Google’s AI Overview Experiment

Introduction

Google is experimenting with AI Overviews inside the Knowledge Panel. Instead of the traditional AI Overview box labeled at the top of the search results. Users are now seeing AI-generated answers displayed in the form of a Knowledge Panel.

This was spotted earlier by SEO professional Brodie Clark. The AI Mode test shows Google’s intent to redefine how AI-powered results appear. It merges summarized AI answers with structured knowledge panel layouts, presenting information in a simpler, more organized way.

In this article, we will break down what this experiment is, how it changes the search experience, its impact on SEO, and what strategy website owners should use to overcome SEO hassles.

Google AI Overviews Experiment Details

• Placement: AI synopsis reflects inside the right-hand Knowledge Panel area (desktop view), instead of a separate AI Overview part.
• Layout Changes: References and citations are shown in columns instead of rows, making the results look more structured and scannable.
• Labeling: The “AI Overview” label is removed, making the feature blend easily into the Knowledge Panel experience.

Here is the Google Experiment with AI Overviews, looks like (Image Credit: Brodie Clark)

Standard AI Overview for the same query:

Google AI Experiment

From expert observations, Google’s AI Overview test involves three main elements:

1. Incorporation of AI Summaries into Knowledge Panels
   
   • Rather than appearing as a separate AI box, AI answers are integrated into a familiar search feature.
     
2. Reference Layout
   
   • In the new reference layout, sources are listed in clean columns, making it easier for users to identify multiple references at one glance.
     
3. Removal of AI Labeling
   
   • Without “AI Overview” as a heading, users may not even recognise that the summary is AI-generated, which could increase trust and adoption.
     

Why Google is Testing AI Overviews

Google’s experiment with AI Summaries expands what AI can do with more advanced reasoning, thinking, and multimodal capabilities. This test helps the users to get the answers to their most complex questions.. It changes how users engage with information:

• User Experience: The panel looks less experimental and more authoritative, giving AI summaries the same status as knowledge panels.
  
• Trust Factor: Without precise “AI” labels, users may see the content as more trustworthy.
  
• SEO Visibility: If your content is referenced in these AI summaries, visibility could increase dramatically, but organic clicks may decline since answers are front-loaded.
  

AI Overview’s Test Impact on SEO

1. Low Click-Through Rates (CTR)

Just like featured snippets, AI Overviews/Knowledge Panels may offer adequate information that users don’t click through to sites.

2. Opportunity for Visibility

Sites cited in these panels could gain brand exposure and credibility. The key is producing authoritative, trustworthy content.

3. E-E-A-T Emphasis

With AI attracting content into highly visible panels, Google is likely amplifying on Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T) signals.

4. Importance of Content Structuring

Answers that are direct, neatly formatted, and clear have a stronger chance of appearing in AI Synopsis. Structured data and FAQ formats could help.

How to Prepare Your Website 

Once Google rolls out the AI Overview experiment more broadly, here’s what website owners can do:

Step 1: Focus on Direct Answers

• Use headers, bullet points, and precise explanations.
  
• Organise your writing to be easily summarised by AI.
  

Step 2: Website Authority

• Show-off expert bios, credentials, and original research.
  
• Get cited by reliable sources.
  

Step 3: Implement Structured Data

• Mark up FAQs, how-to guides, and product details.
  
• Improve crawlability and indexing with schema.
  

Step 4: Track Performance

• Monitor impressions and clicks in Google Search Console.
  
• Compare CTR trends for queries where your site is referenced.

Google AI Mode

AI Mode is designed upon our foundational quality and ranking systems, and it integrates innovative reasoning capabilities from the model to enhance factuality. Google’s goal is to provide an AI-generated response as often as possible. However, in situations where they are not highly confident in the helpfulness and quality of the output, the system will default to displaying traditional web search results.

As this is an early-stage AI product, there will be instances where the results are not perfect. For example, while the intention is for AI responses to be objective and based on available web information, some responses might inadvertently adopt a specific tone or reflect an opinion.

During this new testing phase, Google AI focuses on addressing these types of challenges and making quick user experience adjustments based on feedback.

Conclusion

Google’s experiment of an AI Overview of incorporating information from Knowledge Panels shows its continued commitment to creating a search experience that is both AI-powered and feels seamless and reliable. 

The best strategy to overcome SEO challenges with the AI Overview’s experiment is to create high-quality, trustworthy content that answers user intent directly. As Google continues blending AI with traditional search features, the brands that thrive will be those focused on expertise, clarity, and value.

Reach out to us for the best SEO services. 

References:

• Barry Schwartz – Google AI Overview With Knowledge Panel Test
• Brodie Clark – SEO Notes – August 2025
• The Keyword –  Expanding AI Overviews and Introducing AI Mode