Google is introducing several updates to how links and content sources appear in AI Overviews and AI Mode. The changes aim to make it easier for users to discover relevant websites, access official information, and explore additional content directly from AI-generated responses.
The updates include more prominent inline links, testing a new section featuring official websites, expanded article carousels, and clickable creator and publisher profiles in AI Mode video results.
For businesses, publishers, and digital marketers, these developments highlight the importance of maintaining a strong presence in Google Search through SEO as the search experience continues to change.
Inline Links Appear More Prominently in AI Responses
Google says it has increased the visibility of inline links within its AI-powered search experiences. These links are now appearing higher in AI-generated responses in more instances, making it easier for users to discover the websites that support or expand on the information presented.
Inline links connect specific text within an AI-generated answer to relevant web pages. For example, an AI response explaining a marketing strategy might include links to industry research, official documentation, or relevant articles.
Google has not disclosed the exact extent of this increase, but the change reflects its continued efforts to help users access relevant sources while interacting with AI-generated answers.
For website owners, this reinforces the importance of publishing useful, authoritative content that directly addresses users’ questions. While greater link visibility may create additional opportunities for website traffic, appearing in an AI response does not guarantee that users will click through to a website.
Google Tests a New Section for Official Websites
Google is also testing a new format that places links to official websites near the top of certain AI responses.
The feature is intended for task-oriented searches where only a limited number of authoritative sources may be available. For example, someone looking for information about an airline’s refund policy may benefit from links to the airline’s official website rather than relying solely on a generated summary.
This rollout could be particularly useful for businesses and organizations whose websites provide essential information about their services, policies, or processes. However, the feature is still being tested, and Google has not announced a broader rollout timeline.
Article Carousels Expand to More Locations and Languages
Google is expanding its carousels for timely articles within AI-powered Search to additional locations and languages.
These carousels can highlight recent articles about developing topics and may feature websites that users have selected as their Preferred Sources.
Preferred Sources is a Google Search feature that allows users to choose websites they want to see more frequently in search results. Google reports that usage of the feature has grown to more than seven times its level at the beginning of 2026, although it has not disclosed the total number of users.
For publishers and businesses that regularly produce timely, relevant content, this expansion may create additional opportunities to reach audiences through Google’s AI search experiences.
However, appearing in these carousels is not guaranteed. Content relevance, availability, and Google’s selection systems will continue to influence which sources appear.
Creator and Publisher Profiles Come to AI Mode Video Results
Google has also started testing clickable creator and publisher names in AI Mode video results. Clicking a name allows users to visit the creator’s or publisher’s Search profile.
Search profiles bring together a creator’s or publisher’s content, potentially including articles, videos, and social media posts. Google introduced the feature to help people discover more work from the creators and publishers they follow or encounter through Search.
The addition of profile links to AI Mode could provide another way for content creators and publishers to build visibility and connect their work across different platforms.
At the time of the announcement, the AI Mode integration was still being tested. Google has not confirmed when it will become more widely available.
Going Forward
Google’s latest updates demonstrate its ongoing efforts to make AI-powered Search more useful by connecting generated answers with relevant websites, timely articles, and original content creators.
Some features, including the official-site section and creator profile links in AI Mode, are still in testing. The expansion of article carousels is rolling out to additional locations and languages.
For businesses, the practical takeaway is to continue developing valuable content, maintaining a technically sound website, and monitoring changes in organic search performance.
As AI-powered search evolves, a well-rounded SEO strategy should account for both traditional search results and the growing number of ways users discover information through Google’s AI experiences.
