Google AI Overviews Reduced Even Further, Now Represent Only 7% of All Searches

Report Reveals Google AI Overviews Are No Longer Displayed for Entertainment-Related Search Queries

Google’s AI Overviews feature, initially introduced as part of its Search Generative Experience (SGE) during the Google I/O 2024 event, has recently experienced a significant reduction in its visibility. The feature, which provides users with AI-curated snapshots of search results, was designed to offer a more streamlined and informative search experience. However, following several incidents of inaccuracies and user feedback, Google reportedly scaled back the feature in June. Recent reports indicate that the visibility of AI Overviews has been further diminished.

According to a report by SearchEngineLand, utilizing data from the enterprise SEO platform BrightEdge, AI Overviews are now appearing for only seven percent of all search queries on Google. This marks a notable decrease from the previous visibility rate of 11 percent observed last month. The data, which was collected for June, highlights a substantial decline in the feature’s presence across various search categories.

The report identifies that certain sectors have been disproportionately affected by this reduction. Specifically, the visibility of AI Overviews has dropped dramatically in the entertainment sector, falling to nearly zero percent from a previous 14 percent. This indicates a significant shift in how the feature is applied to different types of search queries. The education sector has also seen a substantial decrease, with visibility dropping from 26 percent to 13 percent. Similarly, e-commerce searches have experienced a reduction from 26 percent to nine percent.

The decline in visibility for AI Overviews suggests that Google is continuing to refine and reassess the feature’s implementation. The company appears to be focusing on improving the accuracy and relevance of AI-generated responses before potentially expanding the feature’s availability again. This reduction may also reflect Google’s efforts to address user concerns and ensure that the AI Overviews provide reliable and valuable information.

As Google works on optimizing the AI Overviews feature, users can expect ongoing adjustments and updates. The company’s commitment to refining this aspect of its search experience underscores its dedication to delivering accurate and helpful search results. The future of AI Overviews will likely depend on how effectively Google can address the issues that led to its current scaled-back status.