Google Dials Back AI Overviews In Search Results, Study Finds
According to new research, Google’s AI-generated overviews have undergone significant adjustments since the initial rollout.
The study from SE Ranking analyzed 100,000 keywords and found Google has greatly reduced the frequency of AI overviews.
However, when they appear, they’re more detailed than they were previously.
The study digs into which topics and industries are more likely to get an AI overview. It also looks at how the AI snippets interact with other search features like featured snippets and ads.
Here’s an overview of the findings and what they mean for your SEO efforts.
Declining Frequency Of AI Overviews
In contrast to pre-rollout figures, 8% of the examined searches now trigger an AI Overview.
This represents a 52% drop compared to January levels.
Yevheniia Khromova, the study’s author, believes this means Google is taking a more measured approach, stating:
“The sharp decrease in AI Overview presence likely reflects Google’s efforts to boost the accuracy and trustworthiness of AI-generated answers.”
Longer AI Overviews
Although the frequency of AI overviews has decreased, the ones that do appear provide more detailed information.
The average length of the text has grown by nearly 25% to around 4,342 characters.
In another notable change, AI overviews now link to fewer sources on average – usually just four links after expanding the snippet.
However, 84% still include at least one domain from that query’s top 10 organic search results.
Niche Dynamics & Ranking Factors
The chances of getting an AI overview vary across different industries.
Searches related to relationships, food and beverages, and technology were most likely to trigger AI overviews.
Sensitive areas like healthcare, legal, and news had a low rate of showing AI summaries, less than 1%.
Longer search queries with ten words were more likely to generate an AI overview, with a 19% rate indicating that AI summaries are more useful for complex information needs.
Search terms with lower search volumes and lower cost-per-click were more likely to display AI summaries.
Other Characteristics Of AI Overviews
The research reveals that 45% of AI overviews appear alongside featured snippets, often sourced from the exact domains.
Around 87% of AI overviews now coexist with ads, compared to 73% previously, a statistic that could increase competition for advertising space.
What Does This Mean?
SE Ranking’s research on AI overviews has several implications:
- Reduced Risk Of Traffic Losses: Fewer searches trigger AI Overviews that directly answer queries, making organic listings less likely to be demoted or receive less traffic.
- Most Impacted Niches: AI overviews appear more in relationships, food, and technology niches. Publishers in these sectors should pay closer attention to Google’s AI overview strategy.
- Long-form & In-Depth Content Essential: As AI snippets become longer, companies may need to create more comprehensive content beyond what the overviews cover.
Looking Ahead
While the number of AI overviews has decreased recently, we can’t assume this trend will continue.
AI overviews will undoubtedly continue to transform over time.
It’s crucial to monitor developments closely, try different methods of dealing with them, and adjust game plans as needed.
