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Google is rolling out a new Preferred Sources button and natural language Discover controls to over 600,000 unique sources to improve content personalization.
Google has introduced a new interactive "Preferred Sources" button and natural language feed controls across Search, Discover, and Google News, marking a shift in how users curate their content and interact with publishers [1, 4]. The update, announced Thursday, aims to strengthen direct connections between readers and publishers while allowing users to refine their feeds with specific, real-time requests [2, 4].
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Company | |
| Unique Sources Selected | 600,000+ |
| Prior Source Count (May) | 345,000+ |
| Primary Features | Preferred Sources button, Natural language Discover controls |
The centerpiece of the update is an interactive "Preferred Sources" button that publishers can embed directly onto their websites [1]. Unlike previous versions that redirected users to a general settings page, this button adds the site to a user’s preferences and immediately returns them to their original location on the publisher’s page [2, 4]. This change is designed to reduce friction for readers while increasing the visibility of selected sites within Top Stories, AI Overviews, and AI Mode [1, 2].
The scale of this ecosystem has grown significantly; Google reports that more than 600,000 unique sources have been selected by users to date, a substantial increase from the 345,000 sources recorded in May [1]. By embedding this button, publishers gain a more direct path to appearing in Google’s AI-driven search results, providing a tangible incentive for sites to adopt the new code available via Google Search Central [1, 2].
Beyond search, Google is updating the Discover feed to allow for more granular, user-led curation. In the coming days, users will be able to tap the three-dot menu on any Discover card to provide specific instructions in natural language, such as requesting more or less of a particular topic or link type [1, 3]. The system is designed to adjust the feed on the fly and remember these preferences, moving away from binary follow/unfollow options toward a more conversational interface [2, 4].
Google is also refining the audio briefing experience within the Google News app on Android [1]. Users can now curate these briefings by selecting specific topics, supported by clear source attribution and direct links to full articles [2, 4]. These briefings leverage the publisher network involved in Google’s news AI pilot program, which the company credits for providing deeper analysis on key stories [1, 2].
The success of these features hinges on whether the new, more seamless button design drives higher adoption among publishers compared to the previous, less integrated badge. As Google continues to weave AI deeper into its search and discovery products, the ability for users to explicitly define their content preferences will likely become a primary factor in how traffic is distributed across the web.
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No, Google documentation states that the feature does not improve site rankings or guarantee that articles will appear in Top Stories.
Ask Maps allows users to chat with the application to plan trips, ask questions about locations, and compare routes or travel costs using real-time data.
No, Google supports domains and subdomains but does not support subdirectories for this feature.
Yes, Google Maps is available on iPhones, and users can access the Ask Maps feature by updating to the latest version of the application.