Google Rolls Out “Preferred Sources” Feature for Better Control Over News

Intermediate | September 8, 2025

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What’s New: Google’s Preferred Sources Feature Gives You Control

Google has introduced a new “preferred sources” feature that lets you decide which news outlets appear more often in the Top Stories section of search results. The feature launched in mid-August and is currently available in the U.S. and India.(Google Blog, Search Engine Land, Search Engine Journal)

How It Works: Simple Steps to Customize Your News

To use it, search for a news topic and click the star icon next to “Top Stories.” Then search for and select your favorite outlets, click “Reload results,” and you’ll soon see more content from those sources—sometimes in a new “From your sources” section.(Search Engine Journal, New Atlas, T3)

What You Can Do and Where It Works

Users can pick as many outlets as they’d like, with many opting for four or more favorites. Google still includes other relevant news in Top Stories—they’re just blended alongside your preferred ones.(Search Engine Land, Search Engine Journal, BGR) This feature is live in U.S. and Indian English search; users outside these regions may not see it yet.(Search Engine Land, PPC Land)

Why It Matters for News Readers

This means you can now shape your news feed. Whether it’s a local news site, a tech blog, or a global outlet, your choices matter. Publishers also benefit—they can encourage readers to add them as a preferred source, gaining more visibility in your search results.(PPC Land, Emplibot)

A Win for Everyday Users and Publishers

For users, it offers more control and trust in what they see. For publishers, it’s a new way to stay connected with loyal readers. It’s a simple yet game-changing change in how we consume news through search.

Vocabulary

Preferred source (noun) – a news site or outlet you choose to prioritize in your search results.
- Example: “I set my preferred sources to include my favorite local paper.”
Top Stories (noun) – a Google search section showing key news articles on a topic.
- Example: “Important updates often appear in Top Stories.”
Star icon (noun) – the clickable symbol next to Top Stories that opens preferred source settings.
- Example: “Tap the star icon to manage your sources.”
Reload (verb) – refresh the search page to apply source selections.
- Example: “Don’t forget to reload results after choosing sources.”
Blend (verb) – to mix together; in this case, news from various outlets.
- Example: “Google blends your preferred sources with other relevant news.”
Visibility (noun) – how prominently something appears.
- Example: “Being a preferred source boosts visibility in search results.”
Customize (verb) – adjust settings to your preference.
- Example: “You can customize your news through preferred sources.”
Loyal readers (noun) – people who regularly read a publication.
- Example: “Publishers want loyal readers to add them as preferred sources.”
Roll out (phrasal verb) – release a new feature to users.
- Example: “Google rolled out the feature in mid‑August.”
Feature (noun) – a functionality of a product.
- Example: “The new feature gives users more control over news.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What is Google’s new “preferred sources” feature?
Where is the feature available right now?
How do you add a source as “preferred” on Google?
What happens after you add preferred sources and reload the page?
Why might this be useful for readers and publishers?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Would you like to choose your own news sources on Google? Why or why not?
How could this feature help people avoid misinformation?
Should schools teach students how to use “preferred sources” for research?
What could publishers do to encourage you to add them as a preferred source?
Do you think similar features will appear in other apps or search engines?

Related Idiom

“Take control” – to actively manage or decide your own situation.
Example: “With Google’s new feature, users can finally take control of their news feed.”

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This article was inspired by reports from Lifewire, New Atlas, and Search Engine Journal.