What are AI Overviews on Google?
Google AI Overviews are AI-generated summaries that appear at the top of search results as part of Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE).
Launched in February 2024, they’re designed to give users a quick, concise answer to their query without clicking multiple links. These summaries pull information from various sources, present it clearly, and even include links for users to dive deeper.
How Do They Work?
Powered by Google’s Gemini model, these overviews use advanced AI to summarise content. Users can adjust the complexity of the summaries, choosing between simplified and detailed options.
Recently, Google began testing translations for these overviews, making them more accessible for non-English-speaking audiences—a promising step toward a global reach.
Reception: The Good and the Bad
Let’s start with the good part
- For users: AI Overviews make finding information faster and easier. Instead of scrolling through multiple pages, you get a quick summary with links to dive deeper.
- For websites: If your content gets featured in an overview, it boosts visibility and positions your site as a trusted source.
Now onto the not-so-good aspect…
- For content creators: AI Overviews sometimes reduce clicks to source websites, as users get the gist without visiting the actual page.
To address this, Google has prioritised showing visible links within these summaries, helping balance user convenience and publisher needs.
Why Are AI Overviews Becoming Less Prominent?
When first launched, AI Overviews were everywhere, appearing for 90% of search queries. But over time, their visibility plummeted. By mid-2024, they were showing up in 42% of queries. Now it’s just 14%.
So why the decline? It might be tied to accuracy issues. Earlier this year, Google dialled back AI Overviews following reports of incorrect or misleading information.
While Google hasn’t confirmed the exact reason for the latest reduction, it seems they’re still working on refining these summaries. That said, AI Overviews are far from irrelevant—they’re still an important part of your SEO strategy.
Best Practices to Optimize for Google AI Overviews
We’ve put together a detailed guide that outlines the exact steps we’ve used to help our clients rank in AI Overviews. It’s a great resource if you’re looking for an in-depth approach.
For now, let’s cover some general tips and practices that can boost your chances—especially after implementing the process outlined in the guide.
1. Answer Questions Directly
If you want your content to land in an AI Overview, start by getting straight to the point. When someone searches for information, they’re looking for clear, direct answers—not a long-winded introduction.
Think of your content as a conversation. If someone asks a question, answer it immediately in the first few sentences. Keep it concise but valuable. Imagine how users phrase their queries and mirror that language in your response. This not only makes your content relatable but also increases its chances of being featured.
Avoid overcomplicating your writing. The simpler and more to the point your answers are, the better Google’s AI will process and feature your content.
2. Use Structured Data
Let’s face it—no one likes to dig through a wall of text, and Google’s AI is no exception. That’s why organising your content is a game-changer. Use clear headings (H2s and H3s) to break down your ideas into manageable sections.
But don’t stop there. Use formatting tools like bullet points or numbered lists when you’re explaining steps or listing facts. For example, if you’re writing about a process, a simple list like this makes it easy for Google’s AI to pull your content:
- Start with an actionable tip.
- Follow up with examples or explanations.
- End with a clear takeaway for users.
Additionally, don’t forget about schema markup. It’s like leaving breadcrumbs for Google’s AI, helping it understand your content’s structure. This extra step makes your content more accessible and easier to feature.
3. Prioritise Accuracy
Google’s AI doesn’t just feature any content—it needs to trust what you’re saying. That means accuracy is non-negotiable. Every statistic, claim, or fact you include should be verified.
If you’re referencing data, cite credible sources like studies, government reports, or well-known industry publications. Even better, link to those sources. This not only builds trust with Google but also reassures your readers that your content is reliable.
And here’s a pro tip: regularly update your content. Outdated information can hurt your credibility. Set a schedule to review your top-performing articles and refresh them with the latest data or insights.
4. Target Featured Snippets
Featured snippets and AI Overviews go hand in hand. If your content consistently ranks in snippets, it’s more likely to appear in an AI Overview.
To target snippets, focus on writing short, valuable sections that directly answer questions (mind you, not thin content). For example, if the query is “What is structured data?” your first sentence should be a clear definition, followed by a concise explanation.
Formatting is just as important. Use lists, tables, or step-by-step instructions whenever possible. These are gold for featured snippets and improve your chances of being pulled into an AI Overview.
Also, make sure your answers are right at the top of your content. Don’t bury valuable insights three paragraphs down—Google’s AI isn’t patient.
FAQs About Google AI Overviews
Why don’t some searches trigger AI Overviews?
AI Overviews don’t appear for every query because Google prioritises clear intent, reliable sources, and structured content. Vague or transactional searches (e.g., shopping) are less likely to trigger them. If your site provides well-organised, authoritative answers, it has a better chance of appearing when overviews are generated.
Does updating old content help it appear in AI Overviews?
Yes, updating old content improves your chances. Google favours fresh, relevant material. Add new data, refine your structure, and target emerging questions to boost visibility. Regular updates signal authority and ensure your content aligns with evolving user needs, making it more likely to feature in overviews.
How do AI Overviews decide the order of links?
Google prioritises links in overviews based on authority, relevance, and diversity. High-ranking and trustworthy sources typically appear first. Providing clear, user-focused, and authoritative content increases your chances of being included and ranked higher in the overview’s link placement.
Can images from my site appear in AI Overviews?
Yes, Google often includes images in AI Overviews. Optimise images with descriptive alt text, original graphics, and fast-loading file sizes to increase your chances. Quality visuals that enhance understanding of the topic are more likely to be featured.
How does Google ensure AI Overviews are accurate?
Google combines AI algorithms, human review, and ongoing updates to improve accuracy. It pulls data from trusted sources and refines the process with user feedback. Even so, errors can occur, highlighting the importance of publishing accurate, authoritative content.
Do AI Overviews impact click-through rates (CTR)?
AI Overviews can help or hurt CTR. Featuring in an overview boosts visibility and authority, but users may skip visiting your site if the summary suffices. To improve CTR, offer unique, valuable insights beyond what the overview provides.
