Google To Test Changes To AI Mode To Encourage Clicks

08/26/25
Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of Google Tests New AI Mode Features to Boost Publisher Clicks

Google is rolling out updates to its AI Mode in Search to enhance user engagement and direct more clicks to publishers. Key changes include embedded link carousels on mobile, improved inline links within AI responses, and expanded testing of the Web Guide in the main search tab. These experiments aim to provide more context around links, encouraging users to explore original sources more effectively.

Optimixed’s Overview: Enhancing User Experience and Publisher Visibility Through Google’s AI Search Innovations

Introduction to Google’s AI Mode Enhancements

Google is actively experimenting with new ways to present links in its AI-powered Search responses, aiming to balance user helpfulness with publisher visibility. These efforts come as part of a broader initiative to improve the transparency and utility of AI-generated content by encouraging users to visit source websites.

Key Features Being Tested

  • Embedded Link Carousels: Already launched on desktop, these interactive carousels display multiple relevant links within AI Mode responses and will soon appear on mobile devices.
  • Inline Links: The AI models are being updated to embed links directly within the text, providing users with contextual cues about the source and relevance, thus increasing the likelihood of clicks.
  • Expanded Web Guide Testing: Originally limited to the “Web” tab, the Web Guide experiment is expanding to the “All” tab for users who opt in, intelligently surfacing curated web links for even the most complex queries.

The Impact on Search and Publishers

These developments reflect Google’s commitment to making AI-generated search results more transparent and actionable. By prioritizing link visibility within AI content, Google aims to:

  • Drive more traffic to original publishers, supporting the broader web ecosystem.
  • Provide richer context so users understand what they’re clicking on before they leave the AI environment.
  • Continuously refine AI response formats based on user feedback and engagement metrics.

Conclusion

As Google continues to refine AI Mode in Search, these experiments signal a strategic effort to enhance both user experience and publisher engagement. While users may notice fluctuations during rollout, the long-term goal is a more intuitive and source-transparent AI search environment that benefits all stakeholders.