Google's integration of artificial intelligence into search has been a double-edged sword for users who rely on trusted news sources. While AI Overviews can provide quick answers, they often pull from a wide range of websites, not always the ones you prefer. Recognizing this, Google has extended its Preferred Sources feature to AI-powered searches, giving users more control over the information they see.

What are Preferred Sources in Google?

Introduced last year as a Google Labs experiment, Preferred Sources is designed to help you access the sites you trust most when you search on any topic. Initially limited to regular Google searches, Google Discover, and Google News' Top Stories, the feature now supports AI Overviews and AI Mode. This means your favorite news sites will appear more prominently in AI response summaries, making it easier to find content from publishers you follow.

For example, if you regularly read technology reviews from ZDNET, adding it as a preferred source ensures its articles are highlighted in AI-generated answers about tech topics. The feature works by analyzing your source list and giving those sites priority in the ranking of links displayed within AI Overviews.

How to add your Preferred Sources to Google AI

Setting up your preferred sources is straightforward. Follow these steps:

• Go to the Google Source preferences page and sign in with your Google account.
• In the "Search by name or website" field, start typing the name or URL of a site you like.
• When the site appears in the suggestions, click the checkbox next to it.
• Repeat to add multiple sources.

Once added, these sources will be clearly labeled in AI Overviews and AI Mode. When you hover over a link from a preferred source within an AI response, you'll see the full site name, publication date, and other details. Click the link to view the full story on the source's website.

It's important to note that your preferred sources won't always appear. The relevance of your search topic to the content published by those sources determines visibility. Google also prioritizes fresh content, so frequently updated sites are more likely to be shown.

New features: Highly Cited badge and source carousel

Beyond preferred sources, Google has introduced two new enhancements to improve the usefulness of AI search results. First, a "Highly Cited" badge now appears next to links on the search results page for stories that have been referenced by many other sources. This helps you identify articles that are generating widespread coverage and are likely to be authoritative.

Second, for developing news topics, Google displays a carousel of thumbnails featuring relevant sources. Your preferred sources are highlighted in this carousel, allowing you to quickly swipe through and select the story that matches your interest. This feature is particularly useful when multiple outlets are covering the same breaking news event.

Why these changes matter

The expansion of Preferred Sources into AI search reflects Google's ongoing effort to balance automation with user control. Since the launch of AI Overviews in 2024, many users have expressed frustration with generic answers that lack context from trusted publishers. By allowing users to curate their source list, Google aims to restore some of the personalization that traditional search once offered.

Moreover, the Highly Cited badge tackles the problem of misinformation by spotlighting stories that have been vetted and referenced by multiple outlets. This is especially valuable during fast-moving events where accuracy is paramount.

From a publisher's standpoint, the Preferred Sources feature creates an incentive for websites to maintain high editorial standards and up-to-date content. Being added to a user's preferred list increases the likelihood of their articles being seen, which can drive traffic and engagement.

Background: The evolution of Google's AI search

Google's journey with AI in search began with the introduction of the Search Generative Experience (SGE) in 2023. Initially available as an opt-in experiment, it provided AI-generated summaries for complex queries. Over time, SGE evolved into AI Overviews, which became a default feature for many search queries in 2024. The integration of Preferred Sources into this system is a natural progression, addressing user demand for more trustworthy and tailored results.

Competitors like Microsoft's Bing have also experimented with AI chat and source prioritization, but Google's vast index and user base give it a unique advantage. The challenge lies in ensuring that AI summaries do not overshadow original content or misattribute facts. The Preferred Sources feature is part of a broader strategy to keep publishers engaged while still delivering quick answers.

Privacy considerations also play a role. Your preferred sources list is tied to your Google account, and the company states that it uses this data solely to personalize your search results. No information about your source preferences is shared with publishers or third parties without your consent.

Looking ahead, Google plans to continue refining the AI search experience. The blog post that announced these updates hinted at further innovations, such as deeper integration with content creators and firsthand perspectives. Users can expect more granular controls over how AI responses are generated, potentially including the ability to exclude certain websites entirely.

For now, the message is clear: Google wants you to have a say in which sources shape your AI-powered search results. By taking a few minutes to set up your preferred sources, you can ensure that the information you see aligns with your interests and trust in specific publishers.

Source: ZDNET News