Google has introduced a new feature to help publishers struggling with declining traffic caused by AI-driven search changes. The interactive 'Preferred Sources' button allows readers to mark a publisher as a favorite, which Google will then highlight more prominently in its Search, Discover, and News services. This initiative is part of Google's ongoing effort to address the impact of its AI-powered search features on content creators.
The 'Preferred Sources' option is now available for publishers to embed on their websites. Readers can select a site as a favorite by visiting Google's source preferences page and searching for the publisher by name or website. According to Google, users are twice as likely to click through to a preferred source when it is available, which can drive more traffic to publishers’ websites. The feature was first introduced in May as part of Google's AI experiences, including AI Mode and AI Overviews, and was previously available in Top Stories.
Google also announced that users will soon be able to customize their Discover feed in the Google app by using natural language commands. Readers can tap the three-dot menu in the feed and tell Google what topics they want to see more or less of. This helps refine the feed in real time. Additionally, Android users will be able to customize their audio daily briefings in the Google News app. These updates are part of a broader trend where companies are using AI to offer personalized content experiences.
Source: techcrunch
