AI Overviews and AI Mode Mark the Biggest Google Search Upgrade, Says Liz Reid

Google’s VP and Head of Search, Liz Reid, is calling the rollout of AI Overviews and the newer AI Mode “the most significant upgrade of the Google Search experience ever.”

In a recent statement, Reid highlighted that these AI-powered features allow people to ask questions they never could before — often longer, more complex, and more exploratory in nature. The result, she says, has been “tremendous,” with internal data showing users are happier with their search experience and searching more than ever.

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Traffic and Click Quality: Google’s Data vs. Perception

Reid addressed a growing industry concern — whether AI-generated answers reduce traffic to websites.

According to her, total organic click volume from Google Search has been relatively stable year-over-year, while click quality has actually improved.

“By quality clicks, we mean those where users don’t quickly click back,” she explained, noting that these are stronger signals of user interest.

She also countered third-party reports claiming dramatic traffic declines, attributing such data to flawed methodologies, outdated samples, or changes unrelated to the AI rollout.

More Links, More Opportunity — But a Shift in What Gets Clicked

Reid emphasized that AI Overviews often display more links than before, creating new opportunities for websites to surface.

While quick factual queries (like sports scores or moon phases) may see fewer clicks, other types of searches — especially those tied to learning, research, or purchases — still drive strong engagement.

User preferences, she noted, are shifting toward:

• Forums and authentic user voices

• Videos and podcasts

• In-depth reviews and original analysis

• Thoughtful first-person perspectives

Sites meeting these evolving needs, Reid said, are benefiting from the AI-driven shift.

AI and the Web: Not Either/Or

Reid stressed that Google’s AI features are built to highlight the web, not replace it.

AI responses include prominent links, visible citations, and in-line attributions — all designed to guide users deeper into the open web. She also reaffirmed that websites can control how their content is featured using open web protocols.

“The web has existed for over three decades, and we believe we’re entering its most exciting era yet,” Reid said. “AI will empower us all to ask more questions and allow creators to reach more deeply engaged audiences.”

Stan Ventures’ Perspective

At Stan Ventures, we agree with Liz Reid’s core point — the future of search is AI-driven. But we believe brands must act now to secure visibility in AI-generated results. That means prioritizing Brand Mentions, Entity-Based Optimization, and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) to ensure your brand gets cited in AI Overviews, AI Mode, and other AI-powered search experiences.