Google began testing AI-summarized results in Google Search, known as , two years ago. Since then, the feature has expanded to new regions and languages, and according to the company, it has been a major success. Currently.
AI Overviews pulls data from around the web to answer user queries. For example, when searching “What is generative AI?”, users will see AI-generated text at the top of the search results. While this feature has impacted traffic to some publishers, Google views it and other AI-powered search features as potential revenue boosters and engagement drivers.
In October 2024, Google introduced ads in AI Overviews. More recently, the company began testing AI Mode, allowing users to ask complex questions and follow-up inquiries, aiming to compete with chat-based search platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity.
During its Q1 2025 earnings call, Google highlighted the growth of other AI-based products, including Circle to Search. This feature, which enables users to highlight text on their smartphones and ask follow-up questions, is now available on over 250 million devices, up from 200 million at the end of last year. Usage of Circle to Search has risen by nearly 40% quarter-over-quarter.
Google also reported steady growth in visual search through its Google Lens technology. According to CEO Sundar Pichai, the number of searches through Lens has increased by 5 billion since October 2024. Additionally, the number of people shopping via Google Lens grew by over 10% in Q1 2025.
This growth occurs amidst increasing regulatory pressure. The U.S. Department of Justice is challenging Google’s search practices, accusing the company of maintaining an illegal monopoly over online search. Furthermore, a federal judge has ruled that Google holds an adtech monopoly, potentially leading to a breakup.
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