Google Tests AI Overviews in the Middle of Search Results Page

Google is constantly evolving its search results page to improve user experience and meet changing search behaviors.

In recent years, we’ve seen Google test a variety of features to streamline search results, with the introduction of AI Overviews being one of the most significant.

Initially, these AI-generated summaries were placed at the top of the search results page, occupying position zero.

However, Google is now experimenting with a new placement—shifting Google AI Overviews to the middle of the page.

This change has piqued the interest of SEO professionals, as the position of AI-generated content could significantly influence how users interact with search results.

Let’s dive into this new development and explore what it means for SEOs, businesses, and users alike.

What Are Google AI Overviews?

Google AI Overviews are part of Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE), a system designed to provide users with quick, summarized answers derived from a wide array of sources.

When users query certain topics, Google uses artificial intelligence to generate a concise overview that highlights key information from multiple reputable sources.

This feature aims to deliver more efficient search experiences by offering clear and structured summaries before users click on any search results.

The goal of Google AI Overviews is to save time for users and reduce their need to click through several results to find relevant information.

These AI-generated summaries are typically placed at the top of the search page, taking up prominent space to ensure they are seen immediately.

The advantage? Users can access summarized information instantly, which in many cases is all they need.

Google’s New Test: Moving AI Overviews to the Middle of the Page

Historically, Google has tested various ways to improve the visibility of certain types of content, such as featured snippets. Featured snippets, which appear at the top of the search page, are highly coveted because they often drive significant traffic.

Google has been adjusting their placement for some time, and now, they seem to be experimenting with Google AI Overviews in the same manner.

In a new test, Google is shifting the AI Overviews from position zero (the top of the page) to a more central location on the search results page.

This change was first spotted by Sachin Patel and later discussed by Deepak Yadav on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).

Users can see the AI Overviews appearing in the middle of the page, a change that could significantly alter how users engage with search results.

Here’s a snapshot of the change, as spotted in the search results:

• AI Overview in the middle of the results page, with links to further details on the topic provided below.
  

Why Is Google Testing AI Overviews in the Middle?

This test is part of Google’s ongoing commitment to refine search results and maximize user engagement. Moving AI Overviews to the middle could have several reasons behind it:

1. Encouraging User Engagement with Organic Results: By shifting AI Overviews to the middle, Google may be testing whether users are more likely to click on organic search results when the AI overview isn’t occupying the top position. Previously, users might have gotten their answers directly from the AI Overview without exploring the search results below.
2. Reducing Over-Reliance on AI: Google has continuously stated that AI is a tool to enhance the search experience, not replace it. By moving AI Overviews lower on the page, Google might be testing if users still value traditional search results while still offering a quick AI summary.
3. Improving Ad Visibility: The top of the search results page has been historically dominated by ads and AI Overviews. By shifting the Overviews to a middle position, Google might be enhancing ad space visibility, allowing ads to capture more attention.
4. Increasing Diversity in Results: Google has seen a growing need to balance AI-generated content with diverse organic search results. This middle positioning might allow the AI Overviews to support organic results rather than compete with them.

How Could This Impact SEO & Website Traffic?

The new placement of Google AI Overviews in the middle of the search page could have several implications for SEO strategies:

Potential Benefits:

• Higher Visibility for Organic Listings: With AI Overviews no longer occupying the top space, organic results may have a better chance to capture users’ attention, leading to increased CTR (Click-Through Rate) for traditional search results.
• More Opportunities for Content to Appear in Featured Snippets: If Google is moving away from top-placement AI Overviews, websites that optimize for featured snippets may see a boost in visibility.
• Encouraging Competitive Content Creation: This new test could encourage businesses to focus on high-quality, engaging content that stands out in organic search results. Websites that effectively optimize for both traditional search and AI Overviews will likely have a competitive edge.

Challenges to Consider:

• Increased Competition for Middle-Page Space: With AI Overviews appearing in the middle, organic results may face more competition for user attention. The layout of the page may make it harder for individual listings to stand out, especially if AI Overviews are still highly visible.
• Changes in User Behavior: Users accustomed to getting their answers from the AI Overviews might take longer to adapt to the new placement. This could result in temporary fluctuations in traffic as users adjust to the new layout.
• Ad Click-through Impact: As the AI Overviews shift position, there could be an increase in ad click-throughs, as more attention is given to the upper portion of the page.

How SEOs & Businesses Should Prepare for This Change

As Google continues to test the placement of AI Overviews, it’s essential for SEOs to monitor these changes and adapt their strategies accordingly. Here’s how businesses can prepare for this shift:

1. Track Changes in Google Search Console

Use Google Search Console to monitor changes in impressions, clicks, and average positions to see how this test affects your traffic.

2. Optimize Content for Multiple Formats

Continue optimizing content for traditional search results and featured snippets, but also consider how your content might appear in AI Overviews. Structured data and high-quality, authoritative content are essential for both AI summaries and organic listings.

3. Keep an Eye on User Behavior

Analyze how users are interacting with your search results using tools like heatmaps or Google Analytics. This will help you understand if the middle-page AI Overviews affect your traffic.

4. Stay Updated with Google’s Testing

As always, Google’s algorithms and features are constantly evolving. Keep up with industry discussions on platforms like Seroundtable and SEO Hunter, and adapt quickly to any major shifts.

Conclusion

The Google AI Overviews feature is a major development in the way Google presents information to users, and moving it to the middle of the search page could signal a shift in how SEO professionals approach optimization.

While the full impact remains to be seen, it’s clear that businesses and SEOs must stay agile and adjust strategies as Google continues to refine its approach to search results.

As the Google AI Overviews experiment evolves, make sure you’re prepared to optimize your content and stay ahead of the curve.

If you need help adapting to these changes and enhancing your search presence, contact SEO Hunter today for expert guidance and strategies to maximize your SEO success!