Let Your Readers Choose You in Google Search

Google now lets searchers pick the sites they want to see more of, and you can ask your readers to pick yours with a single button. It's called Preferred Sources, and it's one of the few Google features where your audience, not just the algorithm, gets a vote.

For publishers, bloggers and brands that rely on organic traffic, that's a big deal. Rankings shift with every core update, and AI Overviews keep answering questions before anyone clicks. A reader who marks you as a preferred source is a reader Google will try to show you to more often.
In this guide, you'll learn what Google Preferred Sources is, whether your site qualifies, and exactly how to add the "Add to preferred sources" button to your website, step by step.

What Is Google Preferred Sources?

Google Preferred Sources is a Google Search setting that lets users choose the websites they trust and want to see more of. Once someone selects your site, Google gives your content extra visibility for that person in three places:

Top Stories: your articles are more likely to appear in the Top Stories carousel, marked with a "preferred" badge.

AI Mode: your content can carry the "preferred" badge when it's cited in AI Mode answers.

AI Overviews: the same badge can highlight your site in AI Overviews.


Why It Matters for Your SEO Strategy

Think of it as a "follow" button for Google Search. Instead of hoping the algorithm surfaces your content, you build a base of readers who have told Google they want it.

More visibility with loyal readers in news-style results and AI answers.
A trust signal in the form of a visible "preferred" badge next to your content.
A new audience-building channel you can promote on-site, in email and on social media, just like a newsletter signup.

Is Your Site Eligible for Preferred Sources?

Most established websites can qualify, but there are three things to check before you add the button.
1. It's Available Worldwide
Preferred Sources works globally for Top Stories in every language where Google Search is offered. It also appears in AI Mode and AI Overviews wherever those features are available.
2. Only Domains and Subdomains Qualify
Google only lists whole domains and subdomains, not folders.
Site address Eligible?
https://www.example.com/ Yes (domain)
https://blog.example.com/ Yes (subdomain)
https://www.example.com/blog No (subdirectory)

If your blog lives in a subfolder, readers will add your main domain instead.

3. Check Search Console for AI Features

To show as a preferred source in AI Mode and AI Overviews, your site must be included in Search generative AI features in Google Search Console. If you've opted out, you'll still be eligible for Top Stories but not the AI surfaces.

How to Check If You're Listed
Go to the Google source preferences tool and type your domain into the search box. If your site shows up, you're ready to add the button.

3 Ways to Add the Google Preferred Sources Button
Google offers three options. Pick the one that fits your website platform and technical comfort.

Standard JavaScript button (recommended)
Most websites, including WordPress with a header-script plugin

Advanced JavaScript with custom design
Developers who want their own button design or a custom trigger

Deeplink (text or image link)
CMSs that block scripts, plus emails and social posts
Copy and paste a link

You don't need any of these to be chosen as a preferred source. They simply make it easier for readers to do it.

How to Add the Preferred Sources Button (Step by Step)

The standard button takes two lines of HTML. It's styled by Google, translates itself into the reader's language, and returns readers to your page after they add you.

Step 1: Load Google's Script in Your Header
Paste this into the <head> section of your site, ideally once in a site-wide template:

<script async src="https://news.google.com/swg/js/v1/publisher.js"></script>

On WordPress, use a header-and-footer scripts plugin or your theme's "header code" setting.

Step 2: Place the Button Where You Want It

Add this line wherever the button should appear, such as the end of each blog post:
<div google-add-preferred-source-btn></div>

That's it. Publish the page and the button will render automatically.

Step 3 (Optional): Switch to a Dark Theme

The button is light by default. For dark-mode sites, add data-theme:
<div google-add-preferred-source-btn data-theme="dark"></div>

Step 4 (Optional): Set the Button Language
The button follows each reader's browser language. To lock it to one language, add data-lang with a supported language code (Google publishes the full list of codes):
<div google-add-preferred-source-btn data-lang="en"></div>

For Developers: Use Your Own Button Design
If you want to trigger the flow from your own button, load the script with preferred-sources-control="manual" so it doesn't render automatically, then call the library yourself:
<script async preferred-sources-control="manual" src="https://news.google.com/swg/js/v1/publisher.js"></script>
<script>
(self.PREFERRED_SOURCE = self.PREFERRED_SOURCE || []).push(function(preferredSource) {
preferredSource.init({ theme: 'light', lang: 'en' });
document.querySelector('#myButton').addEventListener('click', () => {
preferredSource.addPreferredSource();
});
});
</script>

An ES module version is also available. See Google's developer documentation and live demo for details.
No JavaScript? Use the Preferred Sources Deeplink.

If your CMS won't let you add scripts, a simple link does the same job. It sends readers straight to your site in Google's source preferences tool, where they confirm with one click.

Use this format, replacing example.com with your domain:

https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=example.com

Text Link
<a href="https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=example.com">Add as Preferred Source</a>
Image Button
<a href="https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=example.com">
<img src="path/to/your/button.png" alt="Add as Preferred Source">
</a>

You can design your own badge or download Google's official button graphics in every supported language.
The deeplink is also perfect outside your website. Drop it into your email newsletter, social media bios, LinkedIn posts and link-in-bio pages.

Best Practices to Get More Readers to Add You

Adding the button is the easy part. Getting readers to click it is where marketing comes in.
Place it where engaged readers are. The end of a blog post works well, since readers who finish an article already like your content.

1. Add a one-line reason to click. For example: "Want more of our marketing tips in Google? Add us as a preferred source."

2. Put it in your site-wide template. One template edit adds the button to every post at once.

3. Promote the deeplink everywhere. Mention it in your welcome email, newsletter footer and social posts.

Match your design. Use the dark theme on dark sites so the button doesn't look out of place.
Test on mobile. Most Google Search traffic is mobile, so check the button renders and is easy to tap.
Keep publishing quality content. The badge helps readers find you, but useful, trustworthy content is what keeps them choosing you.

Google Preferred Sources FAQ:
Do I need the button to be a preferred source?
No. Readers can add any eligible site through Google's source preferences tool. The button just makes it faster and easier for them.

Does Preferred Sources work outside the U.S.?
Yes. It's available globally for Top Stories in every language Google Search supports, and in AI Mode and AI Overviews wherever those are offered.

Can I add my blog if it's in a subfolder like /blog?
Not as a separate source. Only domains (example.com) and subdomains (blog.example.com) are eligible, so readers would add your main domain.

Why isn't my site showing in AI Mode as a preferred source?
Check that your site is included in Search generative AI features in Google Search Console. Sites excluded there can't appear as preferred sources in AI Mode or AI Overviews.

Will the button slow down my site?
The script loads with the async attribute, so it doesn't block the rest of your page from loading.

Can I use the deeplink in emails and social media?
Yes. The deeplink works anywhere you can share a URL, including newsletters, social posts and bio links.
Start Building Your Preferred Sources Audience Today
Google Preferred Sources gives your readers a direct way to tell Google they want more of your content. With two lines of code or a single link, you can turn loyal readers into more visibility in Top Stories, AI Mode and AI Overviews.

Check your eligibility, add the button to your blog template, and start promoting your deeplink this week. The sooner you start, the sooner your audience starts working for your rankings.