Google’s AI Overviews, as of December 2025, function by directly answering search queries within the Google Search Results Page (SERP) using generative AI, potentially reducing the need for users to click through to websites. In 2026, this means a portion of searches will be satisfied *within* Google, impacting organic traffic patterns.

Currently, AI Overviews synthesise information from multiple sources, including websites ranking highly for a given query. The system prioritises content adhering to Google’s helpful content guidelines. As of December 2025, AI Overviews are available in Australia for a growing number of search queries, with Google continually expanding coverage. The system now includes visual elements and can answer follow-up questions in a conversational manner. Google has announced that in 2027, users will have more control over the sources used in AI Overviews, but the core functionality of direct answer provision remains. Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) trials, which inform AI Overview development, show varying impacts on click-through rates depending on query type; informational queries are more likely to be fully answered by the AI, while transactional queries still often lead to website visits.

Essentially, AI Overviews operate as a direct response system, consolidating information and presenting it to the user without necessarily requiring a click to an external website.