Google Introduces AI-Powered Overviews to US Search Results
Google has launched AI-generated overviews, previously known as SGE, in US search results, utilizing a new Gemini model tailored for search.
At its annual I/O developer conference, Google revealed plans to integrate generative AI directly into Google Search. The company also announced enhancements to its AI-powered search experience, aiming to transform how users find and consume information. Upcoming features include:
- Adjustable Overviews: Simplify language or add more detail.
- Multi-Step Reasoning: Handle complex queries with nuanced answers.
- Planning Capabilities: Assist with tasks like meal prep and vacations.
- AI-Organized Search Results: Explore ideas and inspiration.
- Visual Search: Query through uploaded videos and images.
Liz Reid, Head of Google Search, stated:
“With generative AI, Search can do more than you ever imagined. You can ask whatever’s on your mind or whatever you need to get done—from researching to planning to brainstorming—and Google will take care of the legwork.”
What’s New in Google Search
New Gemini Model
A customized Gemini language model is central to Google’s AI-powered Search revamp. Google’s announcement states:
“This is all made possible by a new Gemini model customized for Google Search. It brings together Gemini’s advanced capabilities—including multi-step reasoning, planning, and multimodality—with our best-in-class Search systems.”
AI overviews generate quick answers by piecing together information from multiple sources. Google reports that people have already used AI Overviews billions of times through Search Labs.
AI Overviews in US Search Results
Google is integrating AI overviews from Search Labs into its general search results pages. This means hundreds of millions of US searchers will gain access to AI overviews this week, with over 1 billion by year’s end. Searchers will soon be able to adjust the language and level of detail in AI overviews to suit their needs and understanding of the topic.
Complex Questions & Planning Capabilities
Gemini’s multi-step reasoning capabilities will allow users to ask complex questions and receive detailed answers. For example, asking, “Find the best yoga or pilates studios in Boston and show details on their intro offers and walking time from Beacon Hill,” will yield a comprehensive response.
In addition to answering complex queries, Google will offer planning assistance for various aspects of life, such as meal planning and vacations. Users can request a customized meal plan by searching for something like “create a 3-day meal plan for a group that’s easy to prepare,” and receive a tailored plan with recipes from across the web.
AI-Organized Results & Visual Search
Google is introducing AI-organized results pages that categorize helpful results under unique, AI-generated headlines, presenting diverse perspectives and content types. This feature will initially be available for dining and recipes, with plans to expand to movies, music, books, hotels, shopping, and more. Google will also enable users to ask questions using video content, saving time on describing issues or typing queries.
What Does This Mean for Businesses?
While Google promotes this update as a way to enhance search quality, the prominence of AI-generated content could impact businesses and publishers who rely on Google Search traffic. AI overviews occupy extensive screen real estate and could bury traditional “blue link” web results, significantly limiting clickthrough rates.
Data from ZipTie and Search Engine Journal contributor Bart Goralewicz indicate that AI overviews cover over 80% of search queries across most verticals. Additionally, under the unique ranking system for AI overviews, only 47% of the top 10 traditional web results appear as sources powering the overview generation.
Bart Goralewicz, Founder of Onely, noted:
“SGE operates on a completely different level compared to traditional search. If you aim to be featured in Google SGE, you’ll need to develop a distinct strategy tailored to this new environment. It’s a whole new game.”
Tomasz Rudzki of ZipTie cautioned:
“Google SGE is the most controversial and anxiety-provoking change in search. With so much changing week by week, businesses relying on organic search must carefully monitor SGE’s evolution.”
How to Optimize Your Site for AI Overviews
As AI search accelerates, SEO professionals and content creators face new challenges in optimizing for discoverability. Consider implementing these tactics for a potential increase in visibility in search results:
- Structure Content as Questions and Answers: Optimizing content in a Q&A format may increase the likelihood of being surfaced by Google’s AI models.
- Create Comprehensive Topic Overview Pages: Cover the entire journey from initial research to final decisions to position pages as prime sources for Google’s AI.
- Pursue Featured Status on High-Authority Q&A Sites: Having authoritative content on platforms like Quora and Reddit could increase visibility within AI search results.
- Maximize Technical SEO: Ensure optimal technical SEO for crawlers to access and render all on-page content.
- Track Search Volume for AI Overview Queries: Identifying queries that trigger AI overviews can reveal content gaps and optimization opportunities.
Looking Ahead
As Google advances its AI-centric search vision, disruptions could reshape digital economies and information ecosystems. Companies must adapt their strategies for an AI-powered search landscape. We will closely follow these developments at to provide strategies to help make your content discoverable in AI overviews.
