Google's AI Overviews appear outside top position only in 8.64% of searches

Google's AI Overviews feature does not always secure the premium first position in search results, according to comprehensive research published on July 18, 2025. Analysis of 10 million search engine results pages reveals that only 8.64% of AI Overviews appear outside position one, with some ranking as low as sixth position.

The findings challenge common assumptions about AI Overview placement within search engine results pages. Data scientist Xibeijia Guan conducted the analysis across 10 different countries, examining one million search results per country throughout July 2025. The research methodology focused specifically on searches that triggered AI Overview features to understand their positioning patterns.

According to the study findings, geographic variations exist in AI Overview positioning. Japan and Spain demonstrated higher frequencies of AI Overviews appearing outside the first position compared to other analyzed markets. These regional differences suggest that Google's algorithm may apply varying placement criteria based on local search patterns or content quality assessments.

The positioning data indicates substantial implications for search engine optimization strategies. Traditional ranking factors continue influencing AI Overview placement decisions, though the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Search marketing professionals must now consider AI Overview positioning alongside conventional organic ranking factors when developing content strategies.

Technical analysis reveals that Google's AI systems evaluate content quality before determining placement positions. The algorithm appears capable of distinguishing between high-quality and lower-quality AI-generated responses, potentially explaining why some overviews receive secondary positioning. Patrick Stox, Product Advisor at Ahrefs, noted the significance of this finding: "Right now there aren't a lot of AI Overviews showing outside the 1st position, but it does seem like Google is willing to rank some of them lower."

Position six represents the lowest observed ranking for AI Overviews within the analyzed dataset. This extreme positioning suggests that Google's quality scoring mechanisms can significantly demote AI-generated content when confidence levels drop below certain thresholds. The scoring system likely evaluates source reliability, content accuracy, and query relevance before finalizing placement decisions.

The research methodology utilized Ahrefs' Site Explorer tools to identify AI Overview positioning patterns. Users can replicate the analysis by applying SERP features filters combined with position filters within the Organic keywords report. This technical approach enables precise tracking of AI Overview performance across different ranking positions.

Search behavior studies indicate that users interact differently with AI Overviews based on their positioning. Research published by Kevin Indig and Eric van Buskirk found that 88% of users clicked "show more" to expand AI Overview content, regardless of position. However, median scroll depth reached only 30%, meaning most users consume limited portions of AI-generated summaries.

The positioning patterns create new challenges for content creators and marketing professionals. When AI Overviews appear in secondary positions, traditional organic results gain increased visibility and potential click-through opportunities. This dynamic reverses the typical impact of AI summaries, which generally reduce organic click rates by 34.5% when positioned first.

Google's quality assessment algorithms continue evolving to accommodate AI Overview placement decisions. The company's systems analyze multiple factors including source authority, content freshness, and topical expertise before determining optimal positioning. Industry analysis suggests that 96% of AI Overview links originate from top 10 organic search results, indicating strong correlation between traditional ranking factors and AI content selection.

Publishers and content creators face mounting pressure to optimize for both traditional search results and AI Overview inclusion. The dual optimization requirement demands comprehensive content strategies addressing both human readers and artificial intelligence systems. Content quality, structural organization, and authoritative sourcing become critical factors for securing favorable AI Overview positioning.

Geographic analysis reveals market-specific patterns in AI Overview deployment and positioning. The higher frequency of non-first positions in Japan and Spain could reflect cultural preferences for comprehensive information presentation or language-specific algorithm adjustments. These regional variations highlight the complexity of global AI search implementation.

The study's findings align with broader trends in search result presentation changes. Zero-click searches increased from 56% to 69% since AI Overviews launched in May 2024, fundamentally altering user interaction patterns with search results. Lower positioning of AI Overviews may partially mitigate this trend by encouraging more traditional clicking behavior.

Technical implementation details suggest that Google evaluates AI Overview quality using sophisticated scoring mechanisms. These systems likely consider factors including source diversity, factual accuracy, and completeness of generated responses. Lower-scoring overviews receive demoted positioning, creating competitive dynamics within AI-generated content.

The positioning research reveals opportunities for search engine optimization professionals to influence AI Overview placement through strategic content optimization. High-quality, authoritative content with clear structure and comprehensive coverage increases likelihood of both AI Overview inclusion and favorable positioning. Content creators must balance optimization for both artificial intelligence consumption and human readability.

Industry experts predict continued experimentation with AI Overview positioning as Google refines its algorithms. The willingness to position AI summaries outside first place indicates ongoing quality assessment improvements. Future developments may include more granular positioning controls or user preference settings for AI content presentation.

The measurement challenges associated with AI Overview positioning extend beyond simple rank tracking. Search Console reporting complications make it difficult for website owners to isolate performance impacts from specific AI features. Position calculations vary between AI Overviews and AI Mode, creating analytical complexity for marketing professionals.

Market implications of variable AI Overview positioning affect both content creators and advertising strategies. When AI summaries appear in secondary positions, traditional paid search advertisements may gain increased visibility and engagement opportunities. This dynamic creates new considerations for pay-per-click campaign planning and budget allocation decisions.

The research methodology's scope across multiple countries provides comprehensive insights into global AI search behavior patterns. The consistent analysis of one million search results per country ensures statistical significance while revealing meaningful geographic variations. This approach enables accurate assessment of AI Overview positioning trends across diverse markets and languages.

Quality scoring mechanisms behind AI Overview positioning decisions remain largely proprietary, though observable patterns suggest multi-factor evaluation systems. Google likely analyzes source credibility, content comprehensiveness, and query alignment when determining optimal placement positions. Understanding these factors becomes crucial for content creators seeking AI visibility.

The evolution of AI Overview positioning reflects Google's broader commitment to search quality improvements. By allowing lower positioning for suboptimal AI responses, the company demonstrates willingness to prioritize user experience over consistent AI feature placement. This approach suggests continued refinement of AI content evaluation systems.

Future research directions include longitudinal analysis of AI Overview positioning trends and correlation studies between positioning factors and content characteristics. Understanding the specific triggers for secondary positioning could inform optimization strategies for content creators and marketing professionals operating in AI-enhanced search environments.

Timeline

• May 2024: Google launches AI Overviews feature in search results
• February 4, 2025: Studies reveal 54.6% decrease in organic click-through rates for AI Overview queries
• March 2025: Google announces significant upgrades to AI Overviews and launches experimental AI Mode
• April 17, 2025: Ahrefs releases study showing 34.5% reduction in clickthrough rates when AI Overviews are present
• May 12, 2025: Kevin Indig and Eric van Buskirk publish comprehensive user experience study of AI Overviews
• May 21, 2025: Google VP Nick Fox defends AI search features in AI Inside podcast interview
• June 17, 2025: Google confirms AI Mode clicks now count toward Search Console totals
• July 1, 2025: Google's John Mueller defends AI Overview traffic quality claims
• July 2, 2025: Similarweb announces ChatGPT referrals increased 25x while Google zero-click searches hit 69% 
• July 8, 2025: Brainlabs releases comprehensive report showing AI search fundamentally changes SEO
• July 18, 2025: Ahrefs publishes analysis showing 8.64% of AI Overviews appear outside position one

Key Terms Explained

Search Engine Optimization (SEO): The practice of optimizing websites and content to improve visibility and rankings in search engine results pages. SEO strategies must now account for AI Overview positioning alongside traditional organic ranking factors. Content creators need to balance optimization for both artificial intelligence consumption and human readability, requiring comprehensive approaches that address technical structure, authoritative sourcing, and content quality standards.

Click-Through Rate (CTR): The percentage of users who click on a specific link after viewing it in search results. AI Overviews significantly impact CTR metrics, with studies showing 34.5% reductions when AI summaries appear in first position. Lower positioning of AI Overviews may partially restore traditional clicking behavior, creating new baseline measurements for campaign performance evaluation.

Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs): The pages displayed by search engines in response to user queries, containing organic listings, advertisements, and special features. SERP composition has fundamentally changed with AI Overview integration, creating new visibility dynamics where traditional organic results compete with AI-generated summaries for user attention and engagement.

Zero-Click Searches: Search queries where users find answers directly within search results without clicking through to external websites. The phenomenon increased from 56% to 69% since AI Overviews launched, representing a fundamental shift in user behavior that reduces website traffic while potentially improving search satisfaction rates.

Organic Search Results: Non-paid website listings that appear in search engines based on algorithmic relevance and authority assessments. These traditional listings face increased competition from AI-generated summaries, though variable AI Overview positioning creates opportunities for improved organic visibility when summaries rank below first position.

Content Strategy: The planning, development, and management of content to achieve specific marketing objectives. Modern content strategies require dual optimization approaches addressing both human consumption and AI system requirements. Successful strategies emphasize authoritative sourcing, structural clarity, and comprehensive coverage to secure favorable positioning across multiple search features.

Quality Scoring: Algorithmic evaluation systems that assess content value, accuracy, and relevance for ranking purposes. Google's quality scoring mechanisms now extend to AI Overview placement decisions, analyzing factors including source credibility, factual accuracy, and query alignment. Understanding these scoring criteria becomes essential for optimizing content visibility.

User Experience (UX): The overall interaction quality between users and digital interfaces or content. AI Overviews alter user experience by providing immediate answers within search pages, reducing navigation requirements while potentially limiting exposure to comprehensive content. Median scroll depth of 30% indicates most users consume limited portions of AI-generated summaries.

Position Tracking: The monitoring and analysis of website rankings for specific keywords across search results. Traditional position tracking becomes more complex with AI Overview integration, as positioning calculations vary between different AI features. Marketing professionals require sophisticated tracking approaches to understand performance across multiple search result components.

Traffic Attribution: The process of identifying and crediting traffic sources for website visits and conversions. AI search features complicate attribution modeling by consolidating multiple result types under unified reporting categories. Search Console limitations make it difficult to isolate performance impacts from specific AI features, requiring new analytical approaches for accurate campaign assessment.

Summary

Who: Data scientist Xibeijia Guan at Ahrefs conducted the research, with findings published by Patrick Stox, Product Advisor and Technical SEO specialist at the company.

What: Analysis of 10 million search engine results pages across 10 countries revealed that 8.64% of Google's AI Overviews appear outside the first position, with some ranking as low as sixth position.

When: The research was conducted throughout July 2025 and published on July 18, 2025, analyzing one million search results per country during this period.

Where: The study examined AI Overview positioning across 10 different countries, with Japan and Spain showing higher frequencies of AI Overviews appearing outside the first position compared to other markets.

Why: The findings suggest Google implements quality scoring mechanisms for AI-generated content, potentially ranking lower-quality AI responses in secondary positions to maintain search result quality and user experience standards.