Google expands AI search features, boosts inline links globally

Source: Google. — Image credit: Search Engine Journal

Google is implementing several updates to its AI Search features, including more prominent inline links, new task-based search results, and expanded article carousels, the company announced.

These enhancements are designed to improve user experience and content discoverability within AI Search, reflecting Google‘s ongoing efforts to refine its artificial intelligence integration.

Inline links will now appear more frequently and higher within AI Search responses, according to Hema Budaraju, a Google representative. This change aims to provide users with direct access to source material earlier in their search journey.

A new testing section will also be introduced at the top of certain AI Search responses. This section will link directly to official websites for specific tasks, particularly for queries requiring limited resources or official information.

Google is also expanding its carousels for timely articles, which highlight a user’s Preferred Sources. These carousels will now be available in more locations and languages, increasing the visibility of trusted publishers and creators.

The company reported a significant increase in the adoption of its Preferred Sources feature, with the number of users growing more than sevenfold since the beginning of the year.

Additionally, Google is testing the display of creator and publisher names on AI Mode video results. These names will link to dedicated Search profiles, offering users more context about the content creators.

Budaraju stated that the continuous enhancements underscore Google’s commitment to evolving its AI capabilities while ensuring users can easily find reliable information and diverse content.

Source: Search Engine Journal