Compared with existing search engines, Google consistently leads with innovative features designed to enhance user experience. The latest addition to its suite of tools is a new feature called “AI Overview.”
This feature promises to revolutionize how we search for and consume information online. But what exactly is AI Overview, and how does it impact users and content creators alike? Let’s discuss the details with us in this comprehensive guide.
The Launch of Google’s AI Overview
Google’s AI Overview was officially launched to all US searchers in May 2024. This rollout, announced at the Google I/O 2024 conference by Liz Reid, the new head of Google Search, brings AI Overview to hundreds of millions of users across the United States.
This launch is a significant step in making complex search queries easier and more efficient for users globally. Therefore, the feature is set to expand to more countries throughout the year, reaching over a billion users by the end of 2024.
The introduction of AI Overview is part of Google’s broader initiative to enhance search experiences using generative AI. The technology, powered by Google’s Gemini model, aims to provide more sophisticated, multi-step reasoning and planning capabilities.
Why Google Introduced AI Overview?
Google introduced AI Overview to address the growing need for quick, accurate, and comprehensive answers to complex queries. This is because traditional search results often require users to sift through multiple pages to find relevant information.
In this case, AI Overview simplifies the process by generating concise, informative responses drawn from a wide range of sources, including Google’s extensive Knowledge Graph and various web resources.
Hema Budaraju, the Senior Director of Product for the Search Generative Experience at Google, highlighted that the AI Overview link cards have shown higher click-through rates compared to traditional web search results.
This indicates that users find the AI-generated responses more useful and engaging. By integrating AI Overview into the search experience, Google aims to enhance user satisfaction and encourage more diverse website visits.
What is AI Overview, Formerly Known as Google SGE?
AI Overview, previously known as Google Search Generative Experience (SGE), is a feature designed to provide advanced search capabilities using generative AI. Initially introduced in May 2023 as an opt-in feature within Google Search Labs, SGE was tested by a subset of users starting in March 2024.
Following successful trials, AI Overview has now been officially launched in the US, with plans to expand to other countries. Unlike SGE, which remained a part of experimental search labs, AI Overview is now an integral feature of Google’s main search engine.
This tool leverages the advanced capabilities of the Google Gemini AI model to perform multi-step reasoning and planning, making it possible to answer more nuanced and complex questions in a single query.
For instance, users can ask for detailed comparisons or planning assistance, and AI Overview will generate comprehensive responses that simplify the search process. But, how does it work?
Here is the explanation. When you perform a search, Google will show an AI summary if its system determines that this generative technology can be very helpful. So, not all searches will display an AI-based overview or summary.
Regarding related links, Google ensures that the links displayed in the overview are automatically chosen based on the relevance and quality of the content.
For example, suppose you search for information on the latest technology. In that case, AI Overview will present a summary with links to relevant sources for further explanation, such as websites focused on technology.
Another example: if you want to find the best music studios in Jakarta with a rating above four stars, located within a half-hour walking distance from BSD City, the AI Overview feature can provide integrated information from the Knowledge Graph and various other web sources.
As AI Overview continues to evolve, Google is committed to improving the accuracy and helpfulness of its responses, providing users with reliable and diverse information sources.
AI Overview and Google Ads
Google has ensured that AI Overview enhances the user experience without compromising the visibility and traffic of traditional web search results. Ads will continue to appear in different slots, clearly labeled to distinguish between organic and sponsored content.
So, will this new feature affect Google Ads? The answer is no. AI Overview and Google Ads operate separately.
The AI Overview feature focuses on providing users with relevant and concise information without any ad interference. This means that when you look at an AI Overview page, you only get information selected and summarized by the AI algorithm based on relevance and accuracy.
There are no paid promotions in the content presented. So, you can trust that the information you receive is purely based on the quality of the content and the relevance of the keywords or query.
The Impacts of AI Overview on SEO Performance
As AI Overview continues to improve, SEO strategies may need to adapt. For users, this technology may enhance their search experience by delivering concise information and relevant links for further exploration.
On the other hand, SEO practitioners and website owners should anticipate the possible impact of this feature on their SEO performance, such as:
- Click-Through Rates
One of the significant impacts is the increase in Click-Through Rates (CTR). According to Hema Budaraju, Google’s Senior Director of Product, the link cards within AI Overview generate a higher CTR compared to traditional search results.
This suggests that AI Overviews not only attract more attention but also drive more traffic to websites featured in its summaries.
In contrast, it may also decrease other websites’ CTR. Since AI Overview provides direct answers, users may not visit websites as often. However, links included in the Overview can get higher CTRs and visibility, similar to the benefits you can get from Google’s featured snippets.
- Limited Query Application
Also, it is important to note that AI Overviews do not appear for all search queries. They are reserved for more complex questions where Google believes the AI can add substantial value beyond the regular search results.
Currently, data shows that only about 14% of all queries automatically show Overviews, with another 28% offering a “generate” option. This means most queries (about 58%) do not feature AI Overviews at all.
This selective application means that not all websites will see an immediate impact from AI Overviews, but those that do may benefit significantly from increased visibility.
- Potential for Misinformation
Like any new technology, AI Overview also has possible flaws. There have been instances where AI-generated summaries provided incorrect or harmful advice, such as suggesting the consumption of urine to pass a kidney stone.
To address this, Google has mechanisms for users to report inaccuracies, and the company is committed to improving the accuracy of these AI responses over time.
Currently, Google Search Console (GSC) does not have tools to filter traffic from AI Overviews, making it hard to measure their impact on your SEO efforts. So, you may need to rely on deep analysis and third-party tools to understand traffic from AI Overview.
Key Features of AI Overview
Google’s AI Overview feature offers several impressive capabilities that enhance the search experience. Below are the key features, including the functions and benefits:
- Multistep Reasoning Capabilities
One of the standout features of AI Overview is its multistep reasoning capabilities. This function allows users to ask complex questions and get detailed answers in a single search.
Instead of breaking a question into multiple searches, you can input a nuanced query, and the AI will process all the details at once.
For instance, if you’re looking for the best barista course in a particular area, you can include specifics like popularity, location, fees, and benefits for new students, and the AI will handle it all in one go.
This capability is powered by Google’s custom Gemini model, which excels in understanding and processing multifaceted questions. As a result, users save time and effort, getting comprehensive answers without the need for multiple searches.
- Planning Capabilities in Google Search
AI Overview also includes robust planning capabilities directly within Google Search. This feature helps users create and organize plans for various needs, such as meals or vacations.
For example, you can search for a “3-day traveling plan in Bali,” and the AI will generate a detailed plan with destinations sourced from across the web. Users can easily modify the plan, such as swapping a beach for a hidden gem option, and export the plan to Google Docs or Gmail for convenience.
This functionality is designed to make planning more interactive and collaborative, allowing users to co-create plans and make adjustments on the fly.
It supports a wide range of planning activities, from meal preparation to trip itineraries, and is expected to expand to include more categories like parties, workouts, and even date nights later this year.
- AI-organized Search Results
Another innovative feature of AI Overview is the AI-organized search results. This feature uses AI to group search results into specific categories, making it easier for users to brainstorm and explore options.
For example, when searching for dining options or recipes, the AI organizes results under unique, AI-generated headlines, presenting a wide range of perspectives and content types.
This organization helps users quickly find relevant information and explore diverse content without feeling overwhelmed. It’s particularly beneficial for searches that require brainstorming and inspiration, such as planning a meal or finding a new book to read.
According to Google, this feature will be rolled out for various categories, including music, movies, books, shopping, hotels, and more later this year, enhancing the search experience by providing structured and easily navigable results.
- Google Lens Ask with Video
As the name suggests, Google Lens Ask with Video is a groundbreaking feature that allows users to record a video and ask questions simultaneously. This is especially useful for troubleshooting or seeking information about objects in motion.
For example, if your laptop is lagging or has an error, you can record the issue and ask for help in real time. Then, Google’s AI will analyze the video and provide an overview with steps and resources to resolve the problem.
This feature leverages advancements in video understanding, bringing visual search to a new level. It simplifies the process of describing issues and finding solutions, making it more intuitive and accessible.
Users can expect this functionality to be available soon in Search Labs for English queries in the US, with plans to expand to more regions over time.
Besides the key points mentioned above, Google also introduced another beneficial feature for AI Overview users, which is:
- Language and Detail Adjustment
Google knows that everyone has different information needs. So, AI Overviews will let you adjust the language and level of detail, from original to simpler to more detailed explanations. However, this feature is yet to come.
For example, here’s the original overview of the relationship between lightning and thunder:
example:
Now, if you need a simpler explanation, just click “Simpler”, like this example:
example:
And for more detailed info, click “Break it down” to get a more comprehensive result like this:
example:
Conclusion
With its advanced capabilities, it is clear that AI Overview simplifies complex queries, enhances planning, and organizes search results in a user-friendly manner. It offers users a more efficient and comprehensive way to find information.
However, as AI Overview continues to roll out globally, it will undoubtedly impact how we interact with search engines, requiring SEO practitioners, website owners, and advertisers to adapt to these new dynamics.
You have to stay informed and optimize your content for AI Overview, so your website or business can leverage this powerful tool to reach a broader audience.
If you need assistance in adapting your content strategy for this AI era, Toombooh offers high-quality SEO content writing services. Let us help you enhance your online presence and make the most of Google’s latest innovations!
