Google has launched its new Preferred Sources feature, giving users in the United States and India unprecedented control over what news outlets and websites appear in the Top Stories section of search results. With this rollout, Google is shifting from algorithm-driven curation to personalisation, allowing searchers to prioritise trusted sources—be it a local news outlet, a favourite sports blog, or a major national publisher.
How to Add Preferred Sources in Google Search
Setting up your preferred sources is straightforward:
- Search for a topic currently in the news: Begin by entering a news-related query in Google Search.
- Find the icon next to Top Stories: On the results page, locate and click the small icon to the right of the Top Stories section.
- Search and select your favourite outlets: A menu appears, allowing you to type in and pick the publications or websites you want to prioritise.
- Refresh your results: Google updates the Top Stories section to surface more content from your chosen sources.
- Look for the “From your sources” section: The results page will now show a dedicated area featuring articles from the outlets you’ve selected. News from other sources also remains visible, ensuring a diverse perspective.
You can select as many preferred sources as you want and adjust your selections anytime. If you’ve participated in earlier Labs experiments, your saved choices will carry over automatically.
What’s New and Why It Matters
- Personalised News: Readers get quicker access to articles from outlets they trust, streamlining the hunt for reliable reporting and tailored interests.
- Publisher Opportunity: Outlets can now encourage loyal audiences to add them as a preferred source, potentially boosting their visibility and traffic.
- Balanced Perspective: Google maintains a mix of outlets in Top Stories, so users aren’t confined to a single viewpoint.
- No Algorithm Override: Algorithmic picks remain, but user choices are foregrounded, promoting both control and variety in news consumption.
Availability
As of August 2025, the feature is rolling out for all English-language Google Search users in the US and India. Users should see the update in the coming days and can access it from both desktop and mobile devices.