How AI Overviews Work
RAG architecture. Google's AI Overviews combine a large language model with Google's search index. The model retrieves relevant passages from the web and composes a summary — a process called Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). This means the algorithm rewards fact-rich, structured content rather than keyword-stuffed pages.
They behave differently from ChatGPT or Gemini. We analysed 5,600 queries across four AI platforms at SearchIntel. Google AI Overviews are the shortest responses by 3x — a median of just 83 words compared to 422 for ChatGPT, 241 for Claude and 679 for Gemini. They're compressed summaries, not conversations.
High citation diversity. AI Overviews reference multiple links from various domains, and a significant portion come from outside the traditional top-10 organic results. This means even if you don't rank on page one, you can still be cited. See why some brands don't appear in AI answers for common barriers.
What Our Data Shows About AI Overviews
From our research across 5,600 queries, here's what makes AI Overviews distinct:
| Dimension | Google AI Overviews | ChatGPT | Claude | Gemini |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median length | 83 words | 422 words | 241 words | 679 words |
| Brand mention rate | 42.5% | 74.2% | 70.1% | 82.5% |
| Willingness to recommend | 0.2% | 8.9% | 7.3% | 7.3% |
| Tone | Encyclopaedic | Assistant | Concise assistant | Verbose |
Two findings stand out:
AI Overviews are the hardest platform to get cited on. Only 42.5% of AI Overview responses mention any brand at all — compared to 82.5% for Gemini. When brands do appear, they come late in the response (21% into the answer). Getting cited here requires high authority.
AI Overviews become opinionated on comparison queries. We found that Google uses 4.3x more superlative language ("best", "top", "leading") on comparison queries vs discovery queries. The LLMs don't do this — they hedge instead. When someone asks "best X", AI Overviews actually pick sides.
Why AI Overviews Matter for Brands
High-intent traffic. Being cited in AI Overviews can improve click-through rates because users trust summarised answers and want to learn more.
New competition paradigm. The competition isn't limited to the top ten organic results. Even smaller or niche sites can gain prominence if they provide valuable information that the algorithm deems trustworthy.
They appear on 79% of queries. In our dataset, AI Overviews were present on 79% of queries tested. However, extractable text was only available in 39% of cases — meaning AI Overviews are common, but not always substantial enough to include brand citations.
How to Get Cited in AI Overviews
- Increase fact density. Provide accurate statistics, step-by-step instructions, expert quotes and definitions. AI Overviews almost never include specific prices or quantities (just 2.6% of responses) — but they do pull categorical facts and definitions.
- Structure for extraction. Use headings, bullet points, numbered lists and tables. AI Overviews open with direct facts 99.8% of the time — no preamble. Structure your content the same way.
- Target comparison keywords. Since AI Overviews use 4.3x more superlatives on comparison queries, "best X" and "top X" queries are where you're most likely to be cited by name. Create content that directly answers these questions.
- Build E-E-A-T. Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness and Trust are core to Google's evaluation. AI Overviews rarely cite sources (only 3.1% of responses) — so when they do cite you, it signals very high trust.
- Use Schema Markup. Implement FAQ, HowTo, Product and Review schemas. This makes it easier for Google to extract and cite information.
- Keep content fresh. AI Overviews refresh regularly. Outdated statistics or broken links will cause your content to fall out of citation sets.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Thin content. Pages that only summarise others' work or lack original insights will not be cited. Invest in original research and unique perspectives.
Over-optimisation. Don't spam keywords or artificially insert facts. AI models penalise unnatural writing.
Ignoring other platforms. AI Overviews are the hardest platform to get cited on. Gemini mentions brands in 82.5% of responses vs 42.5% for AI Overviews. A comprehensive AI search visibility strategy covers all platforms.
Key Takeaways
- 83 words median — AI Overviews are 3x shorter than any other AI platform
- 42.5% brand mention rate — the hardest platform to get cited on
- 4.3x more superlatives on comparison queries — AI Overviews pick sides on "best X"
- Present on 79% of queries but extractable text in only 39%
- You don't need to rank #1 — AI Overviews cite content outside the top-10
- Structure for extraction — facts first, headings, lists, schema markup
Conclusion
AI Overviews are the most selective AI platform for brand visibility — but also potentially the most valuable, given Google's massive search volume. Getting cited requires fact-dense, well-structured, authoritative content. The brands that show up in AI Overviews have earned it through trust, not tricks.