Search has changed: AI Overviews is the new normal
Google is no longer just a list of links. In 2026, AI Overviews — the AI-generated summary that appears at the top of the results — is present in 43% of searches, a huge jump from 15% a year earlier. For companies that rely on organic traffic, this is no longer a distant possibility: it is the current reality.
The impact is direct: with a ready answer at the top, the click-through rate on traditional results has dropped from 15% to about 8% in searches with AI summaries. Those who are not mentioned in this summary simply lose visibility.
What works to appear in AI Overviews
1. Content that directly answers the question
Google uses enhanced retrieval techniques (RAG): it looks for excerpts from your content to build the answer. Therefore, answer the user's main question in the first paragraphs, clearly and structured.
2. Structure and reliable data
Lists, tables, practical examples, and sourced data increase the chances of citation. The algorithm favors pages with authority and quality — the same criteria as always, now applied to answer generation.
3. Conversational searches
Users now type longer questions, as if conversing with an assistant. Optimize for long-tail keywords and natural questions ("how", "what is", "how much does it cost").
Should I disable AI Overviews on my site?
The Search Console offers the option to disable participation in AI responses. In most cases, we do not recommend: those who are mentioned in AI Overviews gain enormous visibility, even in news carousels within the responses themselves. Disabling is giving up the game.
The SEO plan for 2026
- Audit which of your keywords have AI Overviews active and if your page is cited.
- Restructure the content to answer questions directly and in a scannable way.
- Monitor performance in the Search Console, now with specific AI metrics.
SEO has not died — it has evolved. Companies that adapt content and authority to the world of AI responses will reap the traffic that others will lose. Need help with this adaptation? The SEO consultancy at Agência Kaizen is already focused on visibility in AI responses.