Google has introduced an embeddable button that lets publishers be marked as preferred sources by readers, boosting their visibility across Search, Discover, and Google News. This move aims to counter traffic declines attributed to AI-powered search features, building on the earlier rollout of Preferred Sources in AI Mode and AI Overviews.
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Google has introduced an embeddable 'Preferred Sources' button that lets readers mark preferred sources and highlights them in Search, Discover, and News. The move aims to mitigate traffic declines caused by AI search and expands on a feature launched in May.
Google's rollout of the 'Preferred Sources' button comes as publishers face criticism over declining website traffic due to AI-driven search features. The button allows readers to mark websites as favorites, giving them more prominent placement in Google Search, Discover, and Google News.
The move is seen as Google's response to publisher concerns, aiming to help publishers offset traffic losses from AI search growth by enhancing user control over sources.
Readers can add preferred publishers by searching for names or websites on Google's source preferences page. Google says that since the feature launched in May, users have selected over 345,000 unique sources.
Google cites previous research that users are twice as likely to click on preferred sources than others, a positioning intended to encourage publishers to adopt the tool.
In addition to the button, Google announced that readers will soon be able to customize their Discover feed using natural language commands via the three-dot menu, adjusting recommended topics in real time. This feature aligns with the trend of social media platforms introducing user-controlled algorithms.
Additionally, Android users will be able to customize audio daily briefings in the Google News app.
This article's information is sourced from The AI Insider's report, which is a secondary source. All specific data (such as 345,000 sources and twice the click-through rate) comes from Google's statements and has not been independently verified.
Google's 'Preferred Sources' button is a practical tool to address AI search traffic decline by enhancing user control to boost publisher visibility. Publishers should monitor its effectiveness and consider integrating the feature.
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