Recent research conducted by the enterprise SEO platform reveals that Google’s AI Overviews no longer consistently occupy the top position in U.S. desktop search results. As of June 2025, AI Overviews fail to appear at Position 1 in 12.4% of relevant searches—a sharp decline from the <2% figure recorded just a month earlier. This shift signals a fast-evolving search environment where user engagement and relevance are increasingly dictating visibility.
AI Overview Performance
Position Distribution:
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87.6% of AI Overviews retain Position 1 (down from over 98%)
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7.6% appear in Position 2
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2.8% rank in Position 3
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2% fall to Position 4 or below
Search Intent Analysis:
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84.16% – Informational Queries
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12.38% – Transactional Queries
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3.31% – Navigational Queries
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0.15% – Local Queries
Currently, AI Overviews appear in approximately 19% of all U.S. desktop keyword searches.
Transactional Searches
The likelihood of outranking AI Overviews increases notably for transactional keywords. When AI Overviews drop to Position 4 or lower, the proportion of transactional queries rises significantly, from 12.38% to 22.7%. This trend identifies commercial-intent keywords as prime candidates for SEO targeting.
Example:
For the query “games on a Nintendo Switch”, the AI Overview was outranked by two Nintendo category pages and a popular products carousel. This demonstrates how well-optimised commercial pages can outperform AI-generated summaries.
Why AI Overviews Are Being Demoted
Google continually refines its ranking algorithm based on user behaviour. If users consistently bypass AI Overviews in favour of organic results, Google may lower the visibility of those summaries.
SEO Strategies to Outrank AI Overviews
To capitalise on this evolving SERP dynamic, digital marketers should implement targeted SEO strategies:
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Prioritise Transactional Keywords – Focus on queries with strong commercial intent.
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Enhance Click-Through Rates (CTR) – Craft compelling titles, meta descriptions, and implement rich snippets.
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Monitor AI Overview Visibility – Track keyword rankings where AI Overviews are present.
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Publish Comprehensive Content – Offer deeper, user-focused insights that surpass AI-generated summaries.
Optimal Approach:
Ensure your content ranks on page one and is optimised for high CTR. As users increasingly favour your result, Google may elevate your content above the AI Overview.
Key Factors for Success
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Content Quality: Ensure content is authoritative, accurate, and better fulfils user intent than AI-generated alternatives.
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Technical Optimisation: Maintain fast load times, mobile compatibility, and structured data.
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User Experience: Design for high engagement and low bounce rates.
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Brand Authority: Build topical relevance and demonstrate trustworthiness across your domain.
Recommended Actions for SEO Professionals
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Conduct a Performance Audit – Identify keywords that trigger AI Overviews and analyse your visibility.
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Target High-Intent Queries – Prioritise transactional keywords for better competitive positioning.
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Boost CTR – Optimise metadata and structured content for higher visibility and engagement.
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Track Engagement Metrics – Evaluate bounce rates, time on page, and user interaction.
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Develop Unique Value Propositions – Create content that provides insights and expertise AI cannot replicate.
Conclusion
The evolving performance of AI Overviews underscores that SEO remains an essential and dynamic discipline in 2025. While AI elements still play a significant role in search visibility, they are no longer unassailable.
With the right strategic focus—particularly on transactional keywords, user engagement, and content quality—SEO professionals have the opportunity to outperform AI-generated content and secure top search rankings.
Adaptability, data-driven decision-making, and user-first content strategies will be key differentiators for success in the current search landscape.
Also read: April 2025 GMB Update or Glitch