Google has just rolled out a new Preferred Sources feature in Search to help give users more control over the news they see in the Top Stories section. The update is currently available to English-language users in the United States and India and allows you to select your favorite news sources so they appear more frequently in your results. To use it, you simply search for a trending topic, tap the icon next to the Top Stories section, choose as many preferred outlets as you like, and refresh the results. Once set, you’ll start seeing a “From your sources” section showcasing stories from those outlets whenever relevant news is available. If you’ve previously tried this in Google Labs, your saved preferences will automatically continue.
The main reason this feature matters is that it gives you the ability to prioritize trustworthy or relevant sources without completely filtering out other perspectives, as Google will still provide a mix of outlets for balanced coverage. It also benefits publishers, who can encourage loyal readers to set them as a preferred source, helping their content reach audiences faster. Early reactions from tech reviewers have been positive, with some calling it one of the best updates to Google Search in years. The experience works smoothly across major browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox on both desktop and mobile, and it’s simple enough that even casual users can set it up in seconds.
With a broader rollout planned in the coming months, this move reflects a growing trend toward personalization in digital platforms. For users, it means more relevant and trusted news at their fingertips, and for publishers, it opens a new channel to connect directly with engaged audiences. In a world overflowing with information, Google’s Preferred Sources feature could be a small but significant step toward quality over chaos.
