Google Introduces Preferred Sources in Top Stories for US and Indian Users
Google has officially rolled out its “Preferred Sources” feature for users in the US and India, giving people more control over the news they see in the “Top Stories” section. This new tool, which has now moved out of the testing phase in Google’s Search Labs, allows you to pick which websites you want to see more of. Whether it’s a major news outlet, a local paper, or your favorite blog, you can now tell Google what sources you trust and follow. This update is designed to make your search experience more personal and relevant to your interests.
Using the new feature is simple and easy. When you search for a news-related topic, you’ll see a small star icon next to the “Top Stories” headline. Clicking on this star opens a new menu where you can select your preferred sources. You can add as many as you like. Google’s tests found that many users choose four or more, showing that people enjoy having a variety of trusted sources. Your selections will then be saved to your Google account, so you’ll see more content from those sites every time you search, as long as they have new and relevant articles.
Once you have chosen your favorite sites, Google will begin to show more of their latest articles in the “Top Stories” section. In some cases, you might also see a special “From your sources” area on the search results page, which is dedicated to content from the websites you’ve picked. This helps you quickly find the news you care about from the places you trust. It’s important to know that you will still see content from other sites, as Google wants to keep a balance of information and different viewpoints.
For those who were part of the initial Search Labs testing, your previous selections have been automatically saved and will be applied to the new feature. This makes the transition smooth and effortless. The launch of “Preferred Sources” is a big step towards a more user-driven search experience, giving you the power to shape your news feed. You can update your list of preferred sources at any time, making it a flexible tool for staying informed on the topics and outlets that matter most to you.
