John Mueller, Google’s Senior Search Analyst, recently confirmed on LinkedIn that core algorithm updates influence Google’s AI-powered search overviews. His statement clarifies that the core updates, which modify how search results are ranked and evaluated, also affect the AI summaries presented at the top of search results. This connection highlights how changes to the core algorithm impact not just traditional search rankings but also AI-generated content.
A few months ago, Google introduced AI overviews in the US search results. These summaries are created using a version of Google’s Gemini AI, which synthesizes information from various sources into a concise overview. The goal is to provide users with a quick and clear answer by pulling together data from multiple websites into an easy-to-read format at the top of the search results.
Core algorithm updates represent major changes to Google’s search algorithms and systems and are typically rolled out multiple times a year. These updates are aimed at improving search result quality by reassessing content evaluation and ranking methods. The most recent core update, which began on August 15, is still in progress, and Google advises waiting until the rollout is complete before analyzing its impact on search results.
As Google continues to integrate AI into its search processes, there is a pressing need for more understanding of how these updates affect AI-driven features. Mueller’s confirmation that core updates impact AI overviews provides some insight but also leaves many questions unanswered. The specifics of how content is selected for AI summaries compared to traditional search rankings remain unclear.
The evolving role of AI in search results highlights the necessity for publishers to grasp the relationship between core algorithm updates and AI features. As these technologies advance, gaining a deeper understanding of how changes in algorithms impact AI-generated summaries and search rankings will be crucial for maintaining effective content strategies and search visibility.