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- Why choosing a preferred source matters for your Google feed
- How to add a publisher as your preferred source in Google
- What Google uses to surface preferred sources
- Privacy and control: what Google stores and what you can change
- Tips for building a balanced list of preferred sources
- What publishers should know about this feature
- Troubleshooting common issues when adding preferred sources
- How to change or remove a preferred source from your Google settings
Google now offers a way to shape the news and results you see by letting you mark certain outlets as preferred sources. This change gives readers more control over what appears in Google News and Search, and it can sharpen the quality and relevance of the information you get every day.
Why choosing a preferred source matters for your Google feed
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Picking a preferred source helps Google prioritize content from publishers you trust. For readers, this reduces noise and surfaces coverage that better matches personal interests. For publishers, it can boost visibility and direct traffic from Google News and Search.
- Personal relevance: You get more articles from outlets you value.
- Better discovery: Trusted publishers are more likely to appear in your feed.
- Publisher benefit: Increased clicks and engagement for selected sources.
How to add a publisher as your preferred source in Google
Google’s interfaces vary across app and web. The steps below cover common paths so you can customize quickly.
From Google News (mobile or desktop)
- Open Google News and search for the publisher name.
- Visit the publisher’s profile or article page.
- Tap the menu or the three-dot icon and choose the option to follow or set as preferred.
From Google Search results
- Search for a news site or publisher name.
- Find the source card or result listing with options.
- Select the option to prioritize or add as a preferred source.
What Google uses to surface preferred sources
Marking a source signals user preference, but Google still weighs other factors. Relevance, freshness, and credibility remain part of the ranking mix.
- Content relevance to your query or interests.
- Authority signals like citations and site reputation.
- Timeliness and frequency of new reporting.
Privacy and control: what Google stores and what you can change
Your preferred sources become part of your personalization settings. Google links this to your account to tailor results across devices. You can always review or remove these choices.
- Stored in your account: Preferences sync when signed in.
- Adjust anytime: Manage preferences in Google News settings or Search personalization.
- Not publicly visible: Your list of preferred sources is private to your account.
Tips for building a balanced list of preferred sources
Choosing simply familiar names can narrow your perspective. Aim for diversity to get comprehensive coverage.
- Mix local outlets with national and international publishers.
- Include specialty sites for topics like science, finance, or tech.
- Rotate or review your list periodically to avoid echo chambers.
What publishers should know about this feature
Publishers may see a rise in traffic if users add them as preferred. But success also depends on quality and consistency.
- Engagement matters: High-quality, frequent reporting increases pick rate.
- Clear branding: A well-labeled publisher profile helps users find and select you.
- Metadata and structure: Proper use of news metadata improves discoverability.
Troubleshooting common issues when adding preferred sources
If a site won’t appear in your options, it might not be indexed or may lack a publisher profile in Google News.
- Check that the site is indexed and follows Google News guidelines.
- Clear app cache or sign out and back in if settings don’t update.
- Confirm you’re using the latest Google News or Search app version.
How to change or remove a preferred source from your Google settings
You can edit preferences any time from your account settings. Removing a source stops Google from prioritizing its content.
- Open Google News or Search while signed in.
- Navigate to your personalization or followed sources area.
- Find the source and select remove or unfollow.
