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

Search Video Recaps

 
- YouTube
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Google

Google's John Mueller & Other Googlers Working On New Year's Day 2026

Jan 1, 2026 - 7:47 am
Logos

Google Displays New Year's Eve Doodle On New Year's Day

Jan 1, 2026 - 7:15 am
Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: December 31, 2025

Dec 31, 2025 - 10:00 am
Google Updates

Google Algorithm Updates 2025 Infographics

Dec 31, 2025 - 7:51 am
Google Maps

Google Adds Help Page For Link Or QR Code To Request Reviews

Dec 31, 2025 - 7:41 am
Google Ads

Google Ads Search Terms Report Adds Quick Filters Without Options Enabled

Dec 31, 2025 - 7:31 am
 
Previous Story: Google Search Lead: I Can't Go After Individual Problems In Search Results