Google has launched a new “Preferred Sources” feature in its search results, giving users in the United States and India more control over the news they see. The update allows people to choose their favorite news websites and blogs so that stories from these sources appear more often in the Top Stories section of Google Search.
The feature is easy to use. A small star icon now appears next to the Top Stories section in search results. By clicking the star, users can search for and add their preferred news outlets. Once added, these sources will be prioritized in future searches. In some cases, Google will also show a “From your sources” section below Top Stories, offering quick access to articles from chosen outlets.
Preferred Sources was first tested through Google’s Search Labs program, where users had to opt in. During the trial, more than half of the participants selected four or more favorite outlets. Following this positive response, Google is now rolling it out to all English-language search users in the U.S. and India without requiring sign-up.
The company says the feature helps people stay updated with news from outlets they trust. However, experts caution that relying too heavily on selected sources could reduce exposure to different viewpoints and create information bubbles. Google says it will work to balance personalization with diverse content to keep search results informative and broad.
