Google tests prompt-based controls for Discover personalisation

Google is testing a more granular form of personalisation for its Discover feed that allows signed-in users to tell the service, in plain language, what they want to see and what they do not.

The test signals a shift toward explicit, AI-driven control of recommendation systems, a change that could alter how audiences encounter news and how publishers compete for attention on one of the web’s most important distribution surfaces.

Announced through Google’s Search Labs experiments and reported by several outlets, the feature extends a broader industry move toward promptable recommendation tools already appearing on platforms including Spotify, Threads, Instagram and YouTube.

According to reports by 9to5Google and Android Central, the feature appears as “Tailor your feed” inside Search Labs. It opens a prompt box where users can type natural-language requests such as “Keep me updated on the Bundesliga” or “Show me posts from OnlineMarketing.de and t3n.” Discover’s AI then updates the feed in real time and retains those preferences.

“Discover’s AI will update your feed instantly and remember your preferences, which you can adjust anytime,” Google said.

Follow-up prompts and an AI chat thread allow users to refine tone, formats, publishers, creators or exclusions, for example asking only for vegan or gluten-free recipes. Android Authority and Business Standard report the experiment is currently limited to Search Labs participants in the United States and to US English.

The test builds on earlier Discover experiments. Android Central and TechCrunch note Google has previously trialled features such as Daily Listen, an automatically generated audio briefing drawn from a user’s Discover feed, alongside changes that introduce social posts and short-form video.

In a blog post outlining Discover updates in September 2025, Google said it was also working to surface more content types, let users follow publishers and creators directly and offer previews before following.

For users, the appeal is straightforward. Prompt-based controls promise faster and more precise tailoring of recommendations without repeatedly training the algorithm through clicks or “Not interested” signals.

Observers also see the feature as part of a wider push toward AI-assisted personalisation that can support specific projects, moods or formats, and in some cases reduce the need to visit external sites for summaries or audio briefings.

The same reports highlight risks for publishers and for public discourse. More explicit preference-setting tightens the connection between declared interests and advertising targeting, improving ad relevance for platforms. Business Standard and 9to5Google warn that highly granular feeds could deepen content bubbles, limit serendipitous discovery and make it harder for smaller outlets to reach new audiences.

The ability to prioritise or exclude specific sources may concentrate attention on already dominant publishers and creators.

Source: Noah Wire Services

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
10

Notes:
The narrative is based on a recent press release from Google, dated December 15, 2025, announcing the ‘Tailor your feed’ feature for Discover. This indicates high freshness. The feature is currently in early testing and is available in US English. ([9to5google.com](https://9to5google.com/2025/12/15/google-discover-tailor-prompts/?utm_source=openai))

Quotes check

Score:
10

Notes:
The direct quotes from Google’s announcement, such as ‘Discover’s AI will update your feed instantly and remember your preferences, which you can adjust anytime,’ are unique to this press release and have not been found in earlier material. This suggests originality and exclusivity. ([9to5google.com](https://9to5google.com/2025/12/15/google-discover-tailor-prompts/?utm_source=openai))

Source reliability

Score:
10

Notes:
The narrative originates from Google’s official press release, a reputable and authoritative source. This enhances the credibility of the information presented. ([9to5google.com](https://9to5google.com/2025/12/15/google-discover-tailor-prompts/?utm_source=openai))

Plausability check

Score:
10

Notes:
The claims about the ‘Tailor your feed’ feature are consistent with Google’s known initiatives in AI-driven personalization. The feature’s description aligns with previous experiments like ‘Daily Listen,’ indicating plausibility. ([9to5google.com](https://9to5google.com/2025/12/15/google-discover-tailor-prompts/?utm_source=openai))

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The narrative is based on a recent and original press release from Google, detailing the ‘Tailor your feed’ feature for Discover. The information is fresh, with no evidence of recycled content. The quotes are unique to this release, and the source is highly reliable. The claims are plausible and consistent with Google’s known initiatives, leading to a high confidence in the accuracy and credibility of the information.