Google’s AI Overview deployment strategy is evolving, and new data from BrightEdge Generative Parser™ reveals fascinating insights into how Google is adapting its AI Overviews to impact high-volume search queries. While we’ve previously seen AI Overviews handle complex queries, recent spikes suggest that Google is actively testing AI Overviews on some of the most searched terms on the web.
Google’s Recent AI Overview Testing Spikes
BrightEdge Generative Parser™ detected notable spikes in AI Overview activity on February 12, 17, and 22, where Google appeared to be experimenting with AI Overviews for extremely high-volume searches. Here’s what was observed:
February 12:
- Google primarily tested AI Overviews on food and restaurant queries.
- An 80% increase in search volume was detected, despite no significant change in the actual keywords receiving AI Overviews.
February 17:
- Testing shifted to broad category searches, with single-word queries like “restaurants” (72M monthly searches) and “pizza” (6.2M monthly searches) driving a 70.9% increase in volume.
February 22:
- Google focused on location-based intent, particularly “near me” searches.
- Queries like “food near me” (37.2M monthly searches) and “hotels near me” (11.7M monthly searches) led to a 35.6% spike in search volume with AI Overviews.
Google’s AI Overviews Facing Scrutiny
The rise of AI Overviews has not come without controversy. Recent legal challenges highlight the impact AI Overviews have on web traffic, particularly for content-driven platforms.
Educational technology company Chegg has filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against Google, claiming AI-generated summaries have significantly reduced site traffic and revenue. According to Chegg, AI Overviews redirect users away from third-party sites and keep them on Google’s platform. The company reported a 49% decline in non-subscriber traffic and a nearly 90% drop in share value over the past year, attributing these losses to Google’s evolving search strategies.
The lawsuit accuses Google of violating the Sherman Antitrust Act, arguing that AI Overviews monopolize search traffic and extract proprietary content without compensation. Google, however, maintains that AI Overviews enhance search utility and distribute traffic across various sources (source).
Why This Matters for SEO
These fluctuations weren’t caused by AI Overviews appearing for more keywords—instead, they were the result of Google deliberately testing ultra-high-volume search terms in targeted intent categories. This signals a potential shift in how AI Overviews could impact website traffic and search visibility in the near future.
Key Takeaway: As AI Overviews expand to high-value, high-traffic keywords, understanding how your content appears within these AI-generated results is critical. Your website’s impressions, traffic share, and search visibility could be significantly affected as Google continues to refine its AI-driven search results.
How to Measure AI Overview Impact in 2025
As Google increases AI Overview deployment on commercially significant terms, brands need to adapt their measurement strategies. The best way to track how AI Overviews impact your rankings and traffic is by using Google Search Console to monitor top-level impressions and click-through rates.
SEO Measurement Tip:
- Monitor search impressions and CTR in Google Search Console.
- Track AI Overview impact on your highest-traffic queries.
- Use BrightEdge Data Cube X for in-depth insights into AI Overview appearances and their effect on your website’s visibility.
What’s Next?
With AI Overviews influencing high-volume commercial searches, brands need to ensure their content is optimized to appear within these AI-generated snippets. The Chegg lawsuit further underscores the importance of adapting content strategies to avoid traffic losses. Google’s expanding AI-driven search strategy is reshaping how users interact with search results, making it critical for businesses to monitor their search presence and adapt accordingly.
