Google’s AI Overviews, the feature that summarizes information from across the web directly within Google Search, has seen significant adoption, with over 1.5 billion users engaging with it monthly across more than 100 countries. Introduced two years ago, AI Overviews has continued to roll out to new regions and languages, and according to Google, it has been a major success reportedly.
The feature displays AI-generated summaries at the top of search results for certain queries, such as “What is generative AI?” While it has contributed to reduced traffic for some publishers, Google views AI Overviews and other AI-driven capabilities as key to driving revenue growth and increasing user engagement on Search.
In October last year, Google introduced ads within AI Overviews. More recently, it began testing “AI Mode,” a feature designed to allow users to ask complex questions and follow up seamlessly during their search experience. This initiative is aimed at competing with chat-based search platforms like ChatGPT Search and Perplexity.
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During its Q1 2025 earnings call, Google also spotlighted the rapid growth of its other AI search tools, including Circle to Search. This feature, which enables users to highlight any part of their smartphone screen and ask questions about it, is now available on over 250 million devices — up from 200 million devices at the end of last year. According to Google, usage of Circle to Search surged nearly 40% quarter-over-quarter.
Additionally, visual searches are on the rise. CEO Sundar Pichai shared that Google Lens searches, which combine visual and AI-powered search, have grown by 5 billion since October. Shopping activity through Lens also climbed by over 10% during Q1.
This expansion of AI-driven search features comes as Google faces mounting regulatory challenges. The U.S. Department of Justice is pressuring the tech giant to separate Chrome from its business following a court ruling that found Google maintained an illegal monopoly in online search. Separately, a federal judge’s ruling that Google holds a monopoly in ad technology could lead to further structural changes within the company.
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