April 29, 2025
On April 23, Google began experimenting with AI Overviews on YouTube, with a video results carousel now appearing with certain search queries. The experiment is being conducted in the US with a small number of YouTube Premium members.
Google stated:
‘This new feature will use AI to highlight clips from videos that will be most helpful for your search query, providing another way to discover content when searching on YouTube’
As with the majority of AI Overviews, they will be triggered by queries with informational intent or commercial intent.
Google gave these specific examples as to when they may appear:
‘When you search for more information about products you’re shopping for (such as ‘best noise cancelling headphones’), or when you search for more information about locations or things to do in those locations (such as ‘museums to visit in San Francisco’).
Google experimenting with this feature is no real surprise, as AI Overviews have been dominating the SERPs for quite some time now. Moving into other avenues of search seemed inevitable.
AI Overviews have caused quite the stir in the SERPs. Whilst they have proved fairly effective as a search tool for users, their accuracy has been questioned on numerous occasions and their negative effect on click through rates has been significant.
However, as with any featured snippet, there’s no denying that AI Overviews can be a good tool for boosting awareness of your brand. With the potential for AI Overviews to become more widespread on YouTube, now is a good time to not only optimise your site for the right audience and keywords, but also look at adding video content to your marketing strategy.
If you’re concerned about the impact of AI Overviews on your site, or are looking to optimise your webpages to appear in AI Overviews, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the experts today.
