AI Overview
The AI-written summary Google shows above its normal results, with a handful of linked sources.
In plain English
Google generates an AI Overview for many questions, especially how-to and comparison searches. It pulls from pages Google already ranks and links a few of them beside the summary. Those links get noticed first, so being one of them matters even when fewer people scroll down.
In practice
Search “how often should I pump my septic tank” and Google answers at the top of the page, crediting a septic company’s guide in the source list.
Related terms
AI search basicsStarter AI Mode Google’s chat-style search tab, where you ask follow-up questions and get AI-written answers with sources. In practice, and related terms → Measuring resultsStarter Zero-click search A search that ends on the results page because the answer is already there. In practice, and related terms → Citations & visibilityStarter Citation A source an AI answer links to or credits. For buyers who ask AI, it is the new page one. In practice, and related terms →