Google AI Overview

Google AI Overviews (formerly known as Search Generative Experience or SGE) are AI-powered summaries that Google generates and displays at the top of search results for certain queries. These overviews use large language models to synthesize information from multiple web sources, providing users with a comprehensive answer without requiring them to click through to individual websites.

AI Overviews typically appear for informational and educational queries, showing a multi-paragraph response with citations linking to the source pages. The sources cited are not always the pages that rank highest in traditional organic results -- Google's AI selects content based on relevance, accuracy, authority, and how well the information is structured for AI comprehension.

The rise of AI Overviews has significant implications for SEO strategy. Websites that are cited in AI Overviews gain valuable visibility and can receive referral traffic from the citation links. To increase the likelihood of being cited, content should be factually accurate, well-organized with clear headings, comprehensive yet concise, and backed by strong E-E-A-T signals. This shift has given rise to AIO Optimization as a distinct discipline within search marketing.