Google has announced a revamped link experience for AI Overviews and AI Mode. With this update, Google aims to make the links more visible within its AI-powered search experience. Alongside, it improves how users discover and access source content from AI-generated responses.
What’s Changing in AI Overviews & AI Mode?
As stated by Robby Stein, VP of Product for Google Search on X, “In AI Overviews and AI Mode, users will now see a group of links automatically appear in a pop-up when they hover over them on desktop. This way, users can jump right into websites and get additional information easily.”
The link previews also include details, such as site names, favicons, and short descriptions, across desktop and mobile, so users can evaluate the source links before clicking.
Additionally, Google is introducing more descriptive and prominent link icons across devices. Stein mentioned, “Our testing shows the new UI is more engaging, making it easier to get to great content across the web.”
Here is how the pop-up window with the group of links appears:
Why is this Update Important?
For a long time, the visibility of links in AI-generated responses has been a major concern for publishers. Mainly, studies have shown reduced click-through rates since the expansion of AI Overviews. However, Google’s update focuses on Google’s persistent efforts to balance AI-driven answers by bringing meaningful traffic to websites.
Even though the new design encourages more clicks, it remains a question. Whether these changes significantly improve publisher traffic remains to be seen; the industry needs to watch closely.
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