Google Expands AI Overviews in Search to 1.5 Billion Users

Google's AI Overviews feature in Search has seen remarkable growth, now reaching over 1.5 billion users monthly across more than 100 countries. This AI-driven tool compiles information from various web sources to provide concise answers to user queries, such as 'What is generative AI?'

While AI Overviews has led to a decrease in traffic for some publishers, Google views it as a significant opportunity for revenue generation and user engagement. The introduction of ads within AI Overviews last October exemplifies this strategy.

Recently, Google began testing AI Mode, which enhances user interaction by allowing complex questions and follow-ups directly within the search flow. This move positions Google to compete with chat-based search interfaces like ChatGPT and Perplexity.

In its Q1 2025 earnings call, Google highlighted the expansion of other AI-based search products, including Circle to Search. This feature, which lets users highlight and query content on their smartphone screens, is now available on over 250 million devices, marking a 40% increase in usage quarter-over-quarter.

Google Lens, another AI-powered tool, has also seen substantial growth, with visual searches increasing by 5 billion since October. The number of users shopping via Lens rose by over 10% in the first quarter.

Despite these advancements, Google faces regulatory challenges. The U.S. Department of Justice is pressuring the company to divest Chrome due to its alleged search monopoly, and a federal judge has ruled that Google holds an adtech monopoly, potentially leading to further corporate restructuring.

These developments underscore the transformative potential of AI in search technologies. As Google continues to innovate, businesses and tech leaders must adapt to leverage these tools for improved digital strategies and user engagement.