Prioritization of credible news outlets now implemented by Google Search
In a bid to improve the quality of search results and address user concerns about low-quality news and spammy content, Google has introduced a new feature called Preferred Sources in Search. This innovative tool allows users to choose specific news outlets they trust, which will appear more frequently and prominently in the Top Stories section when searching for news topics [1][2][5].
To enable the Preferred Sources feature, users need to follow a simple process. First, they search a news topic on Google. Next, they click the icon to the right of the Top Stories header. After that, they search for and select their preferred news outlets. Finally, they refresh the search results to see prioritized stories from those sources [1][2][5].
Users can update their selections anytime, and selections from Google Labs experimentation carry over automatically [1][2][5]. The feature is currently available in English Google Search for users in the United States and India [1][2][3]. However, Google has indicated a broader rollout is likely in the future, although no specific timeline or additional regions beyond the U.S. and India have been announced publicly yet [1][2][3].
The Preferred Sources feature provides a new way for users to customize their search results, with a dedicated “From your sources” section on the search results page displaying articles from the user's trusted sources [1][2][5]. This section will appear alongside coverage from other outlets to maintain a mix of perspectives [1][2][5].
After selecting preferred sources, users can refresh the results page to prioritize articles from their trusted sources at the top [2][3]. Google claims that users "really value" the ability to choose their own sources, which is why the feature is now being made available to everyone, not just those part of the Labs program [2][3].
In summary, Google's Preferred Sources feature in Search lets users choose specific news outlets they trust to appear more frequently and prominently in the Top Stories section when searching for news topics. The feature is currently available in English Google Search for users in the United States and India, and a broader rollout is expected in the future, although no specific timeline or additional regions have been announced yet.
| Aspect | Details | |----------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | What it does | Prioritizes articles from user-chosen trusted sources in Top Stories | | How to enable | Select sources via icon next to Top Stories in Google Search, refresh results | | Current availability | English Google Search in U.S. and India (rolled out August 2025) | | Regions beyond U.S. and India | No announced timeline; broader rollout expected but unspecified |
[1] Google Search Help. (n.d.). Preferred sources. Retrieved from https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/10457337 [2] The Verge. (2025, August 1). Google puts the power to choose news sources in users' hands with Preferred Sources. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2025/8/1/23285605/google-preferred-sources-search-news-outlets [3] TechCrunch. (2025, August 1). Google launches Preferred Sources in Search, letting users choose which news outlets to prioritize. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/01/google-preferred-sources-search/ [4] The Guardian. (2025, August 1). Google introduces Preferred Sources feature to let users choose their news sources. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/aug/01/google-introduces-preferred-sources-feature-to-let-users-choose-their-news-sources [5] Ars Technica. (2025, August 1). Google's Preferred Sources feature lets you choose which news outlets appear at the top of search results. Retrieved from https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2025/08/googles-preferred-sources-feature-lets-you-choose-which-news-outlets-appear-at-the-top-of-search-results/
Technology played a significant role in Google's effort to improve the quality of search results. With the introduction of Preferred Sources in Search, users can now utilize technology to personalize their search results by choosing specific news outlets they trust. This can be done by following a simple process on Google Search that involves searching a news topic, clicking the icon next to the Top Stories header, selecting preferred news outlets, and refreshing the search results to see prioritized stories from those sources.
