Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article
TL;DR Summary of Google Tests Citation Favicon Placement in AI Mode Answer Boxes
Google is experimenting with displaying citation favicons at the bottom of AI Mode answer boxes, in addition to their usual position at the top right. This change was observed through screenshots shared online, highlighting a potential update to how sources are visually referenced. Currently, this new placement is part of a limited test and not widely replicable by all users.
Optimixed’s Overview: Insights into Google’s Experimentation with Citation Icon Placement in AI-Powered Search Answers
New Visual Experimentation in Google’s AI Mode
Google is conducting tests to enhance the visibility of source citations within its AI-generated answer boxes. Traditionally, citation favicons—small site icons representing the source—appear at the top right corner of the answer card stack. However, recent observations reveal these icons also appearing at the bottom of the answers in AI Mode.
Details of the Test and User Observations
- Source of discovery: The test was identified through screenshots posted by Sachin Patel on social media platform X.
- Icon placement: Favicons are shown both at the top right and additionally at the bottom of the answer box, which is unusual compared to the standard layout.
- User replication: Attempts to replicate this behavior have been largely unsuccessful, indicating the experiment is limited to select users or environments.
Potential Impact and Considerations
This experimentation could improve user trust and clarity by making it easier to identify the sources of AI-generated answers. However, as this is an early test, Google’s final implementation remains uncertain. Monitoring such changes helps SEO professionals and webmasters understand evolving search features and their impact on content attribution.
