Do AI Overviews Show on 80% of Searches? Why the Numbers Disagree
Search Engine Roundtable says AI Overviews show on over 80% of searches, but other studies differ. See why, and what builders should do.
Bilal
5 min read
Search Engine Roundtable reported on 26 October 2026 that AI Overviews now show for over 80% of Google searches. That number sounds alarming. However, other studies put it much lower.
So which figure is right, and what does it mean for a builder? This guide explains why the numbers disagree. It also shows how to check your own searches.
First, a note. We are summarising published studies, and many come from firms that sell SEO tools. So treat every percentage as an estimate.
What the Latest Report Says
The report says AI Overviews rose from about 15% two years ago to 50% in June last year. It now puts them above 80%, using data from Semrush, SE Ranking and seoClarity.
- SE Ranking says AI Overviews appear on 82.5% of US brand searches.
- seoClarity told Search Engine Roundtable it sees them on over 62% of queries, with a range of 55% to 84% by industry.
Notice that even within one report, the figures vary. That is the first clue.
Why the Numbers Disagree
Other studies give lower numbers:
- Similarweb reported 43% of all queries in July, up from 15% a year earlier.
- Comscore found 39.4% of US desktop searches in June 2026.
- Semrush found 88% of 400 tracked US commercial keywords.
These figures differ because each study measures something different. Here are the main reasons:
- Query type. Brand, commercial and informational searches behave differently.
- Keyword sample. PPC Land notes that the Semrush panel covers three verticals, so it says little about all searches.
- Device and country. Comscore measured US desktop only.
- Timing. Google retunes when AI Overviews appear, so the share moves.
So no single percentage describes every search. The honest answer is that coverage is high and rising, but it varies a lot.
What About Local Searches?
This matters most for builders. The studies we found do not break out local searches such as ‘builder near me’. So we cannot tell you how often they trigger an AI Overview.
Local results also include maps and business listings. Because of that, your Google Business Profile still plays a big role. For the latest changes, read our guide to Google Business Profile changes.
Google also keeps changing local results. For example, it is testing new local panel layouts and a higher spot for Google Posts. See our post on Google Posts on local panels.
The safest move is to test your own searches. The checklist below shows how.
What Happens to Clicks
AI Overviews can change how people click. The evidence is mixed, but it points one way.
- SparkToro data, via Search Engine Land, found that 68.01% of US searches ended without a click in early 2026. That figure covers all searches, not only AI Overviews.
- A Forbes Advisor study asked adults about links. With an AI Overview, 67% said they would open a link. Without one, 84% said they would.
The Forbes figures show stated intent, not real clicks. Still, they suggest fewer visits. For the traffic side of the story, see our post on whether AI search is worth it.
A 20-Minute Test for Your Own Searches
- List the 10 searches you most want clients to use, such as ‘extension builder in Leeds’.
- Open a private browser window and search each one.
- Record whether you see an AI Overview, a map pack, ads or only normal results.
- Note whether the AI Overview cites your site or a competitor.
- Repeat once a month, and keep the results in a simple sheet.
- Compare your notes with clicks and impressions in Search Console.
Rank trackers can mislead right now, so lean on this manual check. See our post on Google ranking volatility for why.
What Builders Should Do
- Keep your Google Business Profile complete, and reply to every review.
- Publish clear service pages with short answers to real client questions.
- Add honest project proof, such as a construction case study.
- Track enquiries, not just rankings, and ask clients how they found you.
- Keep your facts consistent across your site and listings.
- Review your top pages every quarter, and update dates, prices and facts.
Our guide to Google AI Overviews in 2026 covers the content side in more detail. Our guide to LLM optimization also explains low-cost AI basics.
How We Can Help
We can run this test on your top searches, record the results and explain what they mean. We can also fix the page and profile gaps we find. See our SEO for construction companies service.
Book a free consultation at bilalwebstudio.co.uk or email [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Do AI Overviews show on over 80% of Google searches?
Search Engine Roundtable reported that on 26 October 2026. However, other studies found 39% to 62% of searches, depending on the sample. So the true share depends on the query type.
Why do studies give different numbers?
They measure different queries, devices, countries and dates. A study of commercial keywords will show a higher share than one of all searches.
Do AI Overviews appear for local searches like ‘builder near me’?
The studies we found do not say. Test your own searches in a private window, and repeat the test each month.
Does an AI Overview mean fewer clicks?
Often, yes, but the evidence is mixed. A Forbes Advisor study found less intent to open links when an AI Overview appeared.
