Google is no stranger when it comes to experiments that change the Google Search experience. Some sit well with users, like improvements to Discover, while others, like AI Overviews, do the opposite.

The tech giant is now back at it with a new experiment — one that brings the Google Search experience a little closer to Discover.

An Android phone several apps and Google Chrome.

In a new blog post detailing how users can get the most out of their Google Search experience, the tech giant laid out several pointers and features that we’ve had access to for a while now. This includes options to pick your favorite teams, an option to “save your favorite styles” when you’re shopping online, updates on top stories, and more.

More importantly, though, it also serves as the official announcement for Google’s new Preferred Sources experiment for Search.

A graphich highlighting preferred sources in Google Search's Top Stories.

Source: Google

Currently available in English to users in the US and India, Preferred Sources, as its name suggests, surfaces more results in Google Search’s Top Stories from the websites you trust and love, “whether that’s your favorite sports blog or local newspaper,” wrote the tech giant.

The feature’s icon will appear as a starred placard on the top right of your Google Search Top Stories. When you tap it for the first time, you’ll have the option to select your preferred sources, but only if the source is regularly publishing fresh content. Once you’ve made relevant selections, you’ll start seeing more of the latest articles and posts from the chosen sources in your Top Stories. Moreso, these will appear when they are relevant to your search query.

Your sources will be clearly labeled and will appear in addition to other results in Top Stories, so you can see what your favorite sites have to say along with a range of sources.

In its current experimental phase, the new feature is limited to those who opt to try it out via Search Labs. Knowing Google, though, the feature should soon make its way to users in those countries widely.

Here’s how you can opt in

blue green and pink beaker on white background with green wavy line

Mobile

  • Open the Google app on your smartphone.
  • Tap the Labs button (flask icon) on the top-left.
  • Navigate to the experiments section.
  • Tap Turn on under Preferred Sources.

Desktop

  • Head to the Google Labs website.
  • Under Experiments, turn on Preferred Sources.