What you need to know about Google's new feature 'preferred sources'

Google has launched a new feature called the ‘preferred sources’, which lets users customise their experience to see more from their favourite sites within Top Stories.

In an article by Google Search Product Manager Duncan Osborn, he said this will cater for the different preferences about where and how to get news.

The feature will be rolled out in Kenya soon. It has also been introduced in English in the US and India, and “will be broadly available in the coming days”.

“You can select your favourite sources and stay up to date on the latest content from the sites you follow and subscribe to — whether that’s your favourite sports blog or a local news outlet,” Osborn said.

Osborn said after selecting your preferred sources, you will start to see more of their articles prominently displayed within Top Stories when those sources have published fresh and relevant content for your search.

How to select your sources

Osborn directed users to search for a topic that is in the news and click on the icon to the right of Top Stories.

Then search and select your preferred sources.

Refresh your results and see more from your favourite sites.

“Once you select your sources, they will appear more frequently in Top Stories or in a dedicated 'From your sources' section on the search results page,” Osborn said.

“You’ll still see content from other sites, and can manage your selections at any time.”

With the feature, you can select as many sources as you like.

Osborn said they had learnt people value being able to select a range of sources, following an exercise with Labs users.

“If you've previously signed up for Labs, your selections will automatically apply and you’ll continue to see more of those sites within Top Stories,” he added.

Additionally, Google provides an option for publishers to encourage their followers and subscribers to select their website as a preferred source by using resources found in the dedicated help centre.