Google’s AI Overviews are changing how search works. Instead of a list of links, users get AI-generated summaries pulled from multiple sources. 

If your content makes it in, you’re right at the top. If it doesn’t, you’re buried under results that people might not even scroll to.

So, how do you get featured? 

Google isn’t handing out instructions as to how to rank in AI Overviews. But the pattern is clear. AI pulls content that’s clear, structured, and authoritative. If your page checks those boxes, you have a real shot.

Why AI Overviews Are Changing Search

Ranking on page one used to be the goal. Now, AI Overviews sit right at the top and are reshaping how people interact with search results. 

Instead of clicking through multiple links, users get a quick summary. And the sites that feed into that summary get the exposure.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Overviews aren’t only pulled from page one results: They scan multiple sources to build a complete answer.

• Concise, structured content wins: Google’s AI prefers clear, direct answers, bullet points, and strong formatting over long-winded explanations buried under fluff.

• Authority matters: Content backed by experience, expertise, and real-world credibility has a better shot at being featured.

• Tracking and adapting is key: What’s featured today can change tomorrow, so monitoring shifts and refining content is an ongoing game.

• Google is already testing the next evolution of AI search. Multi-step reasoning, AI-organized results, and video search will change how content is pulled and presented.

If you’re thinking, Alright, but what actually makes content AI-Overview-worthy? 

Let’s get into it.

How Gemini AI Decides What Gets Featured

If you’re aiming for AI Overviews, it helps to know what’s actually behind them. 

Google’s Gemini (custom-built for Search) gets to decide which content is worth featuring and gets ignored. And it doesn’t work like traditional search rankings.

Instead of picking a single “best” answer, Gemini pieces together responses from multiple sources. These include information from Google’s AI models (LLMs) and live search results.

How Often Do AI Overviews Show Up

AI Overviews aren’t everywhere—yet. But they’re creeping into search results more than you might think.

Based on recent research from Surfer SEO, AI Overviews already show up in 10-15% of searches, and that number’s only going up.

Now, here’s where it gets interesting:

• 52% of the sources come from the first 10 results on Google: That means ranking on page one still matters.

• AI Overviews pull info from about 5 different sources per query: You don’t have to be the top-ranking site to get featured.

To get Gemini AI’s attention, you need both solid rankings and AI-friendly content. That means putting more effort into making your content readable, scannable, and trustworthy. This gives you a better shot at showing up in Overviews when it matters.

Ranking Factors: What Google Looks for in AI Interviews

Google’s AI isn’t looking for just any page. It’s looking for one that answers the searcher’s question in the most efficient way possible. 

Here’s what an Overview prioritizes:

1. Clear, Direct Answers

Google’s AI doesn’t pull entire articles. It grabs concise, well-structured information that answers a query right away. 

That’s why most AI Overviews are short. The average one sits at 157 words, and 99% don’t go past 328 words. If the key details in your content are buried under filler, AI won’t bother with it.

2. Formatting That Works for AI

Google’s AI is looking for content it can scan and extract quickly. 78% of AI Overviews include bullet points or numbered lists. If your content is buried in long paragraphs, it’s way less likely to be picked up.

3. Trust and Authority

AI Overviews are also looking for answers that seem reliable. Pages with strong credibility signals tend to get picked up more often.

4. A Natural, Conversational Tone

Exact-match keywords don’t matter as much as they used to. Content that feels natural (like it was written for humans first) is what usually gets featured.

Only 5.4% of AI Overview responses pull the exact search term. Google’s AI is way more focused on natural, conversational content than rigid keyword placement.

5. Technical SEO That Helps AI Process Your Content

Even great content won’t get picked up if Google struggles to understand it. A few backend details can make a difference.

The bottom line? AI Overviews aren’t just pulling random content. They’re choosing structured, relevant, and easy-to-digest information. If your content fits that bill, you’re in the game.

Read More: How to Master Technical SEO?

How to Optimize Your Content for AI Overviews

Now that you know what an Overview tends to pick up, the next step is making sure your content lines up with those patterns.

1. Highlight Key Information Right Away

Since AI Overviews favor quick, structured answers, make sure they stand out within the first few sentences.

• Start each section with a straight answer before going into details.

• Use simple, direct language: Overcomplicating things won’t help.

• Give enough information to be useful: But don’t overdo it. AI trims unnecessary details.

2. Use AI-Friendly Formatting

Well-organized pages may get featured more often.

• Use subheadings that match search queries: If people are searching for “how to rank in AI Overviews,” you want a heading on your page that’s close to that exact phrase.

• Break up content with bullet points or numbered steps: AI Overviews tend to pull from well-structured lists.

• Add tables where relevant: Google processes structured data better than paragraphs of text.

3. Strengthen Your Site’s Authority

Even if your content is solid, Google is more likely to feature sources it trusts.

• Use author bylines and credentials: Google values content written by people with proven expertise.

• Link to reputable sources: Linking to relevant studies, expert opinions, or official data helps.

• Get backlinks from authoritative sites: The more reputable sources linking to you, the better.

• Build topic authority: Cover related topics in depth so Google sees your site as a reliable resource.

• Encourage engagement: Higher dwell time and lower bounce rates send positive signals about your content’s value.

4. Write in a Natural, Conversational Tone

• Write like you’re talking to a real person: Overly formal, keyword-stuffed content doesn’t perform well.

• Use variations of keywords naturally: Google’s AI understands synonyms, so forcing the exact phrase everywhere isn’t necessary.

• Keep sentences tight: If something can be said in fewer words, do it.

5. Optimize Technical SEO for AI Processing

• Use schema markup (FAQ, HowTo, Article): This gives AI a structured way to process your page.

• Make sure your site is fast and mobile-friendly: AI Overviews prioritize pages that load quickly and work on any device.

• Align URLs, meta descriptions, and headers with the topic: If your page is about how to rank in AI Overviews, that should be obvious across all elements.

Even if you’ve structured everything well, AI still decides what gets featured based on relevance, authority, and clarity. That means the work doesn’t stop once you hit publish.

Read More: 5 Essential SEO KPIs to Track for Every Business Owner

How to Check If You’re in an AI Overview

Google doesn’t exactly notify you when it happens. That means tracking is on you. And the sooner you know your content is featured, the faster you can tweak, optimize, and make sure it stays there. 

So, if you’re serious about staying ahead, you need a system for it:

1. Search for Your Target Keywords Manually 

Yep, the old-school way. Run searches for your key topics on both desktop and mobile every week. Google’s AI is always changing results, so regular checks help you spot when (or if) your content gets pulled in.

2. Use SEMrush’s Position Tracking Tool 

This lets you filter for SERP features, including AI Overviews. If your content is being featured, it’ll show up in the data.

3. Check Ahrefs’ Site Explorer 

Ahrefs tracks whether your pages are appearing in AI Overviews. You can monitor what’s getting picked up and what’s not.

4. Compare AI Overview Sources with Traditional SERPs 

AI Overviews don’t always pull from the top-ranking site. Figure out what types of content Google’s AI prefers by comparing the search results with the Overview, and adjust accordingly.

How to Keep Your Content in AI Overviews

Ranking once doesn’t mean you’ll stay there. AI Overviews are dynamic, constantly pulling in new sources. If your content gets outdated or stops matching Google’s format, it can disappear overnight.

Here’s how to keep it relevant:

1. Update Your Content Regularly

Google prioritizes fresh, accurate content. Small edits can make a difference.

• Refresh key sections: If your page has stats, examples, or trends, update them.

• Watch how AI presents answers: If Overviews start favoring a different style or structure, adjust your content accordingly.

• Refine your explanations: If AI is pulling a certain part of your page, make that section even sharper and more direct.

The goal is to keep your content fresh without overhauling everything.

2. Test and Adjust Based on What’s Working

There’s no guaranteed formula for how to rank in AI Overviews. But testing different formats, content angles, and structures can help you see what works best.

• Try different ways of phrasing key answers: If AI isn’t picking up your content, reword sections to match the way Overviews present them.

• Compare your page to sites that are ranking: If another page is featured, look at what they’re doing differently and adjust.

• Experiment with formatting: Bullet points, short paragraphs, step-by-step guides, FAQs, comparisons. Some structures perform better than others.

The more flexible you are, the better your chances of staying visible.

3. Track AI Overviews for Your Keywords

If your goal is to get featured, you need to know which search results even have AI Overviews and what kind of content they’re pulling from.

• Run searches for your target keywords: Check if an Overview appears and study the sources it’s pulling from.

• Look for patterns: Are Overviews favoring step-by-step guides? Quick definitions? Case studies? Format your content accordingly.

• Check different devices: AI Overviews don’t always show up the same way on desktop and mobile.

4. Pay Attention to AI Overview Changes

Google won’t announce when it changes how Overviews work. If you wait until your content disappears to start paying attention, you’re already behind.

• Track your rankings: If your content starts getting pulled into an AI Overview, note what’s working so you can replicate it.

• Follow industry updates: SEO communities tend to notice AI changes before they become obvious. Staying informed gives you an edge.

• Adapt quickly: If AI drops your content, figure out why and fix it. Small tweaks can get you back in.

Read More: How to Optimize a Website: A Step-by-Step Guide

AI Overviews vs. Featured Snippets

A lot of people assume AI Overviews and Featured Snippets are the same thing. They both sit at the top of search results, give quick answers, and make traditional rankings feel a little less important. But that’s where the similarities end.

Here’s how they actually work:

1. Featured Snippets Show a Direct Quote from One Page 

If Google likes the way you’ve answered a question, it’ll grab an exact chunk of text and display it at the top. No edits, no mix-and-match, just a straight copy-paste from your site.

2. AI Overviews Combine Insights from Multiple Sources 

Instead of pulling from just one page, Google’s AI scans multiple sources, picks out the best bits, and pieces them together into a new response. It’s more like an AI-generated summary than a direct pull from one site.

3. Overviews Show Up Before Featured Snippets 

If both a Featured Snippet and an AI Overview show up for the same search, the AI Overview will be on top. And unlike Featured Snippets, they usually need a click to expand, meaning some users might not see the full response unless they interact with it.

If you’ve already made it into a Featured Snippet, you’re halfway there. AI Overviews just take things a step further. 

The next move is to structure your content in a way that’s clear, scannable, and easy for AI to piece together.

Learn More: How to Boost Your SEO and Traffic Using Cornerstone Content

How AI Overviews Handle E-Commerce and Product Listings

If you’re in eCommerce, you might’ve noticed something. AI Overviews don’t really care about product pages.

According to Surfer’s study, only 0.3% of AI Overviews pull from eCommerce sources. That’s insanely low, which means Google’s AI isn’t exactly rushing to feature transactional content.

But when an AI Overview does include eCommerce results, there’s a clear pattern: 72% of them list six different product sources. That tells us two things:

1. AI Overviews are not built to push single-product pages. They’re designed to compare options.

2. If your content is structured as a list, roundup, or comparison guide, you have a better shot at being included.

How to Get Your Products into AI Overviews

• Use structured data to your advantage: Schema markups like Product, Review, and Offer help Google understand your content faster and more accurately.

• Make your content comparison-friendly: Instead of just listing specs, focus on how products compare to each other. AI Overviews love pulling from well-structured comparison tables and ranked lists.

• Tap into user-generated content: Reviews, expert ratings, and community insights can boost your authority in Google’s eyes. AI favors sources that feel trustworthy and well-rounded. Real user feedback does exactly that.

E-Commerce hasn’t cracked AI Overviews in a big way yet, but that doesn’t mean it won’t. Google is constantly adjusting how AI interacts with search, and businesses that get ahead of the curve now will be in the best position when things shift.

Read More: How to Boost your eCommerce Visibility on Google

Do AI Overviews Kill Click-Through Rates?

If you’re ranking in search, you don’t just care about visibility. You want clicks. You want traffic. And that’s exactly why AI Overviews are making a lot of SEO folks nervous.

Some studies, like Agile SEO Founder’s CTR analysis, suggest that AI Overviews can cut click-through rates by 18-64%. That’s not a small drop. 

Well, if Google’s AI is giving people the answer upfront, why would they bother clicking through to your site?

On the flip side, Google insists that links inside AI Overviews actually get more clicks than regular organic results. Confusing, right?

Here’s the deal: both are technically true. If AI Overviews pull a full, satisfying answer from your page, some users won’t feel the need to click.

But if your content is structured in a way that makes them want more, they will.

How to Get More Clicks from AI Overviews

• Give them a reason to click: If Google’s AI pulls part of your content, make sure it leaves something open-ended. A stat without context. A process that’s explained but not fully detailed. A claim that sparks curiosity. Users are way more likely to click when they feel like they’re missing something.

• Leverage the exposure: Even if some people don’t click, showing up in an AI Overview builds credibility. The more they see your content in search, the more they recognize and trust your brand.

• Track when and where you show up: Google won’t notify you if your content gets featured, so keep an eye on it yourself. Manual searches, SEMrush, and Ahrefs can help you monitor when your page gets pulled into an AI Overview.

Is AI changing how people interact with search? Absolutely. But losing clicks isn’t inevitable. What matters is how your content is positioned.

What’s Next for AI Overviews

Google is already working on some big changes. If you want to keep showing up, you’ll need to stay ahead of them.

Here’s what’s coming:

Multi-Step Reasoning 

Instead of making users do multiple searches to piece together an answer, Google’s AI will handle complex, multi-part questions in one go. Think of it like skipping straight to the good part without having to connect the dots yourself.

Tip: Write for multi-step queries. 

AI is learning to think a few steps ahead. So, instead of answering one question at a time, structure your content to anticipate follow-ups and provide deeper context. 

AI-Organized Results 

Instead of a basic list of links, Google is testing AI-generated headings that group search results into different sections based on relevance. This could completely change how people scroll through search pages.

Tip: Keep an eye on Google’s Search Labs. 

This is where Google tests new search features before they roll out widely. Watching how AI Overviews evolve in real time helps you adjust before everyone else does.

AI-Powered Video Search 

Google wants AI to analyze video content, find key moments, and serve up clips that answer user questions directly. That means search results will also pull highlights from videos.

Tip: Use video and visuals. 

Google is clearly pushing AI-powered video search. If your content has relevant clips, step-by-step visuals, or interactive elements, you could have an edge.

Takeaway: Google’s AI isn’t slowing down, and the people who adapt early will be the ones shaping how search works, not just reacting to it.

Stay Ahead in AI-Powered Search

More than ranking on page one, SEO is now about being part of the conversation Google’s AI is building. Gemini is pulling content based on clarity, authority, and structure, not just rankings. 

The sooner you adapt, the better positioned you’ll be before everyone else catches on. So, if you want to stay visible, you have to start thinking like AI. 

Here’s what that looks like:

• Think beyond basic rankings: AI Overviews don’t just pull from page one results. They pull from multiple sources and synthesize them in a way that makes sense for users. Clear, well-structured, and authoritative content wins.

• Keep your content AI-friendly: Schema markup, bullet points, concise answers, and strong formatting make it easier for Google’s AI to process and feature your content.

• Track your AI Overview presence: Google won’t tell you when your content gets pulled in. Manually check search results, use tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs, and pay attention to shifts in what AI Overviews are pulling.

• Watch where Google is headed: AI Overviews are evolving—multi-step reasoning, AI-organized results, and video search. Content that’s optimized for context, comparison, and multimedia will have an edge.

Want to dig deeper into how to rank in AI Overviews? Let’s talk about positioning your content where it matters.

FAQs

1. How does Google decide which content makes it into AI Overviews?

Google’s AI isn’t just looking for a single “best” answer but also pulls from multiple sources, and analyzes content for clarity, structure, and credibility. If your page is well-formatted, fact-based, and easy to process, it has a better shot at being featured.

2. Does my site need to rank #1 to be included?

Nope. AI Overviews also pull from any source that answers the query well. If your content is structured for AI and offers a better response than what’s already out there, you’re in the running.

3. Will AI Overviews hurt my site’s traffic?

It depends. AI Overviews can reduce click-through rates, but they also boost brand visibility by putting your content front and center. The key is structuring your content so it gives enough value to get featured but still leaves users curious enough to click through.

4. How often do AI Overviews change?

A lot. AI-generated results shift constantly, with Google fine-tuning what gets pulled in based on freshness, structure, and user behavior. If you’re showing up one week and gone the next, it’s time to update, refine, and test.

5. What’s the best way to track whether I’m in an AI Overview?

Google doesn’t notify you when you’re featured. You’ll have to check manually or use SEO tools. Try:

• Running weekly searches for your key topics (desktop and mobile).

• Using SEMrush or Ahrefs to see if your content appears in AI Overviews.

• Comparing AI Overview sources to traditional rankings to spot patterns.