Could your favorite sources in Google News actually become a ranking factor to optimize?

What does this customization mean for publishers?

Google introduces a behavioral and voluntary dimension in news content distribution. Until now, ranking in Google News was primarily based on freshness, thematic relevance, and domain authority.

Now, an explicit action by a user—adding a publisher as a favorite source—can modulate the frequency of that publisher's appearance in the personalized carousel for that user. Google does not mention a universal ranking boost, but rather increased visibility in each reader's personalized experience who made this choice.

Where exactly does this customization take place?

The statement specifically targets the editorial choice carousel, a feature available in the Google News app and certain personalized feeds on mobile. It is not the main Google Discover feed, nor the traditional search results.

This distinction is critical: we are discussing an already personalized environment, where the user actively consumes news. Adding to favorites does not guarantee a systematic appearance in the standard search results or even in all Google News feeds. It is a second-level customization, in a context where the user has already expressed interest in news.

Does Google provide numbers on the impact of this feature?

Absolutely none. The statement remains deliberately vague about the extent of the effect. It is unclear what percentage of users actually add sources to favorites, or how many additional impressions this generates for a publisher.

Google simply encourages publishers to motivate their readers, without quantifying the ROI of this effort. Typically, when Google remains vague on metrics, it is either that the effect is marginal, or that the measurement depends so much on individual context that no generalization is possible.

• User customization: adding to favorites modulates the frequency of appearance in the personalized carousel, not the universal ranking
• Limited scope: this feature relates to the editorial choice carousel in Google News, not traditional search results or Discover
• Absence of quantitative data: Google does not disclose any figures on the real impact in terms of traffic or additional impressions
• Behavioral signal: it's a voluntary action from the user, therefore a potential engagement signal that Google may exploit in its algorithms
• Editorial encouragement: Google explicitly urges publishers to promote this feature to their readers

Does this statement hide a broader strategy from Google?

Yes, and it's quite transparent. Google seeks to empower users in curating their news feed, while shifting part of the recommendation work back to the publishers themselves. Instead of only optimizing the algorithm, Google creates a system where the publisher must convince their audience to add them as a favorite.

This is consistent with the trend observed over the past few years: Google is multiplying explicit behavioral signals (reviews, favorites, subscriptions) to refine personalization. This reduces dependence on purely algorithmic signals, which are sometimes easier to manipulate. But let’s be honest: how many general users actually know about this feature? [To be verified] in the field, adoption is likely still confidential.

Is the traffic impact measurable or marginal?

Hard to say without data, but several factors suggest that the effect remains modest for most publishers. First, the editorial choice carousel is not the main interface for consuming news on Google. Next, encouraging a reader to add a source as a favorite requires ongoing communication effort.

Sites that will truly benefit are those with a loyal and engaged audience, typically niche media or publications with a strong editorial identity. For a generic news site without marked differentiation, the effect will likely be diluted. And if Google doesn’t provide figures, it’s often because the variance between publishers is too great for an average to make sense.

Should time and resources be invested in this feature?

It entirely depends on your editorial model and audience. If you already have an engaged community, your readers return regularly, and you have a newsletter or push notifications, then yes, encouraging adding to favorites is a natural extension of your retention strategy.

On the other hand, if your site heavily relies on cold traffic from search or Discover, and you have no loyalty strategy in place, this should not be your priority. It’s better to focus first on editorial quality, content freshness, and classic technical optimization. Adding to favorites will never compensate for shaky SEO fundamentals.

How can you effectively encourage readers to add your site to favorites?

You need to integrate this call to action into the user journey, without being intrusive. A discreet banner at the top of the page on mobile, a message at the end of the article for recurring readers, or a mention in the newsletter can work. The idea is to target already engaged readers, not to overwhelm occasional visitors.

Technically, Google does not provide an API or standardized button for this addition. Therefore, you must explain the process: “Add [Your Site] to your favorite sources in Google News so you never miss our investigations.” Accompany the instruction with a screenshot or a short video showing how to access the carousel and add a source.

What mistakes should be avoided in implementation?

Do not oversell the impact. If you promise your readers that by adding you to favorites, they will see all your articles first, you risk disappointing them. Google guarantees nothing of the sort. Be factual: “Increase the frequency of our content appearing in your personalized feed.”

Also, avoid multiplying popups or banners asking for this addition. A reader who isn't yet convinced by your content will not add you to favorites, no matter how many reminders you send. Focus first on editorial quality and frequency of publication. Adding to favorites should be a natural consequence of retention, not an isolated goal.

How can you check if this strategy is paying off?

Google Search Console and Google Analytics will not provide direct metrics on users who have added your site to favorites. However, you can monitor the evolution of traffic from Google News, segmented by recurring users vs new visitors.

If you notice an increase in the return rate or an uptick in frequency of visits from mobile users coming from Google News, it is an indirect signal that the strategy is working. But don't expect a dramatic leap. The effect will be gradual and diffuse, especially if you start from a base of already modest engaged users.

• Integrate a discreet call to action into the user journey (banner, end of article, newsletter)
• Explain the process with a screenshot or a short video showing how to add a favorite source
• Prioritize targeting recurring readers, not occasional visitors
• Stay factual about the benefits: increase in frequency of appearance, not guaranteed systematic visibility
• Monitor the evolution of Google News traffic segmented by recurring users in Analytics
• Do not neglect SEO fundamentals: this tactic does not replace a solid editorial and technical strategy