Google is testing AI article overviews: What to expect

Google has begun testing AI-powered article overviews on the Google News pages of select publishers, introducing a new layer of context designed to give readers a clearer snapshot of stories before they click through. The pilot is part of a wider commercial partnership that aims to study how AI can strengthen audience engagement while compensating publishers for potential traffic loss.

Participating outlets include Der Spiegel, El País, Folha, Infobae, Kompas, The Guardian, The Times of India, The Washington Examiner and The Washington Post, among others. These AI summaries will appear only on the dedicated Google News pages of partner publications and will not surface elsewhere in Google News or Search.

The idea is straightforward: users see an AI-generated overview that cites the publication’s reporting and provides near-instant context. Although this could reduce click-through rates, Google is paying publishers directly under the terms of the programme. Google says its goal is not to replace visits but to create better-informed, more engaged readers.

This pilot follows Google’s earlier rollout of AI summaries in Discover, where users now see multiple source logos and a short AI summary instead of a single headline. Google is also experimenting with audio news briefings for users who prefer listening to the news.