Google AI Mode: The Future of Search and SEO
Google launched the Google AI Mode, its latest feature that changes the way Google Search users find information. The AI Mode feature in Google Search, released in May 2025, marks a major step for Google towards more interactive, personalized, and in-depth AI-powered search. In this article, we’ll discuss what AI Mode is, how it differs from AI Overview, its impact on website owners, and the latest SEO strategies to adopt.
What is Google AI Mode?
Google AI Mode is a new search experience from Google, powered by generative AI technology, that allows users to interact conversationally with the search engine. Built on the latest AI models, AI Mode can understand complex queries, respond with comprehensive summaries, and continue discussions with follow-up questions.
This feature not only automatically summarizes answers but also allows users to explore topics more deeply without having to perform multiple separate searches. AI Mode can be accessed through a dedicated tab or the AI icon on the Google search page.
Google calls this AI Mode the “most powerful AI Search” with advanced reasoning capabilities and multimodality on the search platform.
Note: As of this writing (Aug 2025), AI Mode is still available to users through trial, as shown in the images below.
When you click on the Try Now button, it will take you to the screen below.
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What are the advanced features in Google AI Mode?
Google AI Mode includes six advanced AI features:
#1. Deep Search
AI Mode is capable of running hundreds of searches in parallel, reasoning about information from multiple sources, and compiling comprehensive, verified reports in just minutes.
#2. Live Capabilities
Real-time visual search features using the camera—users can have a live dialogue with the AI about what they see, for example, taking a picture of an object and asking about it.
#3. Agentic Capabilities
AI Mode isn’t just for searching—it can also buy tickets, fill out forms, and take care of repetitive work for you.
#4. AI Shopping Partner
AI can provide interactive shopping experiences such as virtual try-on (trying products virtually), personal recommendations, and assist with the automated checkout process.
#5. Personal Context
Google’s AI Mode enhances search relevance using your history and integrates with apps like Gmail to provide smarter, more contextual results.
#6. Custom Charts
An advanced data visualization feature that allows AI Mode to automatically display graphs or diagrams from search results or collected data.
Also Read: Importance of Google Reviews for SEO?
What is the difference between Google AI Mode and AI Overviews?
AI Mode and AI Overviews have some functional differences, even though they both utilize AI to provide a summary of information with source links.
The difference between Google AI Mode and AI Overviews in search results is:
One-shot Overviews vs. Conversational Mode
AI Overview provides a one-time answer in the form of a short summary that appears above the search results for a specific query. Meanwhile, AI Mode is an interactive, conversation-based search mode. Users can ask further questions, delve deeper into topics, and build conversations with the AI. AI Mode responses take searches to a deeper level, beyond a one-time query.
Triggers and Access
AI Overview appears automatically only for certain queries that Google’s system deems worthy of an AI summary. However, AI Mode is a mode that users manually select via the “Ask” tab or button. Once activated, almost all queries will receive an AI response, unless the system deems the answer’s confidence level low.
Depth of Answer
AI Overview is typically concise, consisting of a few sentences or bullet points with 2–3 source links. In contrast, AI Mode is designed to provide long, in-depth answers. Because it supports follow-up questions, AI Mode can craft more comprehensive responses—similar to expert reports complete with references. For example, the “Deep Search” feature in AI Mode can run hundreds of searches and generate complex summaries in just minutes.
User Interface (UI)
The AI Overview appears directly at the top of the search page with a colored, expandable background. AI Mode presents itself in a dedicated chatbot-like interface with its own tab. AI answers can be segmented or bulleted, with a follow-up question bar, a save button, and other features. Even after the AI Overview appears, a “Follow up in AI Mode” button is often displayed to continue the search interactively.
Also Read: What is SERP? Definition, Function, and Difference from SEO
Model Capabilities
Both use the Gemini family of generative AI models. However, AI Mode is the first place to test the latest model. Currently, AI Mode uses Gemini 2.5 with multimodal features—capable of understanding image input or context directly through the camera. Meanwhile, AI Overview is still text-based. In other words, AI Mode is a more advanced and comprehensive version.
Content Delivery Style
AI Overview often paraphrases or quotes directly from sources. AI Mode, due to its conversational nature, delivers answers with a more natural narrative. Some early reports suggest that AI Mode structures information in a more free-flowing and comprehensive style, making it sound more like a chatbot than a mashup of website quotes.
As an example of the visual differences, for a search on “how to carry a small dog while flying,” AI Overview displays tips in summary form and a button to proceed to AI Mode. Below that, Google also adds a carousel of sponsored products (e.g., dog carriers), demonstrating that advertising and AI are integrated into the user experience.
Differences in features:
| Feature | AI Overview | AI Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Interaction Style | One-time snippet | Multi-turn conversation |
| Trigger | Appears automatically | Accessed manually via tab/icon |
| Depth of Answer | Short and fast | Detailed, deep, and expandable |
| User Interface | On the search results page | Chatbot-like interface |
| Follow-up Support | Not available | Available, with contextual memory |
What impact does AI Mode have on Google search engine users?
Independent media outlet Android Authority surveyed 1,255 readers, with surprising results: 54% chose AI mode as their preference with Google.
Here are some real-world impacts of AI Mode on search engine users:
Improved Convenience and Efficiency:
Users no longer need to open multiple tabs or browse multiple websites. AI Mode instantly summarizes information from multiple sources and presents it concisely and relevantly.
More Natural Search and Conversations
Users can ask follow-up questions directly and get contextual responses, making the experience more like having a conversation with a personal assistant.
More Personal and Contextual
AI Mode can understand a user’s search history and provide suggestions tailored to individual preferences and needs. This creates more targeted searches.
Visual and Interactive Experience
With image-based search and live camera features, users can interact in real-time with their surroundings and get information instantly.
Changing Shopping and Decision-Making
Features such as virtual try-on and personal recommendations make it easier for users to find and choose suitable products.
Risks of Dependence and Information Filtering
Despite the convenience, there is a risk that users will become too reliant on AI answers and no longer explore different perspectives from original sources.
Increased Frequency and User Satisfaction
Data from Google shows that users are more satisfied with AI-based search results and tend to use Google Search more frequently than before.
Usage continues to grow as users adapt to AI Mode.
Also Read: Social Media Vs Website for your business
What impact does Google AI Mode have on site owners?
The impact of Google AI mode on website owners and publishers (media) is indeed quite challenging because, currently, Google is changing its position from a “search engine” to an “answer engine”.
The Impact Statistics website noted a decrease in clicks of between 18% and 70% to informative websites, as AI Mode provided direct answers without requiring users to visit the source site. This is primarily because:
- AI answers appear before traditional blue links
- Users felt the AI’s answers were sufficient
- Many questions are fully answered in the AI summary
However, while the presence of AI Mode presents challenges, there are new opportunities for site owners, including:
New Monetization Model from More Targeted Traffic
Even though the number of clicks is decreasing, the quality of visitors tends to increase because they come from more intent and specific searches. Site owners can increase conversions by creating a funnel that is more focused on high-quality visitors.
Positioning as an Authoritative Brand in the Industry
Becoming a reference source in AI Mode increases trust and brand authority. This can be leveraged to expand B2B collaborations, sponsorships, or premium affiliations.
Diversification of Digital Products and Services
Google AI Mode drives the need for in-depth and high-value content. Website owners can develop digital products such as e-books, online courses, or paid webinars as an additional form of monetization.
What is the impact of AI Mode on SEO Strategy?
The impact of AI Mode on SEO Strategy is quite large regarding the way site owners structure content.
AI Mode is fundamentally changing how SEO should be designed and executed. Traditional keyword-based approaches are increasingly being replaced by the need for more contextual, authoritative, and user-intent-driven content. Here are some of the key impacts of AI Mode on SEO strategy:
- From Keyword to Entity-Based SEO
AI Mode prioritizes entity-based authority, not just keyword matches.
Google relies on understanding entities—people, places, products, concepts—and how they are connected.
Brands must build a strong presence in Google’s knowledge graph through consistent backlinks, citations, and mentions. - Focus on Context and User Intent
AI Mode understands the intent behind a search, not just the phrases used.
Content needs to address users’ deep needs, not just target specific keywords.
This requires a comprehensive topic-based approach (topical authority), not just individual articles. - High-Quality and Trusted Content is Key
To be cited in an AI summary, a site must demonstrate:
Expertise in the field discussed
Credibility through trusted references and clear sources
Consistency and accuracy of information
Content must be comprehensive, analytical, and structured to be easily absorbed by AI. - From Content to Context
AI Mode prioritizes context and meaning over just buzzwords.
Content strategy should optimize information structure, sentence order, and the use of NLP (Natural Language Processing).
This helps AI understand and convey information quickly and accurately.
The emphasis on context also demands integration between topics within a content ecosystem. - From Information Approach to Question and Answer
AI Mode responds more effectively to question-and-answer formats than to long narratives.
Google already has an understanding of general concepts; site owners need to provide direct answers to specific questions.
The short question-and-answer format makes the content easier to consume and potentially more quotable by AI.
This strategy supports the creation of more modular FAQ content, snippets, and information blocks.
Also Read: E-commerce Search to Boost Sales: Predictive vs. Semantic
Frequently Asked Questions About Google AI Mode
When will Google launch AI mode globally? Is it available in Search Labs?
At the time of this writing, access to Google Labs—which allows users to try experimental features like AI Overviews—is not available in all countries. For example, although Google launched AI Overviews in May 2024, it wasn’t rolled out in some regions until October 2024. For the latest updates, visit blog.google.com.
Can the results from this AI Generator be trusted?
Based on our experience with AI Engine and AI Overviews, there will always be room for error in the risk of incorrect results in AI searches on Google. This is related to three factors: biased user query context, errors in document sources, or technical factors in the algorithm. However,
Will this AI feature also be available in the Gemini App?
Gemini is the name of a family of AI models created by Google DeepMind (the successor to PaLM 2). It is the brain or “AI engine” used in various Google products. The Gemini App (including access through the Google One AI Premium program) and AI Mode are two distinct products. While both introduce AI experiences, they have different aims and objectives:
Feature Gemini App AI Mode (Google Search)
| Feature | Gemini App | AI Mode (Google Search) |
|---|---|---|
| Forming | Chatbot applications (such as ChatGPT) | Features inside Google Search |
| Objective | All-in-one AI virtual assistant | AI-powered web search |
| Interaction | Chat style | AI + hybrid search results |
| Focus | Productivity, documents, ideas | Info and answers from the web |
Conclusion
Google AI Mode isn’t just an add-on feature, but a major leap forward in the evolution of search engines. With conversational capabilities, contextual understanding, and multimodal integration, AI Mode fundamentally changes how users interact with information and how site owners strategize their content.
For users, AI Mode delivers a faster, more relevant, and more personalized search experience. But for site owners, it’s a call to transformation: from simply chasing keywords to building entity authority, from crafting long articles to providing concise yet valuable answers.
SEO strategies can no longer rely solely on traffic volume, but must adapt to search behavior based on intent, conversation, and the quality of answers. Those who can adapt quickly will gain new opportunities—in terms of visibility, conversions, and market trust.
This new era isn’t about fighting AI, but collaborating with it. By understanding how AI works and integrating the right approach, digital marketers can stay relevant, competitive, and successful amidst the dramatic changes in the search world.
* Information collected from multiple sources available on the internet.
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