Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article
TL;DR Summary of Google AI Mode Shows Different Citations Across Devices and Browsers
Google AI Mode presents varying source citations depending on whether you search on desktop or mobile. Even the same query on different desktop browsers or repeated searches on the same browser can yield different cited sources. This highlights the importance of optimizing for AI visibility across multiple Google interfaces.
Optimixed’s Overview: Navigating the Variability of Google AI Mode Citations Across Platforms
Understanding the Dual Nature of Google AI Mode
Recent observations reveal that Google AI Mode does not present a consistent set of citations or source links across different platforms and sessions. Jes Scholz highlighted that Google effectively operates two AI modes: one within Chrome desktop browsers and another in the Google mobile app. This dual presence results in significantly different sources being cited based on the user’s chosen interface.
Implications for SEO and Content Optimization
- Dynamic Citations: The number and identity of cited sources can vary even when executing the exact same query on the same browser after refreshing.
- Cross-Platform Differences: Searches on Safari versus Chrome, or desktop versus mobile, yield different citation counts and sources, underlining the dynamic nature of AI-powered search results.
- Strategic AI Visibility: Content creators and SEO professionals should optimize content for both faces of Google AI—desktop Chrome and mobile app—to maximize exposure and credibility.
Key Takeaway
The disparity in Google AI Mode citations underscores that AI-generated search results are highly dynamic and influenced by platform and browser variables. For those aiming to improve content discoverability and trustworthiness in AI-driven search, monitoring and adapting to these variations is essential.
