Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the way we search online, and Google is right at the forefront. With its experimental AI Mode, Google has been working to make search results not just faster, but smarter and more interactive.
Recently, the company announced a new direction for AI-powered search: showing more clickable links directly inside AI responses. Instead of burying sources at the bottom, Google is finding creative ways to bring them to the surface—right where you need them most.
So, what does this mean for users and for website owners? Let’s break it down.
Why Google Is Adding More Links in AI Mode
According to Robby Stein, VP of Product for Google Search, the goal is simple: make AI answers more useful, transparent, and engaging.
Right now, many AI responses summarize information without offering clear paths to explore further. Google wants to change that by weaving links into the answers themselves, so users can easily dive deeper into credible sources.
As Stein explained:
“Our long-term goal is more inline links.”
That means fewer dead-end summaries—and more opportunities for users (and publishers) to connect.
Key Changes You’ll Notice
1. Link Carousels for Desktop
Google is testing carousel-style link displays within AI answers, starting with desktop users. Instead of scrolling to the bottom of a response, you’ll see multiple clickable links aligned with the content. Mobile support is expected soon.
2. Smarter Inline Linking
AI Mode is being upgraded to insert links directly inside the text at moments when you’re most likely to want more detail. This context-aware linking feels natural and is already being tested, though you may notice some fluctuations while the rollout continues.
3. The Web Guide Expansion
Google’s experimental Web Guide uses Gemini AI to organize related links into helpful groups. Currently, it’s available under the “Web” tab, but Google plans to bring it into the main search results (“All” tab) when it detects users might benefit from structured navigation.
Why This Update Matters
These changes aren’t just cosmetic. They reshape the search experience in several important ways:
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Greater Transparency – Users can trace AI-generated answers back to real, credible sources.
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Better User Experience – Link carousels and inline links create a smoother browsing journey.
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SEO Opportunities – Websites that consistently publish high-quality, authoritative content could gain more visibility as AI Mode highlights trustworthy sources.
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Smarter Navigation – Tools like Web Guide blend AI curation with traditional search exploration, making it easier to discover new information.
The Bottom Line
Google’s AI Mode is evolving quickly—and these changes show a clear trend: AI search isn’t replacing links, it’s amplifying them.
For users, this means a richer and more interactive way to explore information. For publishers and SEO professionals, it’s a reminder that high-quality, trustworthy content has never been more valuable.
As AI continues to shape search, Google is making one thing clear: the future of search isn’t just about answers—it’s about connections.
✅ Pro Tip: If you run a website, now’s the time to double down on creating in-depth, reliable content. As Google experiments with inline and carousel links, strong content will have more chances to get featured right where users are looking.