Smaller ‘More’ Link, Bigger Impact? Google Revamps AI Search Feature

Google is rolling out a subtle yet impactful change to its AI Overview feature, aiming to refine users’ interactions with AI-generated search results.

Instead of the large, obvious “Show More” button, users will now see a smaller, less noticeable “More” link at the bottom of the snippet. This might seem like a minor tweak, but it could have big implications for how users engage with Google’s AI. 

Along with this, the Gemini logo and AI Overview header are also being tested for removal. So, what’s behind this redesign, and what does it mean for users and SEO professionals?

Google’s Interface Change: What’s New and Why It Matters

In this latest experiment, Google is dialing down the prominence of the “Show More” button, replacing it with a subtle “More” link. 

Previously, this large button was the gateway to expanding the AI Overview, giving users quick access to a full response and link cards for deeper insights into the information. 

The new “More” link still functions the same way—allowing users to expand and collapse the AI-generated snippet—but its smaller size makes it far less eye-catching.

User Shameem Adhikarath first picked up this change on X (formerly known as Twitter), who posted a video showcasing how the revamped design works. 

Google generative AI shows links with “references” tag and expandable ‘More’/’Fewer’ buttons.

Cc: @rustybrick pic.twitter.com/U4CDt0wce7

— Shameem Adhikarath (@shemiadhikarath) September 12, 2024

Brodie Clark, another user on X, followed up with screenshots comparing the old and new interfaces, sparking a debate on which layout users prefer.

While this shift may seem like a minor cosmetic change, it hints at a deeper transformation in how Google wants users to engage with its AI content. 

Why Google’s Shift to Minimalism in AI Search is a Big Deal

Though the change might seem small, it marks a major move in Google’s overall approach to AI integration. 

By removing the Gemini logo and shrinking the “More” button, Google signals that AI content isn’t meant to stand out as something special or different. Instead, it’s becoming just another part of the search experience, blended seamlessly into the rest of the results.

Google’s decision to make AI-generated content less prominent could be an attempt to make it feel more organic and less like an “extra” feature. It’s part of a broader trend in tech design—where AI is quietly embedded into services, helping users without drawing too much attention to the technology itself.

This also reflects Google’s focus on user experience. The smaller “More” link reduces clutter and keeps the search results page clean, which could make the overall experience feel more intuitive and efficient. 

However, there’s a flip side: with less visibility, fewer users might interact with AI-generated overviews, potentially lowering engagement with the AI content.

Will This Subtle Change Impact SEO and Website Traffic?

For SEO experts and digital marketers, the shift from “Show More” to “More” could be more than just an aesthetic change. 

The AI Overview feature often includes link cards that direct users to specific websites for more detailed information. If fewer people notice or use the “More” link, it could mean fewer clicks and, consequently, less traffic for websites featured in these overviews.

SEO professionals will need to keep a close eye on how this change affects traffic patterns. If engagement with the AI Overview drops, it might be necessary to adjust strategies, especially for those who rely heavily on AI-generated search results to drive traffic. 

Google’s experiments often undergo multiple iterations, so this change could evolve further before becoming a permanent fixture.

While it’s unclear how long Google plans to test this update, the company is clearly paying close attention to how users interact with its AI features. 

The current test is likely part of Google’s ongoing effort to find the right balance between offering robust AI-driven insights and maintaining a simple, user-friendly design.

A Long History of Tweaks

This isn’t the first time Google has experimented with its search interface. Over the years, the search giant has made continuous adjustments to improve how it delivers information. 

Whether through the introduction of rich snippets, AI-powered results, or changes to how ads are displayed, Google is always refining its platform to better serve its users.

The AI Overview, which includes quick, AI-generated summaries of search results, was a relatively recent addition. It is designed to help users get the information they need without clicking through multiple links. 

The “Show More” button was introduced to let users expand these summaries and view additional details. Now, by downsizing this button, Google seems to be fine-tuning how much attention it wants to draw to AI-generated content.

Google’s experiments are usually part of a longer-term strategy. The company often rolls out changes to small groups of users, gathers feedback, and makes adjustments before deciding whether to implement a feature more widely. 

The current shift is likely one of many tests aimed at improving the balance between AI integration and a clean, intuitive interface.

What’s Next? Predictions for AI Integration in Google Search

So, what does this change mean for the future of AI in search? If this test proves successful, we could see Google further blending AI-generated content into its search results, making it a more natural part of the experience. This could mean fewer visual cues that separate AI content from traditional search results, with AI acting as an invisible assistant rather than a headline feature.

Google might continue to downplay the AI branding (as seen with the potential removal of the Gemini logo), choosing to focus more on the quality of the content rather than the fact that it’s AI-generated. This aligns with broader trends in AI development, where the goal is often to integrate AI seamlessly into existing systems without drawing attention to the technology itself.

In the long term, this could lead to an even more streamlined search experience, where users are presented with a blend of traditional and AI-generated results without having to think about which is which. However, the balance between offering helpful AI-driven insights and keeping the interface simple will remain a key challenge for Google as it continues to innovate.

Advice for SEO and Digital Marketing Professionals

While the impact of this particular test may be subtle, it could have broader implications for how users interact with AI-generated content in the future. 

As Google continues to experiment with its interface, digital marketers and SEO professionals should monitor user engagement metrics, especially if they rely on traffic from AI Overview link cards.

Some practical steps to take include:

• Monitoring traffic to pages that appear in AI-generated overviews to see if there is a noticeable drop in clicks during the testing period.
• Staying informed about further changes to Google’s interface, particularly any updates regarding the AI Overview feature.
• Adjusting SEO strategies to account for potential changes in how users engage with AI-generated content.

Key Takeaways

• In its AI Overview feature, Google is testing a smaller “More” link to replace the larger “Show More” button.
• The Gemini logo and AI Overview header may also be removed, signaling a move toward a cleaner, more integrated search experience.
• The change could impact user engagement with AI-generated content, as the smaller “More” link is less prominent and may result in fewer overview expansions.