NAIROBI, Kenya – Google is rolling out a new “Preferred Sources” feature that will allow users to choose their favourite news websites and see more stories from them in the Top Stories section of Search results.
The tool, already available in English in select countries, will launch in Kenya in the coming months on both desktop and mobile.
Google says it is designed to give readers greater control over the news they see online.
The feature works by letting users “star” preferred publishers—whether a national newspaper, niche blog, or local outlet—so their articles appear more prominently when searching for trending topics.
Selected outlets will either feature more often in the Top Stories carousel or in a dedicated “From your sources” section.
How it works
On mobile, users can activate Preferred Sources by searching for a topic in Google, tapping the star icon in the Top Stories box, and selecting from a list of suggested publishers.
On desktop, the process is similar, with the star icon appearing in the Top Stories module.
Preferences sync across devices when signed into a Google account, and can be updated anytime.
Potential impact
Google says the move will “empower choice” and improve trust in the news experience by prioritising outlets that readers value most.
However, some media analysts warn it could widen visibility gaps between large, established publishers and smaller outlets struggling to attract audiences.
The company is encouraging publishers to actively invite readers to add them as preferred sources by using call-to-action links or banners.
The feature is expected to expand to more countries and languages later this year.
