Tips for managing your preferred sources
- Review and update your preferences often to keep your feed fresh.
- Use a mix of local and national outlets for broader context.
- Unfollow sources if you notice bias or low-quality reporting.
What publishers need to know about being chosen
Being added as a preferred source boosts visibility. Publishers should focus on signals Google values to increase the chance readers will pick them.
Practical steps for newsrooms
- Publish accurate, timely reporting consistently.
- Use clear headlines and structured data to help Google index content.
- Optimize pages for mobile speed and readability.
- Apply for inclusion in Google News if eligible.
- Engage transparently with readers to build trust.
Strong editorial standards and technical optimization both matter.
Privacy and control: What to expect
Adding preferred sources is a personalization feature. Google stores these preferences to tailor content, but you can change or remove them at any time.
- Check account settings to view and edit followed sources.
- Turn off personalization if you prefer neutral results.
- Manage your data in the Google account privacy controls.
How this affects search and discovery
Preferred sources are one signal among many in Google’s systems. They do not guarantee top ranking, but they can nudge what appears in your personalized feeds.
- Search results still use relevance, authority, and freshness.
- Preferred sources help surface trusted voices faster for individual users.
- Local relevance remains important for region-specific queries.
