Google AI Overviews are AI-generated summaries that appear above traditional search results for many queries, answering the question directly and linking to a few sources. They are one of the most visible answer surfaces inside Google Search.
In plain terms
Rather than sending users straight to a list of links, an AI Overview synthesizes an answer at the top of the page and cites the pages it drew from.
For example, a "how to" or comparison query may return an Overview that names sources before any organic result appears.
Because the Overview sits above the classic results, being cited in it is a distinct goal from ranking beneath it.
Why it matters
When an Overview answers the query, fewer users scroll to organic links, so citation in the Overview becomes the visibility that matters.
It brings AI-answer dynamics into the search page most buyers already use.