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Google now lets users prioritize specific news outlets in AI Overviews and Search. See how this update impacts publisher traffic and AI-generated content.
Google is expanding its "Preferred Sources" feature to AI Overviews and AI Mode, allowing users to prioritize content from specific publishers across its search ecosystem [3]. The move aims to increase the visibility of chosen news outlets within AI-generated responses, addressing long-standing concerns regarding declining referral traffic to media websites [1].
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Company | |
| Feature | Preferred Sources in AI |
| Availability | Rolling out now |
| Integration | AI Overviews, AI Mode, Top Stories |
The Preferred Sources feature, which originated as a Google Labs experiment, previously functioned only within standard search results, Google News, and the Discover feed [3]. By extending this to AI Overviews and AI Mode, Google is attempting to ensure that users see links from their selected outlets even when the search engine provides an AI-generated summary [3]. When a user selects a preferred source, those sites will be clearly labeled and highlighted within the AI response, provided the content is relevant to the search query [3].
This update follows mounting pressure from regulators, including the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority, regarding the impact of AI-generated search results on the publishing industry [1]. In June, Google began allowing websites to opt out of appearing in AI-generated results, and the current expansion of Preferred Sources serves as an additional mechanism to connect users with original publisher content [2]. While Google maintains that the feature helps users access trusted sources, the actual impact on publisher traffic remains to be seen as the rollout progresses [1].
Beyond search results, Google is integrating its Gemini chatbot into the Discover feed, which is accessible via the Google app, Chrome, and Android [2]. Users will be able to converse with Gemini directly within the feed, which Google states will adjust in real-time based on user requests [1]. Additionally, the company is updating its Android News app to allow for more granular customization of audio news briefings, including specific topic selection and clearer source attribution [2].
The success of these changes depends on whether users actively curate their preferences to favor specific outlets. While the update provides a clearer path for publishers to reach their audience, it does not guarantee traffic, as Google continues to prioritize content relevance and freshness in its AI-driven responses [3].
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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.