AI Overviews

Definition: AI Overviews are search engine result modules that use generative AI to produce a short, synthesized answer to a query and display links to supporting sources. They typically appear above or among traditional results and may vary by query, user, and locale.

Scope:

  • Includes: Google’s AI-generated overview panels in web search that summarize an answer and cite sources.
  • Excludes: Legacy Search Generative Experience (SGE) experiments, Featured Snippets, and Knowledge Panels (those are separate systems and selection criteria).
  • Notes: Availability, formatting, and inclusion criteria can change and may differ by country, language, or account settings.

Why it matters: Inclusion in AI Overviews can drive qualified attention even when classic rankings are volatile. Pages that present clean, extractable answers (definition docs, stepwise how-tos, comparison tables, calculators) with clear entities and evidence are more likely to be cited.

See also: Answer Engine Optimization (AEO); Entity; Source Eligibility; Format Discipline; Definition Page

References:

Synonyms: AIO; AI search summaries; AI answer box (informal)