Google Search introduces Preferred Sources for tailored news results

Google is rolling out a new feature designed to give users more control over the news and information they see in search results. Known as “Preferred Sources,” the tool allows people to select their favorite publishers and websites so that stories from those outlets appear more frequently and prominently within Google Search.

The update launches today for users in the United States and India, with the global search giant promising that the rollout will be completed within a few days. Once available, the feature can be accessed directly from the “Top stories” section in search results. A small icon to the right of the “Top stories” header opens a menu where users can search for and select their preferred news sources.

After making a selection, users can refresh their search results to instantly see more content from the outlets they trust most. These preferences are saved automatically, meaning that future searches will continue to highlight stories from the chosen sources without requiring repeated setup. In addition to appearing in “Top stories,” articles from these sources will also be grouped under a dedicated “From your sources” section on the search results page, giving them greater visibility.

Importantly, Google emphasizes that the feature will not filter out other perspectives entirely. Search results will still include content from a broad range of websites, but Preferred Sources will be featured more prominently and appear more often. The aim is to create a more personalized news experience while still maintaining diversity of viewpoints in search results.

Users can adjust their selections at any time, removing or adding outlets as their interests change. There’s no limit to the number of Preferred Sources one can choose, allowing people to customize their feed as broadly or narrowly as they like.

The introduction of Preferred Sources reflects a growing trend among major tech platforms to give audiences more agency over the information they consume. While algorithms have long shaped the flow of news online, features like this shift some of that control back to the user. For Google, it is also a way to respond to the evolving needs of people who want a quicker route to stories from outlets they already know and trust.

By making it easier for users to surface content from their favorite publications, Google is effectively bridging the gap between personalized content curation and the open web. Whether for following breaking news from a trusted national broadcaster or keeping up with niche industry insights from specialized blogs, the new feature aims to streamline access to relevant and reliable information.

Although initially limited to the US and India, the move could pave the way for broader international adoption. If well-received, Preferred Sources could become a staple of Google Search worldwide, potentially reshaping how millions of people access and prioritize news in their daily searches.