Google is experimenting with a new feature that lets you personalize the Top Stories in your search results by selecting your preferred news sources.
This feature is currently available via Search Labs in the U.S. and India. The experiment empowers you to influence which publishers appear in your news queries.
Customize Your News
By joining the experiment, you’ll notice a star icon in the Top Stories carousel. Clicking it opens a menu to select your favorite publications.
Articles from these chosen sources are more likely to appear in Top Stories. They will feature a star icon next to the site name, complementing Google’s algorithmic selections.
Google may also introduce a “From your sources” carousel beneath the main Top Stories section.
Personalization Trends
The Preferred Sources feature enhances Google’s personalization tools, such as highlighting frequently visited content and showing recent updates.
A “Try without personalization” option ensures transparency and user control at the bottom of search results.
Impact on Publishers
For publishers, this change could boost visibility, especially for those with loyal audiences. However, smaller outlets might find it challenging to compete if users favor well-known brands.
This experiment emphasizes the importance of brand recognition, direct audience engagement, and fresh content. Cyberset can assist with Content Marketing strategies to enhance your brand’s visibility.
Future of Search
This initiative is part of Google’s strategy to balance algorithmic discovery with user-driven customization. The experiment hints at Google’s interest in giving users more control over their search experiences.
If widely adopted, the Preferred Sources feature could transform how publishers and marketers, like those using Cyberset’s SEO and Pay Per Click Marketing services, approach visibility in Google Search.
