Google Introduces Preferred Sources Feature for Enhanced News Access

Google has launched a new feature called Preferred Sources for users in India and the United States, aimed at personalizing news search results. This feature allows users to designate specific websites as their trusted sources for news updates, enhancing their search experience by prioritizing content from these selected sites.

With the Preferred Sources feature, users can indicate which news outlets they prefer, ensuring that updates from these sources appear more frequently in their search results. This customization is particularly useful for individuals who wish to receive news from specific blogs, local newspapers, or technology websites.

When users conduct a search on a trending topic, they will encounter a section labeled Top Stories. Next to this section, there is an icon that, when clicked, allows users to choose their preferred sources. After selecting their favorite websites, users can refresh their results to see a greater number of stories from these sources.

The Preferred Sources feature provides two main avenues for users to see their chosen content: a higher frequency of articles appearing in the Top Stories section and the introduction of a dedicated “From your sources” section in the search results. While this personalization enhances the relevance of information, users will still see articles from other sites, broadening their exposure to diverse perspectives.

Google encourages users to select as many sources as they desire. Early testers have often chosen four or more preferred sources, indicating a keen interest in customizing their news feed. For those who have already set up preferred sources through Google Labs, their selections will be automatically transferred, eliminating the need to reselect their choices.

For content creators and publishers, this feature presents an opportunity to increase visibility among users. Google has established a help center providing tips on how to encourage readers to add their sites to their Preferred Sources list.

In summary, the Preferred Sources feature offers a new level of control over news consumption within Google Search. By enabling users to focus on updates from trusted outlets, it aims to streamline the information they receive while still allowing access to a variety of viewpoints. This feature is currently rolling out, and more users in India can expect to enhance their news experience in the coming days.