A new feature called “Preferred Sources” lets you handpick the news outlets you trust, putting their stories front and center. The tool is currently rolling out in the United States and India, and the company plans to make it available in more countries down the road.
Getting started is straightforward. When you look up a newsy topic, you’ll spot a new icon beside the “Top Stories” carousel, which looks like two cards with a star. Tapping it opens a menu where you can add your go-to publications by name or web address. After you’ve made your picks, a quick refresh of the page puts your new settings into effect.
Once set up, articles from your chosen outlets will appear more frequently, either at the top of the news results or in a special “From your sources” section. This won’t create a filter bubble, as you’ll still see relevant stories from a wide range of other publications. You can add as many sources as you like and edit your list whenever you want.
This update doesn’t come in a vacuum. It was first tested as part of Google’s Labs program in June, where more than half of the participants added at least four sources, showing a real appetite for the feature. It also arrives on the heels of major AI integrations in Google Search that have shaken up website traffic for many publishers. While Google says the AI changes have improved user engagement, it has kept its cards close to its chest about the specific impact on individual websites.
To get publishers on board, Google is offering them tools to encourage their readers to sign up. These include dedicated links and website buttons that make it a one-click affair for a loyal follower to add the publication to their preferred list.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools.
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