Google Tests More Prominent Links in AI Overviews and AI Mode
Google is testing top-of-response links for certain queries and rolling out link carousels first announced in May 2025 to more regions.
Google is updating its AI search results so that inline links appear higher up in responses more frequently, according to a company blog post. The company says it is testing relevant links at the top of a response with context for queries tied to a few specific sites or tasks.
The update also includes a redesign of links that appear at the end of a query, intended to be more engaging and prominent with image thumbnails. Google said it is rolling out the link carousels it announced in May 2025 to more locations and languages for timely articles.
Separately, Google is testing clickable links in AI Mode that direct users to publisher and creator search profiles.
In the background, Google announced its News AI pilot program in December 2025, which pays publishers for the delivery and use of enhanced content to develop new AI features. The company says more than 400 publishers are participating in the program.
The newly onboarded partners are Axios, CNN and the Financial Times. The news was reported by theverge.com.
Quick answers
What is Google changing in AI Overviews?
Google is updating AI search results so inline links appear higher up more frequently, and is testing relevant links at the top of a response with context for queries tied to specific sites or tasks.
How many publishers are in Google's News AI program?
Google says more than 400 publishers are participating in its News AI pilot program. Axios, CNN and the Financial Times are newly onboarded partners.
When did Google announce the link carousels?
Google announced link carousels for timely articles in May 2025 and is now rolling them out to more locations and languages.