Google Search adds Preferred Sources to AI Overviews, introduces article carousels

Google Search brings Preferred Sources to AI-powered experiences

Google has rolled out significant updates for its Search platform, expanding the Preferred Sources feature to AI Overviews and Google AI Mode. The feature, which first debuted in the US and India last year before becoming globally available last month, allows users to select trusted websites they want to see more often in search results1

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. Now, as AI-generated search results become more prevalent, Google is addressing a key concern: helping users find trusted websites within AI responses.

Starting today, websites selected as Preferred Sources will be clearly labeled with "Preferred" badges when they appear in AI Overviews and AI Mode responses2

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. This mirrors how the feature already works in the Top Stories section of traditional search results. Users are twice as likely to click through to a Preferred Source, and more than 345,000 unique sources have already been selected across the platform3

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. Google plans to take this further by using Preferred Sources as a ranking signal across its AI Search features, ensuring that selected sources appear more frequently in future responses2

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Users can manage their preferences by visiting google.com/preferences/source, where any website that publishes fresh content is eligible to be added3

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. This customization addresses a growing need for personalized discovery of trusted information as AI Overviews reduce the visibility of traditional Top Stories sections1

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New article carousels surface timely content and diverse perspectives

Beyond Preferred Sources, Google Search is introducing new carousel-based experiences designed to surface relevant content more effectively. For searches about developing topics, users will see a prominent article carousel featuring timely coverage from different publishers3

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. These article carousels may also highlight Preferred Sources, giving users initial context and multiple content options before they decide which source to explore further2

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Google is also preparing a similar carousel focused on perspectives from online discussions, forums, and social media platforms3

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. This feature targets searches where users seek opinions, experiences, or insights shared by others online. According to Duncan Osborn, Product Manager for Google Search, these changes are part of ongoing efforts to connect users with trusted sources, creator content, and firsthand perspectives across the web3

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Highly Cited label expands to identify original reporting

Google is also expanding its Highly Cited label to more article links across search results2

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. This badge highlights stories and primary reporting that are frequently referenced by other publishers and articles, helping users identify influential coverage more easily3

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. Google Search will also indicate when an article explicitly references a Highly Cited source, creating a clearer path to original reporting.

These updates signal Google's attempt to balance the efficiency of AI-generated search results with user demand for transparency and source control. As AI Mode and AI Overviews continue to reshape how people interact with search, the ability to customize and identify trusted sources becomes increasingly important. The integration of Preferred Sources into AI Search experiences, combined with enhanced article carousels and citation transparency, suggests Google is working to maintain publisher visibility and user trust in an AI-dominated search landscape. All features are rolling out starting today across Google Search globally.