Are AI Overviews Stealing the Top Spot from Ads?

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Let’s Be Honest, Search Doesn’t Look the Same Anymore

If you’ve Googled anything recently, you’ve probably noticed something different.

Before you even see ads or website links, there’s already a full answer sitting at the top of the page. That’s AI Overviews rolled out by Google, and they’re quietly changing how search works.

For years, brands fought hard to get that top spot. Whether through SEO or paid ads, being “first” meant everything. But now, that space is often taken by AI.

So naturally, the question comes up:
Are AI Overviews taking over the top spot from ads?

Short answer? Yes.
But what that really means for businesses is where things get interesting.

What Exactly Are AI Overviews?

Think of AI Overviews as Google doing the searching for you.

Instead of showing a list of links, it reads multiple sources and gives you a quick, clear answer right away. No clicking. No scrolling. Just instant information.

You’ll mostly see them for:

• “What is…” type questions
• Comparisons
• Research-heavy searches

And here’s the catch
When users already have the answer, they often don’t feel the need to click anything else.

So… What Happens to Ads?

This is where things start to shift.

Ads Are No Longer the First Thing You See

Earlier, ads owned the top space. Now, they’re often pushed below AI-generated content. Even well-optimised campaigns don’t always get that prime visibility anymore.

Less Attention = Fewer Clicks

People naturally focus on what’s right in front of them. And right now, that’s AI Overviews.

So even if your ads are getting impressions, clicks may not follow like they used to.

You Might End Up Paying More

With limited space at the top, competition gets tighter. Advertisers bid more to stay visible—but a higher cost doesn’t always guarantee better results anymore.

Metrics Can Feel… Misleading

You might see good impressions in your reports, but fewer actual clicks. That gap is becoming more common in this AI-driven search experience.

Are Ads Becoming Irrelevant?

Not really. But they are definitely losing their old advantage.

AI Overviews are changing where attention goes first, but ads still work, especially when:

• Someone is ready to buy
• They search for a brand directly
• The intent is clear (“book,” “buy,” “near me”)

In fact, Google is already experimenting with placing ads inside AI Overviews. So instead of disappearing, ads are evolving.

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The Real Shift: Intent Matters More Than Ever

One thing is becoming very clear:

Informational Searches

These are now dominated by AI.
Users get answers instantly, and clicks drop.

Transactional Searches

These still perform well for ads.
Because when someone wants to take action, they still need options.

So it’s no longer just about ranking, it’s about understanding what the user actually wants to do.

How Do You Stay Visible Now?

This is where mindset matters more than tactics.

Stop Chasing Just the Top Spot

Being “number one” doesn’t mean what it used to. Visibility now depends on relevance, not just position.

Work With AI, Not Against It

Look at what AI Overviews are saying—and build your content and ads around that. Add value beyond the summary.

Focus on High-Intent Searches

Not all clicks are equal. Target users who are ready to act, not just explore.

Combine SEO + PPC

This is no longer optional.
Strong content can influence AI summaries, while ads can capture action-ready users.

Think Beyond Clicks

Clicks matter, but so do:

• Brand recall
• Engagement
• Assisted conversions

Because sometimes, users see your brand in multiple places before they finally act.

Frequently Asked Questions 

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1. Are AI Overviews replacing Google Ads completely?

No, AI Overviews are not replacing ads. They are changing how ads appear and perform. Ads still play a crucial role, especially for high-intent and transactional searches.

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2. Why are my ad clicks dropping even when impressions are deep?

This usually happens because AI Overviews capture user attention first. Users may get their answers without scrolling down to see or click your ads.

3. Do AI Overviews affect SEO as well?

Yes. AI Overviews reduce organic click-through rates for informational queries, but high-quality content can still be featured within AI summaries.

4. What type of keywords still work best for ads?

Transactional and high-intent keywords like “buy,” “book,” or “near me” continue to perform well because users are ready to take action.

5. How can businesses adapt to AI-driven search?

By combining SEO and PPC, focusing on user intent, creating valuable content, and aligning strategies with how AI presents information.

Final Thoughts

Yes, AI Overviews are taking over the top spot.
But they’re not killing ads, they’re reshaping how attention works.

The real win today isn’t just being seen first.
It’s about being useful, relevant, and easy to choose even in an AI-driven world.

If your brand is still relying on outdated SEO or PPC strategies, now is the time to rethink your approach. At Eleven:11 Marketing Services, we help businesses adapt to AI-driven search with smarter, data-backed strategies that actually deliver results.

Let’s build a strategy that keeps your brand visible no matter how search evolves.

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