How to Add IGN as a Preferred Source on Google

Modern search experiences can feel overwhelming. Between AI overviews, shopping carousels, and a constant stream of spam, users often struggle to find the information they actually want. Even with sophisticated algorithms, personalized search results don't always align with individual preferences.

In response to this challenge, Google introduced a new feature in August 2025 designed to give users direct influence over their search experience. The 'Preferred Sources' tool allows individuals to curate which publishers appear more prominently in their results, specifically within the 'Top Stories' section.

This development represents a significant shift toward user-controlled content curation. Rather than relying solely on algorithmic decisions, readers can now actively select trusted sources like IGN to receive more consistent coverage of their interests.

The 'Preferred Sources' feature operates within a specific context of Google's search ecosystem. It directly influences the Top Stories carousel, which typically appears for news-related search queries. This section aggregates recent articles from various publishers, but now users can weight the selection toward their chosen sources.

It's important to note what this feature does not affect. Preferred sources only influence the Top Stories carousel; they do not alter organic search results. When a user searches for information that isn't news-related, Google's standard ranking algorithms remain fully operational.

The feature offers considerable flexibility. Users can add as many websites as they want without any artificial limits. Google's system will continue to display coverage from other publishers when that content is more relevant to the specific search query, ensuring users don't miss important information just because it comes from a non-preferred source.

Key aspects of the system include:

• Only affects Top Stories carousels, not organic results
• Appears mainly for news-related search terms
• No limit on the number of preferred sources
• Other websites still appear when more relevant

Configuring your preferred sources requires a straightforward process through your Google Account settings. The most direct method involves navigating to the dedicated preferences page at https://www.google.com/preferences/source. This URL leads directly to the 'Source Preferences' section within your account settings.

Once on the preferences page, adding a publisher is remarkably simple. Users need only type the homepage URL for their chosen publisher—for example, IGN.com—and the system automatically adds it to their preferred sources list. The change takes effect immediately, influencing future Top Stories displays.

Alternatively, users can access the same settings while actively searching. When a Top Stories carousel appears in search results, clicking the small button to the right of the 'Top Stories' header reveals a pop-up version of the Source Preferences page. This on-the-fly adjustment allows users to modify their preferences without leaving their current search session.

The process works identically for any website, not just IGN. Whether users want more gaming coverage, sports news, or local journalism, the same steps apply. This universal approach makes the feature accessible across all types of content and publishers.

This feature represents Google's response to growing concerns about algorithmic control and information diversity. By providing a direct mechanism for user preference, the company acknowledges that automated systems, however sophisticated, cannot perfectly capture individual interests and priorities.

For readers of specific publications like IGN, the benefits are tangible. Regular visitors to gaming and entertainment news can ensure they see the latest reviews, updates, and opinions more consistently. This reduces the need to scroll through multiple pages or refine searches repeatedly to find content from trusted sources.

The implementation also maintains a balance between personalization and discovery. While preferred sources receive priority placement, the system preserves opportunities for readers to encounter new perspectives and breaking developments from other publishers. This hybrid approach aims to prevent the creation of information bubbles while still honoring user preferences.

Google will still show you other results when they're more relevant to your query.

This commitment to relevance ensures that the feature enhances rather than restricts the search experience. Users gain more control without sacrificing access to comprehensive information.

Understanding the limitations of Preferred Sources helps set realistic expectations. The feature operates within specific parameters that users should recognize. First, it only influences the Top Stories carousel, which typically appears for queries containing news-related keywords or current events.

Second, the system doesn't guarantee that preferred sources will appear for every relevant search. Google's algorithms still evaluate factors like recency, relevance, and authority when populating the carousel. A preferred source might not appear if its content isn't the most appropriate match for a particular query.

Third, the feature requires users to be logged into their Google accounts. Preferences are tied to individual accounts, meaning they sync across devices but don't apply to anonymous or logged-out searches. This ensures that personalization remains a deliberate choice rather than an automatic imposition.

Finally, users should periodically review their preferred sources list. As interests evolve and new publishers emerge, the list may need updating to reflect current priorities. The same preferences page allows for easy removal of sources that no longer align with user interests.

Google's 'Preferred Sources' feature marks a meaningful step toward user empowerment in the search experience. By allowing individuals to curate their Top Stories feed, the system balances algorithmic efficiency with human preference.

The implementation is accessible and flexible, accommodating any website while preserving the integrity of search results. For readers seeking more consistent coverage from specific publishers, this tool offers a practical solution without requiring major changes to search habits.

As search continues to evolve with AI and other technologies, features like Preferred Sources demonstrate how platforms can incorporate user feedback into their design. The result is a more personalized, controllable experience that respects individual choices while maintaining comprehensive information access.