Quick answer: Preferred Sources lets people choose sites they want to see more of in Google. Google says use of the feature has grown sevenfold this year. You cannot force anyone to pick you, but you can give readers good reasons to.
What Is Google’s Preferred Sources Feature?
Preferred Sources is a Google Search setting that lets users select the news sites and publishers they want to hear from. In an October 15, 2026 post on X, Google’s Nick Fox said the number of people using Preferred Sources had grown 7x since the beginning of the year, according to BetaNews.
SEO agency Yellowhead reported that Google expanded Preferred Sources beyond Top Stories into AI Overviews and AI Mode responses. That makes audience loyalty a more direct factor in what people see.
What Are Search Profiles?
Industry coverage in mid-2026 described Google’s Search profiles as a dedicated, shareable space where publishers and creators can showcase their latest articles, videos and social posts. Google has also been testing clickable creator names on video results. Availability and eligibility may vary, so check Google’s official announcements for the current status.
Who Is This Most Relevant For?
Preferred Sources began with news and Top Stories, so it matters most to publishers, bloggers, local news sites and creators who publish regularly. Other businesses benefit from the same lesson: loyal audiences are valuable.
How to Build the Loyalty That Gets You Chosen
1. Publish consistently on a clear topic
Readers choose sources they trust for something specific. Pick a focus, cover it well, and publish on a steady schedule.
2. Be easy to recognize
Use a consistent site name, logo and author bylines. A memorable brand helps people select you from a list of options.
3. Add original reporting and first-hand perspective
Google has said it wants to highlight first-hand perspectives and sources people love. Interviews, original photos, local knowledge and clear sourcing set you apart.
4. Ask your existing audience
Google provides instructions and a button template for sites that want to invite readers to add them, according to Yellowhead’s summary of Google’s guidance. Check the current version in Google Search Central documentation, then add a short note in your newsletter or on your site. Do not offer rewards that pressure people, and do not mislead anyone about what the setting does.
5. Build direct channels
Email lists and social followings keep readers coming back even when search layouts change. Start with our guides to email marketing basics and choosing the right social platforms.
6. Keep your technical foundation strong
Fast, mobile-friendly pages and clear navigation support every other effort. See our website basics checklist.
What Not to Do
- Do not buy fake followers or engagement.
- Do not publish large volumes of thin content to look active.
- Do not promise readers that selecting you will give them any benefit Google does not provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does being a Preferred Source improve my rankings?
Google has not described it as a ranking factor for everyone. It affects what an individual user sees from the sources they choose.
Can I apply to become a Preferred Source?
Selection is made by users, not publishers. Your role is to earn trust and tell your audience the option exists.
Is this only for news sites?
It started with news and Top Stories. Check Google’s current documentation to see which kinds of sites are eligible.
Bottom Line
As AI-generated answers become more common, readers who actively choose you are more valuable than ever. Focus on trust, consistency and direct relationships. Those efforts help in search and beyond it. For the bigger picture, read our SEO guide for AI Mode and AI Overviews.
