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Google preferred sources: how to get readers to pick your site

Google preferred sources let a user choose sites they want to see more often in Search. A selected site is more likely to appear in Top Stories, and since May 2026 its content can carry a preferred badge in AI Mode and AI Overviews for that user. Send loyal readers to google.com/preferences/source?q=yourdomain or add Google's button.

The rule: Ask loyal readers to add you as a Google preferred source

Impact Evidence Applies to Last checked
Low Official guidance Google Oct 30, 2026

Why it matters

Preferred sources let users pick sites they want to see more often. Selected sites are more likely to appear in Top Stories, and since May 2026 they get a preferred badge in AI Mode and AI Overviews for those users. Only domain and subdomain level sites are eligible, and AI badges require inclusion in the Search generative AI setting.

How to do it

  1. Add Google's preferred source button script or the deeplink google.com/preferences/source?q=yourdomain
  2. Promote the link in newsletters and social posts
  3. Confirm your domain appears in the source preferences tool

Example

Google's preferred source button
<!-- in <head> -->
<script async src="https://news.google.com/swg/js/v1/publisher.js"></script>

<!-- where the button should appear -->
<div google-add-preferred-source-btn></div>

Questions

How do I add a site as a preferred source on Google?

Readers open Google's source preferences tool at google.com/preferences/source, search for the site and select it. Publishers can skip the search step by linking to https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=example.com with their own domain, in newsletters, social posts or as a clickable image.

Is my site eligible for Google preferred sources?

Only domain-level and subdomain-level sites, such as www.example.com or code.example.com, are eligible; subdirectories like example.com/blog are not. Enter your site in the source preferences tool, and if it appears it can be selected. To get the badge in AI Mode and AI Overviews, the site must also be included in Search generative AI features in Search Console.

Where do Google preferred sources show up?

In Top Stories, which is available globally in every language Google Search supports, and in AI Mode and AI Overviews wherever those features are offered. The effect applies to the users who selected your site, not to everyone.

Do I need the preferred source button to be a preferred source?

No. The button, the advanced JavaScript integration and the deeplink are all optional. They only make it easier for readers to find and select your site.

Sources

Change history

Date Change What changed
Oct 30, 2026 Added Added to the rulebook.

Checked against its sources every Monday. Only content changes are listed.

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