Google has expanded its Preferred Sources feature to include AI-powered search experiences, giving users more control over which websites appear when they use AI Overviews or AI Mode. The update, announced in a blog post, allows individuals to designate specific news sources as preferred, ensuring those sites are highlighted in AI-generated summaries and results. This builds on the feature's previous availability for regular Google searches, Google Discover, and Google News' Top Stories.
How Preferred Sources Work in AI Searches
Preferred Sources, initially launched as a Google Labs experiment last year, was designed to help users access the websites they trust most. Until now, the feature was limited to traditional search results. With the latest change, users can now see their selected sources prominently labeled in AI Overviews and AI Mode responses. When a user performs a search that triggers an AI-generated summary, links from their preferred sources will be clearly marked and positioned to stand out alongside the AI content.
To set up Preferred Sources, users must be signed into their Google account and navigate to the Source preferences page. From there, they can search for a website by name or URL, and click the checkbox next to the desired site to add it. Multiple sources can be added, and Google will prioritize them in relevant searches where the content matches the user's query. For example, a user who adds a technology news site will see that site's articles more frequently in AI responses about tech topics.
Google emphasizes that the feature does not guarantee that a preferred source will always appear; the topic must be relevant to the source's published content. Additionally, Google favors sources that produce fresh content, ensuring users receive the latest information. This means that while a preferred source is more likely to show up, it still competes with other high-quality, timely results.
Understanding AI Overviews and AI Mode
AI Overviews are Google's AI-generated summaries that appear at the top of search results for certain queries. They provide a concise answer synthesized from multiple sources, with links to the original pages. AI Mode, introduced more recently, is a dedicated search experience that relies entirely on AI to generate responses, similar to a conversational assistant. Both features leverage Google's Gemini models to understand queries and retrieve relevant information from the web.
By integrating Preferred Sources into these AI-driven experiences, Google aims to address user concerns about the reliability and transparency of AI-generated content. Many users have expressed a desire to see information from sources they personally trust, especially for news and sensitive topics. The update allows users to tailor AI results to their preferences, potentially increasing confidence in the accuracy of the information.
This move also reflects Google's broader strategy to balance AI capabilities with user control. In recent months, the company has introduced several features designed to give users more say over how search results are generated, including tools to disable AI Overviews and options to customize search settings. The expansion of Preferred Sources is the latest in a series of updates aimed at making AI search more customizable and trustworthy.
New Features: Highly Cited Badge and Source Carousel
In addition to the Preferred Sources expansion, Google announced two other enhancements for AI-powered searches. The first is a "Highly Cited" badge that appears next to links in search results for developing news topics. This badge indicates that a story has been frequently referenced by other publications, helping users identify the most influential or widely covered articles. The badge is designed to assist users in quickly finding authoritative content during fast-breaking news events.
The second feature is a carousel of source thumbnails that appears for certain queries, particularly those related to ongoing news stories. The carousel displays relevant sources, with the user's preferred sources highlighted. Users can swipe or scroll through the thumbnails to preview story details and click through to the full article. This visual format is intended to make it easier for users to explore multiple perspectives and choose the story that best matches their interests.
Both features are part of Google's ongoing effort to connect users with high-quality web content. The company has stated that highlighting trusted sources, creator content, and firsthand perspectives helps users search with more confidence. The "Highly Cited" badge, in particular, leverages the collective judgment of other publishers to surface stories that are generating significant discussion.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Preferred Sources
To take advantage of the new AI integration, users need to configure their Preferred Sources settings. Here is a detailed guide:
- Open a web browser and sign in to your Google account.
- Go to the Source preferences page (accessible from Google Search settings or directly via a URL).
- In the "Search by name or website" field, type the name or web address of a news site you want to add. For example, typing "technology news" may bring up relevant options.
- Click the checkbox next to the site when it appears in the suggestions. The site will be added to your list of preferred sources.
- Repeat the process for any additional sources you wish to include. You can add multiple sites across different categories.
- Once configured, perform a search either through regular Google Search, AI Overviews, or AI Mode. If your query is relevant to one of your preferred sources, that source will be labeled and prioritized in the results.
Google recommends keeping the list up to date, as preferred sources that cease publishing fresh content may not appear as frequently. Users can also remove sources at any time through the same preferences page.
Background: The Evolution of Google's Search Personalization
Preferred Sources is part of a longer history of personalization features in Google Search. The company introduced personalized search results in 2009, using browsing history and other signals to tailor results. Over the years, Google has refined these features, offering tools like Search preferences, location-based results, and the ability to block certain sites. The Preferred Sources concept emerged from user feedback indicating that many people wanted a simpler way to indicate which websites they trust.
With the rise of AI-generated content, the need for user control has become more pronounced. AI models can sometimes generate inaccurate or misleading information, and users may want to prioritize sources they have vetted themselves. By allowing users to designate preferred sources, Google shifts some of the responsibility for content verification from the algorithm to the individual, at least for the sources they explicitly choose.
However, critics argue that such features could create filter bubbles, where users only see content from a narrow set of sources, potentially reinforcing biases. Google has acknowledged this risk and notes that preferred sources do not completely replace other results; they are simply highlighted. The company also includes signals like freshness, relevance, and authority to ensure a diverse range of results is still presented.
Implications for Publishers and Users
For news publishers, the expansion of Preferred Sources into AI searches presents both opportunities and challenges. Publishers that are frequently added as preferred sources could see increased traffic from AI-generated results, as their links will be more visible. Smaller or niche publishers might benefit if they attract a dedicated audience that adds them to their preferences. However, publishers that are not added by many users may find it harder to gain visibility in AI results, especially if the feature becomes widely adopted.
For users, the feature offers a way to cut through the noise and find content from trusted outlets. In an era where misinformation can spread quickly, having the ability to prioritize vetted sources can improve the quality of information consumed. However, users must be proactive in setting up their preferred sources and regularly review their list to ensure it remains relevant to their interests.
Google has also indicated that the feature will continue to evolve. The company stated in its blog post that these changes build on recent updates to connect users with the best of the web. "Highlighting trusted sources, creator content, and firsthand perspectives helps you search with more confidence. This is an area where we're constantly innovating, and there is much more to come," the company said, hinting at future enhancements.
Technical Notes and Limitations
It is important to note that the Preferred Sources feature is currently available for Google Search in English in the United States, with plans to expand to other languages and regions in the future. The AI Overviews and AI Mode integrations are rolling out gradually, so some users may not see the changes immediately. Google recommends ensuring that the Google app or browser is up to date for the best experience.
Additionally, Preferred Sources do not apply to all types of queries. For example, local search results, product listings, and certain specialized search categories may not be affected. The feature is primarily designed for informational and news-related queries. Google also uses automated systems to detect abuse or attempts to manipulate the preferences system, and the company reserves the right to restrict the feature if it violates policies.
Users who want to learn more can visit Google's help center for detailed documentation on configuring Preferred Sources. The company also provides a feedback mechanism for users to report issues or suggest improvements.
Source: ZDNET News