Follow : Add us as a preferred source on Google.
Key takeaways
- Google Preferred Sources lets you choose sites for Top Stories.
- Add to see its latest tech news more often in Search.
- The feature is now rolling out globally, starting with English users.
Google has a feature called Preferred Sources that gives you more control over the news you see in Search.
Instead of relying entirely on Google's algorithm to decide what appears in the Top Stories section, you can now tell Google which websites you want to see more often, whether that's your local newspaper, your favorite blog, or . Google said users have already selected nearly 90,000 unique preferred sources, and it is now expanding the feature worldwide.
Also: How to get rid of AI Overviews in Google Search: 4 easy ways
Why does this matter? When you add as a preferred source, our latest tech news, features, and guides will appear more prominently in your Top Stories when they're relevant to your search. Google said people who add preferred sources click through to those outlets twice as often on average. (May I humbly also suggest adding Lifehacker, PCMag, and CNET?)
How to set your preferred sources on Google
What you need: A computer or phone with internet access, a web browser, and access to Google. Make sure you're signed in to your Google Account, too.
1. Search for a current event or trending topic
To set a preferred source, you'll need to search for something that triggers the Top Stories section in Google Search. It only appears for topics Google considers fresh and newsworthy, so choose something timely.
On desktop or mobile:
- Open your browser and go to google.com.
- In the search bar, enter a current event or trending topic.
- Look for the Top Stories box near the top of your results.
Tip: You can go straight to this link on Chrome and Chromium browsers, and it'll automatically load as your preferred source.
Also: How to turn off Gemini in your Gmail, Photos, Chrome, and more - it's easy to opt out of AI
2. Click the star icon next to 'Top Stories'
Once you get a Top Stories result at the top of Google Search, you should see a small star button to the right of the section's header. Click or tap it to start customizing your preferred sources.
On desktop or mobile:
- Hover over or click the star next to Top Stories.
- A pop-up or side panel will appear for you to search and set sources.
Also: Sick of AI in your search results? Try these 8 Google alternatives
3. Search and set your favorite sites
You can now search and set any website you'd prefer. Of course, I suggest telling Google you want more .
On desktop or mobile:
- In the preferred sources panel, use the search field to find "."
- Click the checkbox or "Add" button next to .
Also: How to shop with AI: 6 ways I find deals, price track, and let agents buy for me
4. Save your selection and reload
When done searching and setting your preferred sources -- you can have more than one -- hit the Reload results button at the bottom of the pop-up menu. Google will now start prioritizing your preferred sources, such as , in Top Stories the next time you look up a current event or trending topic that those sites have covered.
On desktop or mobile:
- Click "Reload results" in the preferred sources panel.
- Resume searching for current events and trending topics. should now appear in Top Stories, if you've set it as your preferred source and it has published recent, relevant articles on the news you're searching.
Also: This free Chrome tool cleans up your Google searches - hide AI, sponsored links, and more
FAQs
Can I see more news from my subscriptions?
Yes. In December 2025, Google announced a feature called Spotlighting subscriptions. It highlights links from the news publications you subscribe to and will appear first in the Gemini app in the coming weeks, followed by AI Mode and AI Overviews in Search.
Also: How to remove your personal info from Google Search - it's quick and easy
How do I see my favorite sites in Google Discover?
Beyond Top Stories, Google also recently added the option to follow your favorite publishers and creators in Google Discover. I wrote a full guide that walks you through how to tell Google you want to see more of when scrolling your personalized feed -- whether that's from the right of your Android home screen, in the Google app, or from a new Chrome tab on your device.
What are Top Stories in Google Search?
Google Top Stories is a section on the Google Search results page that highlights the most relevant and timely news articles related to your search. It appears as a carousel at the top of the page when Google detects a current event, trending topic, or news query.
Is there a quick way to add as a preferred source?
Yes. In Chrome and Chromium browsers specifically, you can go to this link to automatically load as a preferred source.
Will I only see in Top Stories once I add it?
No. Google will still show a mix of sources, but you'll see articles more often when they're relevant and fresh.
Can I change my preferred sources later?
Yes. Your preferences aren't set in stone. If you ever want to add more sources or remove one, you can go back to the star button next to Top Stories and make any changes.
Can I add more than one preferred source?
Yes. You can add as many as you like -- Google says over half of early testers chose four or more.
Do I need a Google Account to set preferred sources?
Yes. You'll need to be signed in to your Google Account so your preferences are saved.
I can't set a preferred source on Google. Why?
Preferred Sources might not be available to you yet.
Also: Inside the making of Gemini 3 - how Google's slow and steady approach won the AI race (for now)
However, it is now launching globally. The feature entered beta last June, rolled out in the US and India in August, and is finally expanding worldwide. It is rolling out first to English-language users, with more supported languages coming early next year.
Featured
-
Waze vs. Google Maps: I compared the two best navigation apps, and there's a clear winner
-
Dreading AI job cuts? 5 ways to future-proof your career - before it's too late
-
I invested in Samsung's $1,800 XR headset to replace my dual monitors - and it's paying off big time
-
The best holiday Apple deals on iPhones, iPads, and more