Jun 17, 2025, 2:07 PM
Jun 17, 2025, 7:51 AM

Google Search Console now includes AI Mode data

Highlights
  • Google has confirmed the integration of AI Mode data into Search Console, counting clicks and impressions from this feature.
  • This update occurred as AI Mode was launched in the US, blending data with existing web traffic metrics.
  • Publishers may find it challenging to analyze their traffic accurately due to mixed data reporting.
Story

In the United States, Google has officially integrated AI Mode data within its Search Console, allowing for the counting of interactions and performance metrics from this newly introduced feature. This update was announced as AI Mode went live, following its preview during Google I/O. Google has stated that AI Mode combines various data streams with traditional web traffic data; hence, the insights gained may not precisely delineate user interactions originating from AI Mode versus regular search results. This shift creates a more complex landscape for publishers seeking to analyze their web traffic. AI Mode, characterized as a chatbot-like search interface, has been made available to all users in the U.S. It provides interactive AI-generated responses, often including links to relevant webpages that support the information presented. Each unique query within this chat framework provides fresh impressions and clicks, and standard position methodology is applied when ranking these responses. However, as detailed in Google’s support documents, the blending of AI Mode data with conventional metrics will require users to re-evaluate their performance tracking strategies. The challenge for publishers is intensified as all traffic data are grouped within the performance reporting section labeled Web Search, merging traditional search results with AI Mode metrics. This alteration may hinder clarity regarding the origin of traffic and interactions reported in the Search Console. Users, equipped with multiple data points from traditional search results alongside those from AI Mode, may find it increasingly complex to separate insights and derive actionable conclusions without additional analytical tools. As a significant part of Google's ongoing effort to enhance user experience within its search engine, this integration underscores the evolving landscape of online search and the importance of adaptive strategies for web publishers and marketers. The implications of this update suggest that as AI capabilities continue to advance and shape search behavior, stakeholders will need to stay informed and adjust their approaches to maximize engagement and visibility.

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