AI Overview

AI Overview is Google’s generative search feature that appears above traditional search results. It provides a quick summary written by artificial intelligence, designed to answer a user’s query without requiring them to click through multiple websites. The response is generated using Google’s large language models and is informed by information from across the web.

AI Overviews are most often shown for complex or multi-step questions, especially when a user is looking for comparisons, explanations, or recommendations. For example, a search like “What’s the best way to transition to a plant-based diet?” might generate a short paragraph outlining common strategies, possible challenges, and linked resources.

The feature is part of Google’s broader Search Generative Experience. While it uses information from many web pages, the AI does not copy text. Instead, it creates original summaries based on what it has learned from those sources. At the end of each AI Overview, Google includes citations that point users to relevant pages for further reading. These links are chosen for quality, relevance, and helpfulness.

For content creators, AI Overview changes the way visibility works in search. Ranking well is no longer enough. To be included, your content must be clear, accurate, trustworthy, and easy for machines to interpret. Using structured data, formatting content for readability, and writing in plain language all help improve the chances of being featured.

AI Overview reflects a major shift in search behaviour. It reduces friction for users by providing answers directly, and it challenges brands to create content that earns inclusion through clarity, authority, and usefulness.