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Preferred sources in Google: how to add the button and keep AI Mode badges eligible

Illustrated avatar of Maya Fernandes

By Maya Fernandes · Reviewed by Editorial Desk
November 11, 2026 · 2 min read

SUMMARY

Google's preferred sources page (last updated 18 September 2026) says readers who choose your site as a preferred source may see it more in Top Stories, with a preferred badge also possible in AI Mode and AI Overviews. Only domains and subdomains are eligible, and AI features need inclusion in Search generative AI features in Search Console.

Preferred sources let a reader tell Google they want to see more from your site. Google’s documentation (last updated 18 September 2026 as we read it) explains how to invite them to do that.

Best for: publishers, news and magazine sites, and blogs that cover timely topics.

Preferred sources: check eligibility, choose a method, keep generative AI inclusion on, place and review

What Google says

  • When a user selects your site as a preferred source, your content is more likely to appear in Top Stories, with a “preferred” badge. In AI Mode and AI Overviews, content may be highlighted with a badge for users who selected your site.
  • The feature is available globally for Top Stories in all languages where Search is available.
  • For AI Mode and AI Overviews, your site must be included in Search generative AI features in Search Console.
  • Only domain-level and subdomain-level sites are eligible. https://www.example.com/ and https://code.example.com/ qualify, while https://www.example.com/blog does not.
  • Check whether your site appears in the source preferences tool by searching for it there.
  • Three ways to invite readers: the standard JavaScript button (recommended, two lines of HTML), an advanced JavaScript button with your own design assets, and a deeplink for sites that cannot add the button. None is required to appear as a preferred source.
  • The standard button uses a script tag loading Google’s publisher library plus a div with the attribute google-add-preferred-source-btn. It supports data-theme (light or dark) and data-lang.

What to do: step by step

StepOwnerTimeHow to checkDone when
1. Check your site is listedSEO5 minSearch for your domain in the source preferences toolYou see your site, or you note it is missing
2. Confirm you are a domain or subdomainSEO5 minIs the blog on a folder path?You know if the folder setup blocks eligibility
3. Confirm generative AI inclusionSEO10 minSearch Console setting for Search generative AI featuresInclusion is on, if you want AI badges
4. Choose a methodDeveloper15 minCan your CMS add a script?Button or deeplink is chosen
5. Add it where loyal readers areDeveloper, editor1 hourPreview on mobile and desktopThe button appears after a good article or in a header
6. Promote the deeplinkMarketing30 minNewsletter and social posts include itLink live in three places
7. Review after a monthSEO1 hourCompare Top Stories impressions before and afterA note records what changed

Common mistakes

  • Using a folder such as /blog and expecting the button to make the site eligible.
  • Switching off generative AI inclusion without realising it affects AI badges.
  • Hiding the button in the footer.
  • Assuming the button guarantees visibility. Google says it is not required, and it does not guarantee placement.

We also covered earlier news on the feature: the rollout and analytics for preferred sources.

Sources

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