Google's AI-powered search features, including AI Overviews and AI Mode, have transformed how users interact with search results. However, these AI summaries often pull from a wide range of sources, which may not always align with a user's preferred news outlets. To address this, Google has now extended its Preferred Sources feature to cover AI-generated search results, allowing users to ensure their favorite sites appear more prominently. This update, announced in a recent blog post, builds on the company's efforts to give users more control over their search experience.

What is the Preferred Sources feature?

First introduced as a Google Labs experiment last year, Preferred Sources was designed to help users access websites they trust most when conducting search queries. Initially, the feature was limited to standard web searches, Google Discover, and the Top Stories section of Google News. With the latest expansion, it now also applies to AI Overviews and AI Mode, which are Google's newer AI-driven search interfaces. This means users can influence which sources are highlighted in the AI-generated summaries that appear at the top of search results for many queries.

When a user adds a site like CNN, The New York Times, or a niche technology blog as a preferred source, that site's content is more likely to appear in the links and citations within AI Overviews. The site will be clearly labeled as a "Preferred Source" to help users identify it among other results. Google has stated that this feature is designed to work transparently, with the preferred sources being visually distinct in the AI response.

How Preferred Sources works in AI Overviews

To use this feature, users need to be signed into their Google account and navigate to the Source preferences page. From there, they can search for a website by name or URL and add it to their list of preferred sources. Multiple sources can be added, and users can manage their list at any time. Once set, when a user performs a search that triggers an AI Overview, the system will check if any of the user's preferred sources have relevant content. If so, that content will be given priority in the AI-generated response, appearing within the summary or as a linked source.

It is important to note that the feature does not guarantee that preferred sources will always appear. The relevance of the content to the query is still a primary factor. Additionally, Google's algorithms continue to prioritize fresh, high-quality content from authoritative sources. The Preferred Sources feature works best when the user's preferred sources have published content directly related to the search topic. For developing news stories, Google may also display a carousel of thumbnails from relevant sources, with preferred sources highlighted for easier identification.

Step-by-step guide to setting up Preferred Sources

Setting up Preferred Sources is straightforward. First, ensure you are signed into your Google account. Then, go to the Source preferences page (accessible via Google Search settings or directly). In the search field labeled "Search by name or website," start typing the name of the website you want to add. As you type, Google will suggest matching sites. Click the checkbox next to the desired site to add it. You can repeat this process for multiple sources. Once added, these sources will be used across all supported surfaces, including AI Overviews and AI Mode.

To verify the feature is working, perform a search on a topic related to your added sources. For example, if you added a tech news site, search for "latest smartphone reviews." The AI Overview should include links or citations from that site, marked with a label indicating it is a preferred source. If you hover over the link, you will see the full name, date, and other details. Clicking the link takes you directly to the source's website.

Expanding the AI search experience

Beyond the Preferred Sources update, Google has introduced additional features to enhance the AI search experience. One notable addition is the "Highly Cited" badge, which appears next to articles that are frequently referenced by other sources. This badge appears on the search results page, helping users identify stories that are gaining traction or are considered important by multiple outlets. For users researching developing topics, this can be a valuable tool for quickly finding the most widely covered information.

Another feature is the improved carousel display for news queries. When searching for a fast-breaking story, Google now shows a carousel of relevant sources, with the user's preferred ones highlighted. This makes it easier to scan through different perspectives and choose the story that best fits the user's preferences. The carousel is designed to work seamlessly on both desktop and mobile devices.

Google has emphasized that these changes are part of a broader strategy to connect users with the best of the web. The company has been investing heavily in AI while also trying to maintain a healthy ecosystem of publishers and creators. The Preferred Sources feature, especially its extension to AI, is seen as a way to give users more agency over the information they consume, while also supporting trusted sources.

Background and historical context

The development of AI Overviews and AI Mode represents a significant shift in how Google approaches search. Traditionally, search results were presented as a list of blue links. With the rise of generative AI, Google began integrating AI-generated summaries that synthesize information from multiple sources. This has raised concerns among publishers about reduced traffic, as users may not need to click through to websites if the AI summary provides enough information. The Preferred Sources feature is partly a response to these concerns, as it ensures that trusted sites still receive visibility and clicks from AI-driven searches.

Google's Preferred Sources experiment initially launched in 2024 under the Google Labs umbrella. It was gradually rolled out to more users based on feedback. The feature's expansion to AI Overviews and AI Mode was announced at Google I/O 2025, where the company also unveiled other AI-related search enhancements. Similarly, Microsoft's Bing has introduced comparable features, such as the ability to prioritize certain domains in AI-powered chat results. This competition between search engines is driving rapid innovation in how AI handles source selection.

For users who care about news quality and source diversity, the Preferred Sources feature offers a practical way to shape their search experience. It allows individuals to curate their information diet without relying solely on algorithmic recommendations. At the same time, it provides publishers with a direct channel to their audience, as users who add a site as a preferred source are more likely to see and engage with its content.

Limitations and considerations

While the Preferred Sources feature is powerful, it has some limitations. First, it only works when the user is signed into their Google account and has set their preferences. Incognito or private browsing sessions will not use these settings. Second, the feature is currently available in select regions and languages, though Google plans to expand it. Third, users may find that not all preferred sources appear for every query; the relevance and freshness of content remain key ranking factors.

Another consideration is that the feature does not block other sources. It merely boosts the visibility of preferred ones. Users who want to exclude certain sites entirely need to rely on other mechanisms, such as search operators or browser extensions. Additionally, Google's algorithms still apply quality guidelines, so low-quality or spammy sites are unlikely to appear even if added as preferred sources.

For power users, combining Preferred Sources with other search features like date filters or custom search settings can yield even more targeted results. Google has also hinted at future enhancements, such as the ability to create source lists for different topics or to share preferences across devices.

Impact on publishers and content creators

The expansion of Preferred Sources to AI Overviews has mixed implications for publishers. On one hand, it provides an opportunity for trusted sites to retain visibility in an AI-dominated search landscape. Publishers that invest in building a loyal audience can benefit if those users add them as preferred sources. On the other hand, the feature may entrench existing biases, as users tend to add sources they already know, potentially reducing exposure to diverse or alternative viewpoints.

Content creators can encourage users to add their site as a preferred source by promoting the feature through calls to action, as seen in many news articles. However, the effectiveness of such strategies depends on the trust and authority the site has already built. For small or independent publishers, competing with established names like BBC or Reuters may remain challenging, but the feature at least offers a level playing field once a user manually adds a source.

Google has stated that it is constantly innovating in this area, with more updates expected. The company is also working on improving transparency around how AI selects sources, including showing a "Sources" button that lists all references used in an AI Overview. This, combined with the Preferred Sources option, gives users greater insight into the information they consume.

Overall, the integration of Preferred Sources into Google's AI-powered search is a notable step toward user-centric search. It acknowledges that no single algorithm can perfectly serve every individual's preferences, and it empowers users to take an active role in curating their search experience. As AI continues to reshape how we access information, features like this will likely become increasingly important for maintaining a healthy information ecosystem.

Source: ZDNET News