Introduction to Google’s AI Mode
Google’s AI Mode is a feature that uses artificial intelligence to provide search results. A recent study analyzed 10,000 keywords to see how well AI Mode works. The study found that AI Mode gives different results often, and these results do not overlap much with traditional search engine results.
How the Study Was Done
The study was published by SE Ranking and looked at how AI Mode compares to Google’s AI Overviews and the top 10 organic search results. The researchers ran the same 10,000 keywords through AI Mode three times on the same day to test consistency. They found that the results varied most of the time.
Inconsistent Results
In 21.2% of cases, there were no overlapping URLs at all between the three sets of responses. Domain-level consistency was slightly higher, at 14.7%, indicating that AI Mode may cite different pages from the same websites. This shows that AI Mode can be unpredictable and may not always give the same results for the same search query.
Comparison with Organic Results
The study also found that there is minimal overlap between AI Mode sources and traditional organic search rankings. Only 14% of URLs in AI Mode responses matched the top 10 organic search results for the same queries. When looking at domain-level matches, overlap increased to 21.9%. In 17.9% of queries, AI Mode provided zero overlap with organic URLs, suggesting that its selections could be independent of Google’s ranking algorithms.
Most Cited Domains
On average, each AI Mode response contains 12.6 citations. The most common format is block links (90.8%), followed by in-text links (8.9%) and AIM SERP-style links (0.3%). Despite the volatility, some domains consistently appeared across all tests. The top-cited sites were:
- Indeed (1.8%)
- Wikipedia (1.6%)
- Reddit (1.5%)
- YouTube (1.4%)
- NerdWallet (1.2%)
Google properties were cited most frequently, accounting for 5.7% of all links. These were mostly Google Maps business profiles.
Differences from AI Overviews
Comparing AI Mode to AI Overviews, researchers found an average URL overlap of just 10.7%, with domain overlap at 16%. This suggests that the two systems operate under different logic despite both being AI-driven.
What This Means for Search Marketers
The high volatility of AI Mode results presents new challenges and new opportunities. Because results can vary even for identical queries, tracking visibility is more complex. However, this fluidity also creates more openings for exposure. Unlike traditional search results, where a small set of top-ranking pages often dominate, AI Mode appears to refresh its citations frequently.
Strategies for Success
To adapt to this environment, SEOs and content creators should consider:
- Prioritizing domain-wide authority and topical relevance
- Diversifying content across trusted platforms
- Optimizing local presence through tools like Google Maps
- Monitoring evolving inclusion patterns as AI Mode develops
Conclusion
In conclusion, Google’s AI Mode is a feature that provides inconsistent results and has minimal overlap with traditional search engine results. While this presents challenges for search marketers, it also creates opportunities for exposure. By understanding how AI Mode works and adapting strategies accordingly, content creators can increase their chances of appearing in AI Mode answers. As AI Mode continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor its development and adjust strategies to optimize visibility and reach.