AI Overview

What an AI Overview is

An AI Overview is a generated summary that Google shows at the top of some results pages, with links to the web pages it draws on. Google also offers AI Mode for longer, conversational searches. Google's AI features guidance says there are no extra technical requirements to appear as a link: the page must be indexed and eligible to show a snippet in Search.

What it looks like

A tree surgeon's detailed guide to when you need permission to work on a protected tree is cited in an AI Overview. Some searchers still click through for detail, and several call because the guide makes clear he deals with this regularly.

What it means for your clicks

AI Overviews can answer simple questions without a click, which may reduce traffic for some informational pages. They also cite sources, which can bring visibility to useful pages that wouldn't otherwise rank near the top. Google says normal SEO best practice applies, and its AI optimisation guide stresses original, non-commodity content.

How to see if you appear in an AI Overview

AI Overview clicks and impressions are included in Search Console's Performance report as part of web search. Search your key questions to see whether an overview appears and which sites it links to. Focus on making your pages the most accurate and specific answer available, from real experience.

Wrong assumptions

• Buying "AI SEO" services that promise to get you into AI Overviews.
• Rewriting content in an odd style "for AI".
• Blocking Googlebot in an attempt to stay out, which removes you from Search too.
• Assuming every query shows an overview. Many don't.

Related search results terms

• GEO / AEO: Informal terms for visibility in generative or AI answer experiences.
• Zero-click search: When the SERP answers without a click to a website.
• SERP feature: Non-classic result units such as maps, videos or AI Overviews.
• llms.txt: A proposed file for AI tools. Google Search ignores it, so it doesn't affect rankings.