Google’s AI Overviews Are Replacing Featured Snippets

Featured snippets—the prized top results that once drove massive traffic—are disappearing, replaced by AI-generated summaries. 

Nearly 19% of search queries now return AI Overviews instead of traditional snippets, and that number is climbing fast. This could mean a dramatic drop in clicks for businesses and website owners. 

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SEO experts and data from search analysis tools show this trend is impacting multiple industries. Google’s AI is now taking center stage, making the fight for visibility in search results tougher than ever. 

The question is: Will your website survive the AI revolution?

Google’s AI Overviews Are Taking Over

SEO expert Glenn Gabe has identified a dramatic decline in featured snippets across industries. Tools like Semrush and Ahrefs confirm that AI Overviews are now dominating search results, pulling information from multiple sources instead of featuring a single website.

This change is focused on making things easier for Google, allowing users to receive direct answers without the hassle of clicking through to other sites. 

Having both AI Overviews and featured snippets in the same results seemed redundant, so Google appears to be phasing snippets out.

Adding to the confusion, Google does not separate AI Overview and featured snippet data in Google Search Console (GSC). This lack of transparency makes it difficult for website owners to track changes, leaving many unaware until their traffic drops significantly.

Glenn Gabe analyzed multiple websites across various industries to determine the extent of featured snippet losses. His findings were consistent—featured snippets are disappearing even for sites with stable rankings.

Using data from Semrush and Ahrefs, he tracked the number of queries that once displayed featured snippets. The results showed a steady decline over time. In some cases, snippets that existed just months ago have been completely replaced by AI Overviews.

Examples from different websites confirm this trend:

• As of March 3, 2025, featured snippets had significantly decreased compared to September 2024.

• Another case showed a dramatic drop in snippets between February 2025 and September 2024.

• Queries that previously had a featured snippet now only display an AI Overview, removing direct website exposure.

This pattern suggests Google is intentionally reducing the prevalence of featured snippets in favor of AI-generated answers. 

Why Website Traffic Is Plummeting

Featured snippets once meant top search placement and high click-through rates. AI Overviews have changed that. 

Instead of showcasing one definitive source, they compile information from multiple sites—sometimes listing 40 or more citations. That means even if your site is included, it’s lost in a crowded AI-generated block.

AI overview update. How about 40 #1 listings? 🙂

I’ve been seeing this more and more recently for some health and medical queries. Google is providing MANY citations for the AIO. Check out the list below for “flaxseed benefits”… it contains 40, yes 40, citations.

The AIO… pic.twitter.com/4YVLRyWKqN

— Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) February 16, 2025

SEO expert Wil Reynolds from Seer Interactive also reported a noticeable drop in traffic when AI Overviews replace featured snippets. 

With Google pulling more answers directly into search results, websites are losing valuable visitors.

Moreover, loopholes in Google’s system allow sites that have received manual penalties to still rank within AI Overviews. This means that sites penalized for violating Google’s guidelines can still appear in AI-generated answers, adding another layer of complexity to the evolving search landscape.

Google’s History of Changing the Game

Google has reshaped search before—from Knowledge Panels to zero-click searches. But AI Overviews are different. They don’t just summarize information; they replace the need to visit websites entirely. Even top-ranking pages are seeing declines in visibility as AI-generated content takes over.

What’s Next? The Future of Search

Google’s AI-powered search model is here to stay. Expect:

• Fewer featured snippets, more AI Overviews – Snippets may disappear entirely.
• Lower click-through rates – Users get answers directly in the search results.
• More competition for visibility – Even if listed, your site is one of many in AI-generated answers.

Website owners must adapt by:

• Building brand authority – A strong brand means users seek out your site directly.
• Diversifying traffic sources – Relying solely on Google is no longer sustainable.
• Optimizing for AI Overviews – Using structured data can help your content be recognized.

Tracking the Disappearance of Featured Snippets

If you think AI Overviews are affecting your site, here’s how to track the changes:

Use SEO tools – Monitor featured snippet trends with platforms like Semrush and Ahrefs.

Compare search results over time – Look at when and where AI Overviews replaced snippets.

Check for traffic drops – If click-through rates are falling, AI Overviews could be the cause.

Manually check your keywords – Search for your top queries and see if snippets have vanished.

Key Takeaways

• Featured snippets are disappearing as AI Overviews take over search results.
• Click-through rates are dropping because AI Overviews provide answers without users needing to click.
• Google’s ‘AI Mode’ is coming soon, likely speeding up this transformation.
• SEO strategies need to evolve, focusing on brand recognition and alternative traffic sources.
• Monitoring search trends is crucial to understand the impact of AI Overviews on your website.