Since their initial rollout, AI Overviews have become one of the most significant changes in Google Search. These AI-generated summaries appear at the top of search results and aim to deliver quick, synthesized answers by combining information from multiple trusted sources. Unlike traditional featured snippets, their appearance follows specific patterns that are still being uncovered.
In this article, we explore what kinds of searches are more likely to trigger AI Overviews and how you can adapt your SEO strategy to stay visible in this new search landscape.
What Types of Queries Are More Likely to Trigger AI Overviews?
As Google continues expanding the reach of its AI Overviews, one of the most important questions for SEOs and content marketers is this: what kinds of queries actually trigger them? The answer is increasingly important, especially as AI Overviews appear more often above the traditional organic results.
So far, patterns are emerging. The vast majority of AI Overviews show up for informational queries. These are the types of searches where users are looking for definitions, explanations, or comparisons. For example, searches like “what is compound interest,” “how to clean an air fryer,” or “difference between debit and credit” tend to generate AI Overviews more frequently than short, brand-oriented or transactional queries.
Another common trait is clarity. Google seems to prioritize well-structured questions that have a clearly identifiable intent. Queries beginning with “what is,” “how to,” or “why does” are more likely to receive the AI treatment. These formats are easy for generative systems to interpret and summarize based on multiple sources.
Typical traits of AI Overview-triggering queries include:
- Informational intent
- Long-tail format
- Clear question structure (e.g., “how to”, “what is”)
- Neutral tone and fact-based focus
What this means for content creators is that optimizing for clarity, structure, and user intent is now more critical than ever. Vague or overly broad queries are less likely to be picked up by Google’s generative engine. Instead, content that directly answers specific, fact-based queries with well-formatted subheadings and structured data has a higher chance of being included.
Does Your Industry Affect the Chance of Appearing in an AI Overview?
Google appears to be rolling out AI Overviews in stages, and not all verticals are treated equally. Informational and research-heavy categories like Science, Health, Government, and Society are seeing the fastest adoption.
According to Semrush’s 2025 AI Overview Study, the share of queries triggering AI Overviews grew over 20% in categories such as Science and Health between January and March 2025. These are the kinds of industries where users expect clear answers, and where there is often a solid consensus among authoritative sources.
Top industries seeing growth in AI Overviews:
| Industry | Share Growth (Jan–Mar 2025) |
| Science | +22.27% |
| Health | +20.33% |
| People & Society | +18.83% |
| Law & Government | +15.18% |
In contrast, industries like Real Estate, News, and Shopping are lagging behind. That’s not necessarily because they’re less important, but because their content tends to be either location-based, real-time, or highly commercial, where AI Overviews are less reliable or harder to scale.
If your site operates in a high-risk category, such as Health or Finance, now is the time to evaluate how your content appears in SERPs. Monitor whether AI Overviews are eating into your visibility, and consider adding expert-backed commentary, citations, and clarity to stand out.
What Do Keywords That Trigger AI Overviews Have in Common?
Not every keyword is treated equally. Based on recent keyword data, most AI Overviews are triggered by long-tail, low-competition, informational queries. These keywords usually have low cost-per-click (CPC), moderate keyword difficulty, and low to mid-level search volume.
Common keyword characteristics:
- Low CPC (under $2–$3)
- Keyword Difficulty typically under 30%
- Informational in nature (definitions, how-tos, etc.)
- Mid to long-tail phrasing
In contrast, high-volume transactional or branded keywords like “best running shoes” or “buy MacBook Air” are less likely to trigger an AI Overview. These searches often have a clear commercial intent and are already well-served by paid ads, shopping panels, and organic listings.
Content targeting high-potential informational keywords that meet this profile should be structured with schema markup, FAQ sections, and straightforward definitions. These characteristics improve the chances of being referenced or linked within AI Overviews.
Are AI Overviews Expanding Beyond Informational Queries?
At the beginning of 2025, AI Overviews were largely confined to the safest use cases, such as fact-based informational queries. But that’s already changing. Recent data shows AI Overviews are slowly expanding into commercial, transactional, and even navigational query territory.
Growth in query types triggering AI Overviews (Jan–Mar 2025):
- Commercial: 6.28% → 8.69%
- Transactional: 1.69% → 1.76%
- Navigational: 0.74% → 1.43%
While these increases may seem small, they indicate a broader trend. AI Overviews are moving further down the search funnel. Marketers can no longer assume these features only affect top-of-funnel content.
It’s important to monitor not just informational terms, but also mid- and bottom-funnel keywords. If branded terms begin triggering AI Overviews, it’s essential to check if your site is being cited and take steps to improve content authority if not.
How Should You Adjust Your SEO Strategy for AI Overviews?
AI Overviews represent a major shift in how search works. Visibility is no longer just about ranking on the first page; it’s about being included in the answer itself. That requires a different way of thinking about SEO and content creation.
Actionable adjustments to your SEO strategy:
- Prioritize E-E-A-T: publish expert-driven, trustworthy content
- Use structured formats: bullet points, FAQs, and concise definitions
- Add schema markup to enhance machine readability
- Monitor which pages are being included in AI Overviews
- Target low-KD, high-intent informational keywords
AI Overviews tend to pull from sources that are clear, concise, and reliable. Long-winded or overly narrative content is less likely to be featured. Formatting your content to support quick summarization increases your chances of being selected.
The rise of AI Overviews doesn’t mean SEO is over. It means SEO is shifting—toward clarity, credibility, and usefulness. The brands that adapt first will stay visible while others risk being buried under the answers.