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Google now lets users designate favorite publishers so their Search, News, and Discover feeds reflect trusted voices more often. This option helps personalize what appears, boosts content from chosen outlets, and gives readers more control over the sources that shape their information diet.
Why mark a publisher as a preferred source on Google
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Choosing a preferred source tells Google you want to prioritize content from that publisher across key products. It is not a permanent endorsement, but a signal that influences which articles, videos, and updates surface when you browse.
- Personalized relevance: Google leans on your preferences to show stories that match your interests.
- Faster discovery: Content from chosen publishers appears more readily in Google Discover and News cards.
- Balanced control: You can add or remove sources anytime to refine what you see.
Step-by-step: Add or remove preferred sources
The exact menus vary by device and Google app, but the core actions are similar across Search, Google News, and Discover.
How to add a preferred source
- Open the Google app or Google News on your phone or tablet.
- Search for the publisher or open an article from that outlet.
- Tap the three-dot menu or the publisher name to reveal options.
- Select the command to follow or add as a preferred source.
- Confirm the choice if prompted. The publisher will now be favored in your feed.
How to remove a preferred source
- Return to the same menu where you added the publisher.
- Choose the option to unfollow or remove from preferred sources.
- Check your Google account settings if you don’t see the change immediately.
Where this setting affects what you see
Marking a source influences several Google surfaces. Knowing where it matters helps you use the feature more strategically.
- Google Discover: Personalized cards prioritize stories from preferred outlets.
- Google News: Top headlines and For You sections reflect your selections.
- Search results: Informational and news-related results can lean toward your chosen sources.
Choosing reliable publishers: practical guidance
Pick sources that consistently demonstrate accuracy and transparency. Here are factors to weigh before you add a publisher.
- Editorial standards and fact-checking reputation.
- Clear authorship and date stamps on articles.
- Balanced reporting across topics you follow.
- Local outlets for regional updates, specialized sites for niche interests.
Red flags to avoid
- Frequent corrections without explanations.
- Overly sensational headlines and unverified claims.
- Opaque ownership or conflicts of interest.
What publishers and creators should know
For newsrooms and content creators, the preferred-source feature can change traffic patterns. It rewards consistent quality and trust.
- Visibility gains: Being added by users can increase reach in Discover and News.
- Audience loyalty: Repeat visitors often come from users who previously marked a site as preferred.
- Optimization tips: Publish reliable, well-sourced stories with clear metadata and mobile-friendly design.
Privacy and control: what to expect
Your preferred sources are tied to your Google account and can be adjusted at any time. Google uses these selections to personalize content and does not publicly display your list.
- You can remove entries whenever you want.
- Preferences live within your account settings and follow standard privacy protections.
- Sync across devices if you use the same Google account on multiple apps.
Troubleshooting common issues
If a chosen source doesn’t appear where expected, try these quick fixes.
- Ensure you’re signed in to the same Google account across apps.
- Update the Google app or Google News to the latest version.
- Clear app cache or restart the device to force a refresh.
- Verify that the publisher’s content is indexed and available for your region.
