Google’s AI Overviews, currently appearing at the top of select search results in Australia, are AI-generated summaries created by Google’s Gemini model to directly answer user queries, drawing from information across the web.

As of December 2025, these overviews aren’t triggered for every search; Google’s algorithms determine when a concise, AI-powered answer is most helpful. The system analyses multiple sources, including websites ranking highly for the search term, to synthesise a response. In 2026, Google plans to expand AI Overview functionality to include more complex queries and multimodal responses – incorporating images and videos directly within the overview. Currently, AI Overviews are available on mobile and desktop searches in Australia, and Google is actively gathering user feedback to refine the feature. The system prioritises sources that demonstrate expertise, authority, and trustworthiness (E-E-A-T) – a key ranking factor.

Understanding that AI Overviews aim to provide direct answers means optimising content for featured snippets and focusing on clear, concise explanations remains crucial for Australian businesses seeking visibility in 2026.