---
title: "Google adds a custom button for preferred sources in Search"
url: https://seomadman.com/news/google-preferred-sources-custom-button
section: news
language: en
published: 2026-08-20T00:00:00.000Z
modified: 2026-08-20T00:00:00.000Z
author: Adam Hafez
topics: ["SERP features", "AI search"]
---

# Google adds a custom button for preferred sources in Search

## The short answer

Google's documentation now explains how to add an interactive button that lets readers choose your site as a preferred source in Search. The docs entry is dated 20 August 2026. Preferred sources can lift a site in Top Stories and add a badge in AI Mode and AI Overviews.

## Key takeaways

- Google's documentation updates page lists the new custom button for preferred sources under 20 August 2026.
- A reader who selects your site as a preferred source is more likely to see your content in Top Stories with a "preferred" badge.
- In AI Mode and AI Overviews, your content can carry the same badge for readers who selected your site.
- Eligibility in those AI features requires your site to be included in Search generative AI features in Search Console.
- Only domain-level and subdomain-level sites qualify, so a subdirectory such as /blog cannot be a preferred source.

Google's documentation updates page lists a "New custom button for preferred sources" on 20 August
2026. It says the preferred sources guide now covers how to add a custom, interactive button that
guides your audience to set your site as a preferred source.

## What is a preferred source?

A reader picks your site in Google's source preferences tool. After that, Google says your content
is more likely to appear in Top Stories, highlighted with a "preferred" badge. In AI Mode and AI
Overviews, your content can also carry that badge for the readers who selected you.

It is available globally for Top Stories in all languages where Search is available. In AI Mode and
AI Overviews it applies wherever those features exist. See [AI search](/topics/ai-search) for how
those features fit together.

## Who is eligible?

Two conditions come straight from the guide:

- To show in the AI features, your site must be included in Search generative AI features in Search Console.
- Only domain-level and subdomain-level sites can appear in the source preferences tool. A subdirectory cannot.

You can check by entering your site in the tool's search box. The button methods apply only if
your site appears there.

## How does the new button work?

Google describes three ways to guide readers, and says its standard JavaScript option gives the best
experience:

- **Standard JavaScript (recommended).** Add a script tag from Google, then a div with the
  `google-add-preferred-source-btn` attribute. It renders an automatically localized, Google-styled
  button. Optional `data-theme` (light or dark) and `data-lang` attributes change the theme and language.
- **Advanced JavaScript.** Use your own design assets and trigger the flow from your own element
  through Google's library, as an ES module or a script callback queue.
- **Deeplink.** If you cannot run JavaScript, link to
  `https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=` followed by your domain. It works as a text link,
  a clickable image, or in social posts and newsletters.

Both JavaScript options return readers to the page they left. Google also offers downloadable
button images.

## What should you do about it?

Nothing is mandatory. Google says these methods are examples of how to build your audience, and
that you do not need them to appear as a preferred source. The source gives no traffic data, so
any effect on clicks is unmeasured.

If you publish news, check your eligibility first, then pick the lightest method your site
supports. For how AI features link out, see
[Google's test of AI Overview links that open AI Mode](/news/ai-overview-links-push-ai-mode).

## Frequently asked questions

### What is a preferred source in Google Search?

A site a reader has chosen in Google's source preferences tool. Google says that content is then more likely to appear in Top Stories, highlighted with a "preferred" badge.

### Is the custom button required to appear as a preferred source?

No. Google says the methods on the page are examples of how to build your audience, and that doing them is not required to appear as a preferred source.

### Can a subdirectory be a preferred source?

No. Only domain-level and subdomain-level sites are eligible. Google's example is that https://www.example.com/ qualifies and https://www.example.com/blog does not.

## Sources

1. [Help your readers find your site through preferred sources in Google Search](https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/preferred-sources) - Google Search Central (primary)
2. [Google Search Central documentation updates](https://developers.google.com/search/updates) - Google Search Central (primary)