Google updates AI search, core algorithm shifts visibility; Ask.com closes

Image credit: Search Engine Journal

Google updated its artificial intelligence search features and expanded its core algorithm, significantly altering search visibility across the United States, while Ask.com ceased operations after nearly three decades.

The changes to Google‘s AI Overviews and AI Mode now incorporate additional inline links, end-of-response links, and previews from public forum discussions, the company said. These enhancements aim to provide users with more direct access to source material within AI-generated responses.

Amsive’s analysis of Google’s March core update indicated a substantial shift in U.S. search visibility, with aggregators and user-generated content platforms experiencing losses, while first-party brand sites and government domains saw gains.

Major platforms such as YouTube, Reddit, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) initially lost significant SISTRIX visibility points following the update. YouTube lost 567 points, Reddit 64, Instagram 48, and X 46, though some platforms, including YouTube and Reddit, later rebounded.

Conversely, first-party sites for brands such as TripAdvisor, Yelp, Expedia, and Indeed gained visibility after the update, according to Amsive‘s findings.

Google also expanded its Preferred Sources feature, which allows users to select specific publishers for content appearing in Top Stories and Discover feeds, to all languages globally.

John Mueller and Martin Splitt of Google discussed the role of AI coding tools, sometimes referred to as ‘vibe coding,’ noting that they can rapidly produce functional websites. However, they emphasized that these tools require precise technical direction to achieve optimal search engine optimization.

Ask.com, known for its original iteration Ask Jeeves, shut down after operating for nearly 30 years. Parent company IAC confirmed it discontinued its search business, ending Ask.com’s long run.

Search industry expert Lily Ray observed that the core update appeared to favor original, first-party content over sites that primarily aggregate information from other sources, a trend consistent with Google’s stated goals for search quality.

Source: Search Engine Journal