Google AI Overviews Appear in 74% of Problem-Solving Queries
A new report shows that AI Overviews (AIOs) in Google’s search results aren’t everywhere yet, but they’re already making a big difference in how visible websites are and how users interact with search results.
The study, done by Authoritas, looks at how AI Overviews change the way organic search works. In December, the team studied search data from 10,000 keywords across seven industries in the U.S.
The report explains how AI Overviews are becoming more important, showing trends, what users are looking for, and how often these AI-driven results pop up.
Key Findings
1. AI Overviews Appear in Less Than One-Third of Searches
AI Overviews appeared in 29.9% of the 10,000 keywords studied but made up only 11.5% of the total search volume.
High-volume keywords (those searched a lot) were less likely to have an AI Overview than mid-range keywords (searched 501 to 2,400 times a month). About 42% of mid-range keywords had an AI Overview.
Takeaway: AI Overviews aren’t everywhere yet, but they’re more common for mid-range searches. This means there’s a chance to stand out in less competitive areas.
Related: Google AI Overviews Claims Larger Pixel Area in SERPs
2. Industry and User Intent Play a Significant Role
The telecommunications industry had the most keywords with AI Overviews at 56%, while beauty and cosmetics had the fewest at 14%.
Searches aimed at solving problems or asking specific questions were most likely to trigger AI Overviews, with rates of 74% and 69%, respectively.
On the other hand, searches for specific websites (like “Facebook login”) rarely showed AI Overviews. This means AI Overviews focus more on general information than direct navigation.
Takeaway: If your content answers questions or solves problems, it will likely appear in AI Overviews. Brands in simpler industries should focus on topics where people need more research.
3. Non-Brand Terms Are More Likely to Generate AI Overviews
About 33.3% of non-brand searches (like “best smartphones”) showed an AI Overview, while only 19.6% of brand searches (like “Apple iPhone”) did.
Brand searches usually happen when people are closer to buying something, but AI Overviews for informational brand searches can still shape how people see a brand.
Takeaway: AI Overviews might slow down buyers, but they can help shape opinions early in decision-making.
4. Impact on Traditional Organic Results
When you click “Show more” on an AI Overview on a desktop, the page moves down by about 220 pixels. This pushes regular search results further down the screen.
On mobile, only one or two organic results are visible without scrolling, making it harder for websites to get noticed.
Takeaway: Since AI Overviews take up a lot of space at the top of search results, brands need to focus on appearing in both the AI Overview and the regular results below.
Related: SEO Trends 2025
5. Overlap with Traditional Rankings
Websites that rank high are more likely to appear in AI Overviews, but this isn’t always the case. About half of the top-ranking pages are included in AI Overviews, and sometimes pages outside the top ten can show up too.
Featured Snippets (those short answers at the top of search results) often appear with AI Overviews. If you have a Featured Snippet, there’s a 60% chance you’ll also be in the AI Overview.
Takeaway: A high rank or Featured Snippet doesn’t guarantee you’ll be in an AI Overview, but it helps. Focus on creating clear, trustworthy content to stay competitive.
6. Trust & YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) Topics
Websites known for being experts, especially in finance and healthcare, are often included in AI Overviews.
On the other hand, sites like Reddit and Quora, even though they rank well, are less likely to be mentioned in AI Overviews.
Takeaway: Websites with reliable, accurate, and trustworthy content are more likely to be featured in AI Overviews.
Related: Top 15 Digital Marketing Trends 2025: Key Insights for Marketing Leaders
Conclusion
AI Overviews are still new, but they’re already making a big impact, especially for searches that solve problems or provide information.
If your website is in an industry where people do a lot of research or where decisions are important, you might see more AI Overviews and face tougher competition.
Even if AI Overviews aren’t common in your area yet, that could change as Google improves its AI and learns more about what users want.
For SEOs and advertisers, here are two key strategies:
- Figure out which searches trigger AI Overviews and adjust your content or ads to match.
- Keep focusing on basics like optimizing for Featured Snippets and E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) to improve your chances of being featured.
The full study and whitepaper offer more details on how AI Overviews work and their impact.
Sarosh Khan has been part of CyberX Studio since 2024 as a Content Writer and Strategist. With a degree in Media & Communication Studies, Sarosh is passionate about creating content that is both informative and engaging. She specializes in researching topics and crafting content strategies that help boost engagement and support the studio’s marketing goals.