What Are AI Overviews? A Quick Guide to Google's New Search Feature

Every user is talking about a new feature in Google Search. It is sparking quite a buzz and maybe even generating a bit of controversy! Yeah, we are referring to AI Overviews. Let’s explore how this new generative AI-powered feature is reshaping search results. 

So, What Exactly Are AI Overviews?

AI Overviews are concise, AI-generated summaries of results for specific types of search queries. They appear right at the top of Google’s search results, and depending on the query, can be after or before paid results (ads). 

For instance, if I search “how to learn SEO,” I get the following result.

AI Overviews can be thought of as a more detailed version of Google’s featured snippets and consist of:  

• Short paragraphs 
• Tables
• Product carousels 
• Images  
• Bulleted lists 

that Google generates using artificial intelligence to summarize search results and add context. 

They’re designed to give users quick, relevant information directly in the search feed. So, you may not need to click through multiple links. 

These quick guides pull together insights from a variety of sources.

How Often do AI Overviews Appear? 

AI Overviews don’t pop up for every search; recent data indicates that AI Overviews appear in about 8.71% of search queries. Google tends to use them for queries that require in-depth, multi-step reasoning, like “Steps to boost domain authority.”

So, it is not surprising to see that longer search queries tend to trigger AIOs more.

Now the Controversy 

Within days of its launch, AI Overviews was widely mocked and criticized for generating misleading, incorrect, and sometimes bonkers answers, such as recommendations to prepare a pizza with glue and eat rocks.

Google AIOs have stated that: 

• A dog has played in the NHL 
• Former President Barack Obama is Muslim
• Batman is a cop.

The feature even explained the health benefits of taking a bath with a toaster.

So, it is not surprising that many SEO experts are skeptical or on the fence. There are serious concerns that linger about the accuracy and validity of AI-generated content. Also, the potential for AI to copy human content without adequate attribution is an issue that can’t be ignored.

While the search giant has made strides in improving the accuracy of AI Overviews, there are many inherent limitations in generative AI technology. So, achieving 100% accuracy remains elusive.

At Link Building HQ, we’re keeping a close watch on how these AI-driven summaries or mini guides affect organic rankings. 

We hope you found this post helpful!