Google launched its new “Preferred Sources” feature on Tuesday, a daring move. Thanks to this innovation, users now have direct control over the news they view in the Top Stories area of Google Search.
Users can customise their newsfeed like never before by hand-picking their favourite news websites and blogs to be prominently displayed in their search results rather than passively obtaining results based solely on Google’s algorithm.
How users can customise their news sources
The Preferred Sources feature is straightforward to operate. When searching for current news topics, users will observe an icon adjacent to the headline “Top Stories.”
They can select multiple preferred sources from various outlets by clicking this icon.
Once chosen, these sites will have their recent articles showcased more frequently in the Top Stories carousel and a newly added “From your sources” section, making it easier to follow trusted publishers effortlessly.
Google responded to early statistics revealing that over half of users prefer four or more sites by stating there’s no limit on the number of sources users can add. This deployment began in the US and India, with other locations to follow.
Empowering users and publishers alike
Users can direct their news consumption clearly and transparently, as Google’s latest feature transfers authority to them.
Google stated, “When you select your preferred sources, you’ll see more of their articles prominently displayed within Top Stories when those sources have published fresh and relevant content for your search.”
Enabling users to designate publishers as preferred sources enables hands-on customisation that helps publishers gain loyalty and visibility.
Instead of AI-driven personalisation, Preferred Sources encourage real engagement through user choice. Google also states non-preferred sites will appear in search results to ensure diversity.
Google responded to concerns about AI’s impact on publisher traffic by saying user clicks on publications have been “relatively stable” over the past year.
In the AI age, users interact with podcasts and videos from authentic voices, emphasising the necessity of original content.
Google Preferred Sources puts personalisation in consumers’ hands with simple options in the search experience, transforming online news. US and Indian users can use it today to enhance their news search experience.