Google's Top Stories Inclusion Is Algorithmic, No Manual Inclusion

Mar 20, 2017 - 7:55 am 2 by

Google News Algorithm

Some think that being included in Google News, which is a human, manual inclusion process, is the same as being included in the "top stories" section in web search. It is not. Back in 2014, Google dropped the requirement for showing up in that box as being part of Google News and any site or blog can technically show in the top stories box.

John Mueller responded on Twitter to a webmaster who is upset his site no longer shows up in the top stories section saying it is algorithmic and there is nothing specific you can do.

You can't force Google to show you there, no way to do it. :)

Truth is, ever since Google tweaked the top stories algorithm (Google did not confirm this) back in late November, it was less likely for none Google News sites to be included there. We do know Google is working on only showing stuff here and other search results that are more accurate.

In any event, Google says that you can't press a button and just reverse everything to get your site back into the Top Stories section. I suspect you need to work on making your site more of an authority. Of course, it also depends on the query.

Forum discussion at Twitter.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Follow

Search Video Recaps

 
Google Core Update Rumbling, Manual Actions FAQs, Core Web Vitals Updates, AI, Bing, Ads & More - YouTube
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: March 18, 2024

Mar 18, 2024 - 4:00 pm
Google Updates

Google Urges Patience As The March 2024 Core Update Continues To Rollout

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:51 am
Google

Official: Google Replaces Perspective Filter With Forums Filter

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:41 am
Google Maps

Google Business Profiles Now Offers Additional Review After Appeal Is Denied

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:31 am
Google Maps

EU Searchers Complaining About Google Maps Features Changes Related To DMA

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:21 am
Google

Google Showing Fewer Sitelinks Within Search

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:11 am
Previous Story: Google Search Lead: I Can't Go After Individual Problems In Search Results