Archive · 12 Jun 2025
Google Tests New AI Mode Button, Signals Shift in Search
Google is experimenting with a new AI Mode button on its search engine.
This button lets users quickly get answers from AI.
While AI improves search, it could hurt websites by keeping users on Google.
News websites are seeing less traffic and are making deals with AI companies to get paid when AI uses their content.
This helps them keep making news.
Google is testing an AI Mode button on its search homepage, accessible to a limited group.
The AI Mode button provides access to AI-generated responses and search history.
Integration of AI in search is causing concerns for content publishers about traffic and monetization.
The New York Times saw a decrease in traffic from Google Search.
Some media outlets are pursuing partnerships with AI firms to adapt to the changing landscape.
- Who
- Google is implementing the AI Mode button.
- What
- Google is testing an AI Mode button to provide AI-generated responses in search.
- When
- The feature is currently being tested.
- Where
- The AI Mode button is appearing on the Google Search homepage and in the Google app.
- Why
- To integrate AI more prominently into its search functions.
Publishers
Impact on Publishers
Publishers
Fearful of reduced traffic and revenue due to AI summaries keeping users on Google.
See AI integration as beneficial for user engagement, without clarifying monetization details.
- Feature
- AI Mode button on Google Search
- Availability
- Limited testing through Search Labs
- Function
- Provides AI-generated responses and search history
- Impact
- Concerns about traffic for content publishers
- Publisher Actions
- Seeking partnerships and licensing deals with AI firms