Google Launches Global ‘Preferred Sources’ Feature for News

Google has announced the global rollout of its new feature, Preferred Sources, which allows users to choose their favorite news publishers to display in the “Top Stories” section of Search. Previously limited to testing, this feature is now available to all English-language users worldwide, with plans to support additional languages in early 2024. The update aims to address user feedback by enabling searchers to manually “star” trusted publications, ensuring these sources receive more visibility during significant news events.

According to Google, the pilot program demonstrated that users are twice as likely to click on stories from sources they have personally selected. This enhancement emphasizes the company’s commitment to providing a more tailored news experience, allowing users to prioritize content from outlets they trust.

How to Use the Preferred Sources Feature

The Preferred Sources option is integrated directly into Google’s Search results page. Users can easily set it up by following these steps:

1. Search for a news topic, such as “Aluminium OS.”
2. Locate the “Top Stories” carousel.
3. Click the Star Icon or the “Settings” button next to the header.
4. Search for and select preferred news sites.

Additionally, users have the option to bypass search results to add sites directly to their list. For those interested in prioritizing content from specific outlets, such as Chrome Unboxed, simply click the checkmark next to the publication name to add it to the preferred list.

Additional Features and Improvements

In conjunction with Preferred Sources, Google is launching two other updates focused on enhancing user access to trusted content. The company will begin highlighting links from news outlets users subscribe to, such as The Washington Post and The Guardian, in a dedicated carousel. This feature will first appear in the Gemini app, with plans for AI Overviews and AI Mode to follow.

Moreover, Google is enhancing its AI Mode responses by increasing the number of inline links and introducing “contextual introductions.” These introductions will clarify why specific sources are cited, addressing ongoing concerns regarding attribution in AI-generated answers.

The rollout of the Preferred Sources feature has started today. Users who do not see the star icon on their devices can expect it to appear within the coming days, marking a significant step in Google’s ongoing efforts to improve user experience and trust in news consumption.