Google now lets you pick preferred news sources in search results

Google is introducing a new search feature called “Preferred Sources”, giving users more control over the news outlets and blogs they see in their search results. Initially tested through Google’s experimental Search Labs, the tool is now available to all users conducting English-language searches in the U.S. and India.

With “Preferred Sources,” users can select their favorite news sites and blogs to appear more frequently in the Top Stories section of Google Search. A new star icon will appear next to the Top Stories panel when searching for a topic. Tapping this icon allows users to search for and add preferred outlets. Once sources are chosen, refreshing the results will highlight more stories from those selections.

In some cases, Google will also display a dedicated “From your sources” section below Top Stories, making it even easier to find news from favored outlets.

Google says that during the testing phase, over half of participating users picked four or more preferred sources, signaling strong interest in personalized news curation.

However, the feature also raises questions about filter bubbles—the tendency for algorithms to reinforce a user’s existing beliefs by limiting exposure to differing viewpoints. While the update is designed to make news browsing more personal and convenient, critics warn it could deepen ideological silos by prioritizing content from like-minded publishers.

By moving “Preferred Sources” out of its experimental phase and into general release, Google is taking a step toward more user-driven personalization in Search. Whether that results in richer engagement or narrower perspectives will likely depend on how users choose—and balance—their preferred news sources.