Google is increasing the prominence of inline links within its AI-generated search responses, a move designed to improve the user experience and direct searchers to relevant information more effectively. This update is part of a broader strategy to refine how links are presented in both AI Mode and AI Overviews.
The search engine announced five changes to its AI search features, with the most significant being the more frequent placement of inline links higher up in the response listings. This means users may see direct links to sources closer to the beginning of an AI-generated answer. Additionally, Google is testing a new section at the top of certain responses that will feature links to official sites relevant to a specific task. Hema Budaraju, VP of Product Management, detailed these updates in a blog post.
Inline links are now appearing in a greater number of instances above their previous locations. While Google has stated there have been “substantial increases” in their presence, the exact size of this increase has not been specified. This follows a previous announcement in May that users could anticipate seeing more inline links directly next to the pertinent text within AI-generated responses.
For task-based searches where authoritative information is limited, Google is testing a new display format. In these scenarios, results from the one or two official sources will appear at the very beginning of the response. The company plans to provide context for each link, explaining why it is considered a valuable resource. Links at the end of some AI responses are also being updated with image thumbnails and a design intended to be more clickable.
Expansion of Timely Article Carousels
Google is also rolling out its carousels for timely articles in AI Search to more locations and languages. This feature highlights a user’s Preferred Sources, allowing them to see more content from websites they have designated. The number of users utilizing Preferred Sources has reportedly increased more than sevenfold since the beginning of the year. The company has not provided specific user counts or details on how this increase was measured.
The company is expanding its carousels for timely articles, which highlight a user’s Preferred Sources, to more locations and languages. This week, Google also began testing creator and publisher names on AI Mode video results, which link to Search profiles. These profiles consolidate content from creators and publishers, including articles, videos, and social media posts.
For website owners, inclusion in AI generative search features within Search Console is necessary to qualify as a Preferred Source. Google’s documentation indicates there are tools available to encourage readers to add a site as a Preferred Source. While moving an inline link higher in a response does not alter its reported position, as all links within an AI Overview share the overview’s single search result position, increased visibility is a key implication.
The planned section for official pages and the AI Mode profile links are currently in testing phases, with no definitive expansion timelines provided. The carousel expansion is underway, and businesses should monitor AI Search results in their target regions and languages.
