Google makes links more prominent in AI Mode and AI Overviews, tests official-site section
Google is moving inline links higher in AI Mode and AI Overviews answers and redesigning the Dive Deeper section with image thumbnails. It is also testing a top-of-answer section for official sites and clickable creator names on video results. Preferred Sources and news carousels are expanding to more locations and languages.
What happened?
On 15 October 2026 Google announced several changes to how links appear in its AI search experiences, AI Mode and AI Overviews. 9to5Google reported that inline links will appear higher up in responses more often. The "Dive Deeper" section at the end of answers is getting image thumbnails and a more clickable design. Google is testing a new section at the top of some responses for sites that are one or two official places to complete a task or find specific information, and it plans to explain why each link is useful. A separate test makes creator and publisher names on video results clickable, leading to Search profiles for eligible creators. Carousels of timely articles and the Preferred Sources feature, both launched earlier this year, are expanding to more locations and languages. Google said Preferred Sources usage has grown 7x since launch. It did not publish click data.
Why it matters for businesses
For Indian businesses, AI answers increasingly sit between the searcher and the website. These changes give well-structured, trustworthy pages a better chance of being clicked from inside an AI answer. The official-site test matters for brands, government-facing services and businesses whose customers search for specific tasks such as booking, tracking or registration. If your site is the authoritative place for that task, clear page structure and accurate information become more important. Creators and businesses using video can also gain from the Search profile link on video results.
How businesses can use this update
- Check that pages for key tasks, such as booking, order tracking, price lists and contact, are clearly titled and easy for Google to read. - Set up or claim your Search profile where eligible, and keep creator or brand names consistent across YouTube and your website. - Ask regular readers or customers to add your site as a Preferred Source if you publish news or frequent updates. - Track AI Mode and AI Overviews traffic in Search Console's generative AI reports, and look for changes in clicks over the coming weeks.
Pacewalk expert note
This update doesn't change the basics of SEO. Pages that answer a task clearly, show who is behind them and load fast are the ones AI answers can cite with confidence. Don't rewrite your site for a test that may change. Fix the pages that matter most to revenue first, make your brand identity consistent, and keep an eye on Search Console data rather than guessing at the traffic impact.
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Original source: 9to5Google
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Talk to PacewalkFrequently asked questions
What is the latest Google Updates update?+
On 15 October 2026 Google announced several changes to how links appear in its AI search experiences, AI Mode and AI Overviews. 9to5Google reported that inline links will appear higher up in responses more often. The "Dive Deeper" section at the end of answers is getting image thumbnails and a more clickable design. Google is testing a new section at the top of some responses for sites that are one or two official places to complete a task or find specific information, and it plans to explain why each link is useful. A separate test makes creator and publisher names on video results clickable, leading to Search profiles for eligible creators. Carousels of timely articles and the Preferred Sources feature, both launched earlier this year, are expanding to more locations and languages. Google said Preferred Sources usage has grown 7x since launch. It did not publish click data.
Why does this Google Updates update matter for businesses?+
For Indian businesses, AI answers increasingly sit between the searcher and the website. These changes give well-structured, trustworthy pages a better chance of being clicked from inside an AI answer. The official-site test matters for brands, government-facing services and businesses whose customers search for specific tasks such as booking, tracking or registration. If your site is the authoritative place for that task, clear page structure and accurate information become more important. Creators and businesses using video can also gain from the Search profile link on video results.
How can my business use this update?+
- Check that pages for key tasks, such as booking, order tracking, price lists and contact, are clearly titled and easy for Google to read. - Set up or claim your Search profile where eligible, and keep creator or brand names consistent across YouTube and your website. - Ask regular readers or customers to add your site as a Preferred Source if you publish news or frequent updates. - Track AI Mode and AI Overviews traffic in Search Console's generative AI reports, and look for changes in clicks over the coming weeks.
How can Pacewalk help with Google Updates?+
Pacewalk helps businesses act on google updates trends — SEO Services, Advanced SEO Services, Website Designing. Book a free consultation and our team will apply this update to your marketing.