Google boosts visibility of inline links in AI-powered search answers

Google disclosed a series of adjustments to its AI-driven search interfaces, notably moving inline links higher in the response layout and showing them more frequently. For queries where a few sites dominate a specific task—such as airline refunds—the relevant links may now appear at the top with contextual cues. The company is also rolling out link carousels with image thumbnails to more languages and locations, and redesigning end-of-query links for greater clickability.

Testing is underway for clickable links that direct users to publisher or creator profiles within AI mode. More than 400 publishers participate in the News AI licensing program, which pays them for the use of enhanced content, with recent additions like several outlets and one outlet.