What is Google's AIO?

What is Google's AIO?

Google's AIO often refers to the feature "AI Overviews," which displays AI-generated summaries at the top of Google search results.

Near the summary, links to the pages referenced as sources are shown. This feature was launched in Japan in August 2024 (Google Japan Blog). Additionally, AIO can also stand for "AI Optimization," which is explained in the context of the differences between LLMO and SEO.

What is the difference between AI Overviews and AI Mode?

AI Overviews is a feature that displays key points at the top of search results, while AI Mode is a search interface that answers complex questions requiring comparison and in-depth discussion.

Comparison Aspect	AI Overviews	AI Mode
Display Location	At the top of regular search results	In the "AI Mode" tab of search results
Suitable Questions	Questions where quick key points are desired	Long, complex questions needing comparison or in-depth analysis
Availability in Japanese	From August 2024	From September 2025

Google explains that both may use a technique called "query fan-out," which breaks down questions into multiple related subtopics for searching (Google Search Central "AI Features and Websites").

What kind of pages will appear in AI Overviews?

According to Google, pages that are indexed and can display snippets in search results are eligible, with no additional requirements.

Additionally, they must meet the technical requirements for search.

However, even if the requirements are met, there is no guarantee of display. Similar to regular search, the content of the page must be deemed helpful in answering the question to appear in AI Overviews or its links.

What should I do to appear in AI Overviews?

No special settings are required, and Google states that the fundamentals of SEO remain effective for AI Overviews.

• Ensure readability: Check that the page is indexed and that snippet display is not disabled.
• Answer questions directly: Provide answers in the first sentence of each heading.
• Address related queries: Prepare answers for subtopics (cost, duration, comparison criteria, etc.) that may be searched through query fan-out.
• Show primary information: Include unique information such as case studies, figures, and specifications.

You can check what subtopics questions may be searched under using the Gemini Query Fan-Out Analysis Tool for free. The reasons why certain queries are not cited even at the top are explained in why SEO alone does not suffice for AI search measures.

How can I check the traffic from AI Overviews?

Traffic from AI Overviews and AI Mode will be included in the Search Console's search performance report, along with regular search.

The relevant report is for search type "Web."

Results such as inquiries can be verified using access analysis tools like Google Analytics. A method to track how each question is displayed is introduced in the LLMO Visualization Platform.

What should I do if I don't want to appear in AI Overviews?

If you do not want your page's information to be used for display, you can restrict it using the same settings as regular search, such as nosnippet or noindex.

Available settings include nosnippet, data-nosnippet, max-snippet, and noindex.

If you want to limit usage for learning in other Google systems, there is a mechanism called Google-Extended. Setting this will affect not only AI Overviews but also how it appears in regular search, so be sure to confirm your intentions before using it.