Google Adds Inline Links and Creator Profiles to AI Search Overviews
Google is updating AI Mode and AI Overviews with clearer source links, official site sections, and clickable creator profiles to improve web exploration.
Key points
- Google is increasing inline links in AI responses to allow direct exploration of topics.
- A new dedicated section highlights official websites with context about their utility.
- Clickable creator profiles on video results provide quick context on content sources.
Google announced updates to its AI Mode and AI Overviews, introducing clearer inline links and dedicated sections for official websites. The changes aim to help users explore the web more easily by providing better context about sources and timely articles within search results.
The company stated that it is making substantial increases to the presence of inline links in its AI experiences. These links are embedded in words or phrases within AI-generated responses, allowing users to dive deeper into topics immediately while reading. Google is also launching updates to show these inline links higher up in responses more frequently.
Source Context and Official Links
Google is testing a new display in Search AI experiences that prominently surfaces links to official websites in a dedicated section at the top of a response. This section includes context explaining why each link is useful, helping users find exactly what they need for specific tasks or information.
This feature expands on existing efforts to show links front and center when users are looking to go to a particular site. The goal is to ensure users can be more confident they have found the correct official source for completing a task or getting exact information.
Visual Updates and Creator Profiles
Google is rolling out prominent carousels for timely articles to additional locations and languages globally. These carousels highlight Preferred Sources, making it easier for users to find coverage from websites they value. This feature makes timely articles more visible on a wider range of queries.
The company also started testing clickable creator and publisher names on video results in AI Mode this week. These names link directly to Search profiles, giving users a quick way to learn about creators and their broader work. Eligible creators and publishers can learn more about Search profiles and how to get started.
User Adoption and Engagement
Google reported that the number of people using its Preferred Sources feature has grown by more than seven times since the start of the year. The company noted that people are taking advantage of tools that give them more choice in their search experiences.
These updates are part of a broader effort to make exploring the web simpler, more visual, and more engaging. Google stated it will keep refining these experiences based on what works best for users who want to dig deeper into interesting angles and sources.
What should you do?
Users should review the new inline links and official website sections to verify source credibility before clicking. Creators and publishers should check eligibility for Search profiles to increase their visibility in AI Mode. Organizations should monitor how these changes affect traffic from AI-generated search results.
What to do and how to stay safe: Google
- Verify the credibility of sources by checking the context provided in the new official website sections.
- Use clickable creator profiles to assess the background and broader work of content creators before engaging.
- Monitor changes in traffic patterns from AI search features to understand user behavior shifts.
- Review Preferred Sources settings to ensure your valued websites are highlighted in timely article carousels.
Step-by-step guide: Prompt Injection Warning Signs: How to Spot AI Manipulation
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
What new features are being added to Google AI Search?
Google is adding clearer inline links, dedicated sections for official websites, visual carousels for news, and clickable creator profiles.
How are inline links changing in AI responses?
Inline links are being increased in presence and shown higher up in responses more frequently to help users explore topics directly.
Who can use the new clickable creator profiles?
Eligible creators and publishers can use the new clickable profiles, which link directly to their Search profiles in AI Mode.
