The latest Google News is that an additional feature called the ‘Preferred Sources’ has been launched which lets users customize and prioritise their favourite news sites in Google Search’s Top Stories.
Have you checked the latest Google news in talks? Well, if not let me tell you, Google has introduced a new feature to give users more control over the news and content they see and read. The ‘Preferred Sources’ feature will ensure that you’re not flooded with random news or content that you aren’t even interested in. You can customize and prioritise the news outlets which you like.
In this blog, we will discuss what is the new feature by Google all about, what are its benefits, drawbacks, how to use it and everything else that you need to know about the newly launched ‘preferred sources’ feature.
Table of Contents
What Is The New Feature: ‘Preferred Sources’?
Google is making a major shift on how we used to consume content or news online. With the new feature Google is offering users more control over what shows in their “Top Stories” feed. Google Preferred Sources is a newly launched feature by Google which allows users to customize their search experience by selecting top news outlets that they like and it to their top stories.
This will make these channels or sites appear more frequently on your search result page. It is like customizing your news feed and prioritizing updates from your preferred sources.
- Users will have more control over their feed rather than relying totally on Google’s predefined algorithms.
- You can now select your favorite news source from where you want to get news on your feed.
- This will help users in staying updated with the source or news platforms they value and trust more.
- This also gives a golden chance to the publishers to build a long lasting relationship with their audience.
What Do We Know About Google Preferred Source?
You can think of ‘Preferred Sources’ like telling Google: Hey, I want updates from this publisher first! And Google will customize your news feed according to you. When you add news outlets or sites to your top stories, you will start seeing more of their content in your feed.
The feature will help in reducing the access to unreliable information as people will add official news sites on which they trust. Google is a platform that ensures transparency, it is said that the results will be generated solely on the user preferences.
How To Add A Preferred Source On Google?
If you want to add a preferred source on Google then you can follow the below steps and customize your search results by choosing your top news outlets.
- The first step is to search for any topic that is in the news, let’s suppose you searched “Preferred Source Google News”. You will see an option ‘Top Stories’on your search result page as shown in the below image.
- Click on the icon right to the Top Stories, you will be able to select the outlets you want to prioritize.
- Search for news sites and select the outlets that you like the most. Add them to the list.
- Now after adding two to three websites, click on ‘Reload Results’ and see the updated mix.
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Benefits Of The Preferred Sources Option
The Preferred Source is in top Google News and there are multiple benefits of the newly launched feature by Google. Some of them are listed below.
- Saves time: The new feature by Google helps you to save time by prioritizing the sites you would want to visit. Therefore, no need to scroll for hours trying to find one piece of information.
- Reliable information: When users themselves choose the news outlets, there are high chances of them selecting the official and reliable sites. So, this reduces the chances of getting misguided by the incorrect information.
- Enhanced user experience: This feature will also help in enhancing the user experience by giving them what they need. The content feels more relevant and aligned with your interests.
- Enhanced user control: It also enhances the user control, the users can themselves choose the sites they want the content to be shown. It gives them control over their search results which allows them to focus on the content from the sources they trust and value.
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Drawbacks Of The Preferred Sources Feature
A strong debate is going on all over social media regarding the latest google news of preferred sources launch. Many users said that it is a feature which is restricting the users to get access to a diverse perspective on new information from sources other than the user’s preferred list.
Using Preferred Sources would mean relying completely on the list they prepared and the users would only be exposed to the information from their existing views.
What Google Said About The New Update?
In the official blog post by Google, it was mentioned that users can select as many sources as they like. Google said that they learned from their lab users that people value when they are being able to select the sources they get information from.
Google said “ If you’ve previously signed up in Labs, your selections will automatically apply and you’ll continue to see more of those sites within Top Stories”. You can check out the official blog by clicking here, or have a look at the official statement by Google in the below image.
Tips To Get The Best Out Of The ‘Preferred Sources’
According to the Google News, users can make the best use of the Preferred Sources feature by following the below mentioned points:
- Add both national and international news sites to your top stories to get the latest updates from around the world.
- You must not forget to regularly update your list as per your interests, needs and requirements.
- Don’t just rely on big news outlets which cover a wide range of topics, also add some specialised sources (niche-specific) like tech, finance etc.
- Add only the official sites, or the outlets you trust. Also, cross-check information with other sites to avoid falling for incorrect or misguided information.
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Google News FAQs
Q1. What is Google’s Preferred Sources?
Ans: Google’s Preferred Sources is an option which lets users customize their news feed and prioritize news outlets which they like more. It allows them to see content from their favourite publishers.
Q2. How many sources can I add?
Ans: Till now, Google has not set any limit on the number of sources that you can add. However, add only a manageable list to avoid confusion and clutter.
Q3. Is this feature rolled out worldwide?
Ans: Yes, the Preferred Sources feature is rolled out for all the users across the web and it is accessible on both mobile and desktops.
Q4. Can I change my preferred sources list once I’ve added them?
Ans: Yes you can change or customize your preferred sources list anytime you want.
