Google introduces option for users to choose preferred news sources within Top Stories showcase
Starting today, Google Search is introducing a new feature that allows users to tailor their news results to their preferred sources. This feature, known as Preferred Sources, is rolling out in the US and India, with plans for expansion to other markets in the near future.
How to Set Preferred Sources
To set your Preferred Sources for a more personalized Top Stories carousel in Google Search, follow these steps:
- Perform a Google search on a news topic that generates a Top Stories section.
- Look for the small star icon or a plus icon next to the Top Stories header.
- Tap or click this icon to open the Preferred Sources selection screen.
- Type the name or URL of the news outlets, blogs, or websites you want to prioritize.
- Select your preferred sources from the list.
- Refresh or reload your search results to see more stories from these chosen sources, which will appear more prominently in your Top Stories carousel and in a dedicated "From your sources" section below it.
Please note that you must be signed into your Google account for these preferences to sync across your devices.
Benefits for Users
This feature offers several benefits for users, including:
- More curated news feeds featuring trusted sources they choose, reducing unwanted or random news stories.
- A customizable search experience that better reflects their interests and preferences.
Google's testing has shown that over half of users choose four or more Preferred Sources.
Benefits for Publishers and Content Creators
Increased visibility and higher chances of their content appearing consistently in Top Stories among users who have selected them as preferred sources is a significant benefit for publishers and content creators. This can lead to more clicks, readership, and user engagement—a clear win-win for both users and publishers.
Publishers can encourage their audiences to add them as preferred sources, which can help increase their reach and engagement. Google provides resources for publishers to promote their site as a Preferred Source in a dedicated help center.
Preferred Sources will be badged with a star icon next to the publication name at the bottom of the card.
With the Preferred Sources feature, users can now specify their favorite local news outlets or sports blogs, and these sources will appear more frequently in Google Search Top Stories when they have published fresh and relevant content for a search. Content from other sites will continue to show up in the Top Stories carousel.
Technology allows users to harness the power of Google's Preferred Sources feature, offering a personalized Top Stories carousel in Google Search. By tailoring news results to preferred sources, users can benefit from more curated news feeds and a customizable search experience that reflects their interests and preferences.
