Google Clarifies: AI Overview Links Share Single Position In Search Console

Google’s John Mueller has shared that all links inside AI Overviews (AIOs) are tracked under one position in Google Search Console.

This came after SEO expert Gianluca Fiorelli asked how links in AI-generated answer boxes are recorded in the tool.

This means that every website link shown in an AI Overview gets the same position number, even if the link is hidden or only shows when someone clicks to expand the box.

What Google Says in Its Help Pages

Google’s Search Console Help pages give more details about how AIOs are tracked:

• Position: All links in an AI Overview share one search result position.
• Clicks: If someone clicks a link in the AI Overview, it counts as a click.
• Impressions: A link counts as an impression only if it’s visible or clicked open.

Ongoing Concerns About Click Data

Many in the SEO field are unsure about how well these links work. Lily Ray, SEO leader at Amsive, reminded us that Google once said links in AIOs get more clicks. But Google hasn’t shown any data to prove this.

What This Means Moving Forward

We now know how position is counted. But we still don’t know if links in AI Overviews bring more or less traffic than normal search results.

Google says they help. But many people say they don’t see a big difference.

Because all links in the AIO share one position, it’s hard to tell which ones get more clicks. That’s why many experts are asking for clearer data to better understand how AI Overviews affect traffic.