Google AI Mode is a conversational AI search experience that runs in a separate tab of Google Search. The user asks a long, complex question and continues with follow-ups; AI Mode writes the answer by combining the results of several searches and shows source links. Google announced AI Mode as an experiment in March 2025, opened it to all users in the US in May 2025, and then expanded it to new countries and languages.
How does AI Mode work?
AI Mode uses a technique Google calls "query fan-out": it splits the question into subtopics, runs separate searches for each and brings the results together in one answer. The answer is generated by a custom version of the Gemini model, with links to source pages in or next to the answer.
One consequence of this design is that ranking for a single keyword matters less than it used to. Even if you do not rank directly for the user's query, your page may be the best answer to one of the subqueries.
AI Mode vs. AI Overviews
Both are AI features in Google Search, but they appear in different places and serve different purposes.
| AI Overviews | AI Mode | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Above the regular search results | In a separate tab |
| Format | Short summary | Conversation; follow-up questions possible |
| When it appears | On queries where Google deems it useful | When the user chooses AI Mode |
| Sources | Links next to the summary | Links in and next to the answer |
| Measurement | Search Console, within web search data | Search Console, within web search data |
For more on AI Overviews, see our post what is an AI Overview.
The situation in Turkey
Google rolled AI Mode out to new countries and languages in stages throughout 2025. In Turkey, AI Mode and AI Overviews (called "AI Modu" and "AI Bakışı" in Turkish) began a gradual rollout on February 18, 2026 (Webrazzi). So Turkish-language questions are now answered in this experience, and for Turkish brands selling abroad, English-language visibility matters just as much.
Which pages does AI Mode cite?
Google says there are no additional requirements for being shown as a supporting link in AI Overviews and AI Mode: the page only needs to be indexed and eligible to be shown with a snippet. So the technical foundation is the same as classic SEO. What makes the difference is how clearly the page answers a subquery.
In practice, these qualities make your page quotable:
- Answer first. The first paragraph of each section answers that section's question on its own.
- Real tables. Comparisons are HTML tables, not images.
- Visible FAQ. Questions and answers sit on the page as plain text; they do not load on click.
- Proof. Named, dated sources and figures with a clear method.
- Technical hygiene. Correct canonicals, clean indexing, a fast and crawlable page.
What changes for brands?
In AI Mode, users often read the answer without visiting the page. That means clicks per impression can behave differently from classic search; track the traffic impact with your own Search Console and GA4 data, not with general estimates. Even without a click, being mentioned in the answer has value: the user sees your brand at the moment of decision and may search for it directly later.
Three practical consequences follow:
- Branded search is an indicator. As visibility in AI answers grows, searches for your brand name may grow too; add this metric to your monthly report.
- Long queries gain weight. Users ask longer, more contextual questions in AI Mode. Build your pages to answer real questions, not single keywords.
- Source page quality stands out. The page with the clearest answer to a subquery gets picked; pages that cover a topic fully win over thin, generic ones.
What does Google say about AI Mode?
Google says no special optimization is needed for its AI features; it recommends writing content for people, meeting the technical requirements and offering a good page experience. Structured data should match the visible content. This means you do not need a "separate page for AI Mode" or "AI-only text"; reworking the structure of your existing pages is enough.
How do you measure AI Mode visibility?
Search Console counts pages that appear in AI Mode within web search data in the Performance report; there is no separate filter. The complementary method is to regularly run a fixed set of brand-related questions in AI Mode and record mentions and citations. The method is described in detail in how to measure AI visibility.
If you want your pages to be sources for question-style searches, AEO work handles page structure, and our GEO agency service covers visibility as a whole, off-site sources included. For the technical foundation, see our SEO agency page.
Frequently asked questions
Are AI Mode and AI Overviews the same thing?
No. AI Overviews is a short AI summary shown above the regular search results page. AI Mode is a conversational search experience that opens in a separate tab and lets you ask follow-up questions. Both cite sources with links.
Is AI Mode available in Turkey and in Turkish?
Yes. Google announced that it began gradually rolling out AI Mode ("AI Modu") and AI Overviews ("AI Bakışı" in Turkish) in Turkey on February 18, 2026. Because the rollout is gradual, some users may see the features later.
Does AI Mode need separate optimization?
Google says there are no extra requirements or special markup for appearing in its AI features, and that SEO fundamentals apply. A page must be indexed and eligible to be shown with a snippet.
How do I measure AI Mode traffic?
Google says pages appearing in AI Mode are counted within web search data in the Search Console Performance report. There is no separate filter, so regularly running a fixed question set in AI Mode and recording your brand's mentions is a complementary measurement.
Sources
Aleksandra KharitonovaSEO Specialist
Aleksandra Kharitonova is continuing her career in the field of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), one of the cornerstones of digital marketing, as a Junior SEO Specialist.
