After testing in June, Google Search is now rolling out the ability to set your “Preferred Sources” for a more personalized Top Stories carousel in the US and India.
The Top Stories section appears when you search for news. At the moment, the articles that appear in the carousel are “selected algorithmically.”
You can now specify Preferred Sources so that your favorite websites appear — “when those sources have published fresh and relevant content for your search” — more frequently in Google Search Top Stories. They will be badged with a star icon next to the publication name at the bottom of the card, and can also appear in a smaller “From your sources” carousel. Google notes how you “can select as many sources as you like.”
To set on mobile and desktop Search:
- Search for a topic that’s in the news and click on the icon to the right of Top Stories.
- Search and select your preferred sources.
- Refresh your results and see more from your favorite sites.
It’s important to note that “content from other sites” will continue to show up. This can be used to favorite a local news outlet or sports blog.
In testing, Google has found that “people really value being able to select a range of sources — with over half of users choosing four or more.” Those that signed up for the Search Lab will have their selections “automatically apply” to the stable launch.
Preferred Sources are rolling starting today with full US and India availability in the coming days.
Google says “publishers can encourage their followers and subscribers to select their website as a preferred source on Google by using resources found in this dedicated help center.”
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