Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article
TL;DR Summary of Google Search’s New ‘Preferred Sources’ Feature in Top Stories
Google is testing a Preferred Sources feature in Search Labs that lets users select favorite news sources to see more fresh content from them in Top Stories. This experiment is currently available in English for US and India. Users can star sources in the Top Stories carousel, which will then prioritize those sites alongside other news results. This new feature emphasizes the importance of building a strong brand and loyal audience for publishers.
Optimixed’s Overview: How Google’s Preferred Sources Experiment Could Transform News Discovery
Introduction to the Preferred Sources Test
Google is innovating its news delivery on Search by introducing a Preferred Sources option through Search Labs. This feature enables users to customize their Top Stories experience by highlighting content from their chosen news outlets.
How the Feature Works
- Users opt into the experiment via Search Labs available in English for the US and India.
- A star icon appears in the Top Stories carousel, allowing users to mark preferred news sites.
- Once starred, these sources appear more frequently in Top Stories alongside other news results, clearly labeled.
- The system updates dynamically as fresh, relevant articles are published by the selected sources.
Implications for Publishers and Users
This feature encourages publishers to build brand loyalty and cultivate a dedicated readership, as being starred could increase traffic from Google Search. For users, it offers a more tailored news consumption experience, blending trusted sources with a diverse range of perspectives.
Conclusion
Google’s Preferred Sources experiment marks a significant step toward personalized news curation, potentially reshaping how audiences engage with news content and how publishers strategize their digital presence.
