AI Overviews: 1,000 US Adults Surveyed-Users Still Choose Website Clicks

Users Still Click Through: AI Overviews Influence, But Don’t Replace Website Traffic

Despite the rise of Google’s AI Overviews, a new survey of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted by Pollfish for NP Digital in May 2025 reveals a surprising truth: users still prefer clicking through to websites over relying solely on AI summaries. For business owners and marketers, this is a critical insight—AI Overviews may shape the search experience, but they haven’t replaced the need for direct engagement with original sources.

What the Data Reveals About AI Overviews

The survey paints a nuanced picture of how users interact with AI Overviews:

• • • • 81% of users still click links after reading an AI Overview, showing that summaries don’t stop deeper exploration.
      • Only 4.4% never click through, debunking fears that AI Overviews are killing traffic.
      • Trust is split: 41% trust AI Overviews about the same as traditional results, 31% trust them more, and 28% trust them less.
      • Errors are noticed: 25% spotted major mistakes, 20.6% cited outdated info, and 21% found irrelevant content.
      • Mixed satisfaction: 57.9% report a positive experience, while 8.5% are dissatisfied.
      • Users want control: 55% would turn off AI Overviews for some queries, and 17.7% would disable them entirely.

These numbers suggest that while AI Overviews are becoming a staple of the search experience, they’re far from perfect—and users know it.

AI Overviews Shape the Journey, Not the Destination

AI Overviews are designed to provide quick, synthesized answers at the top of Google’s search results. While they certainly influence how users navigate search, they haven’t replaced the need to visit websites. In fact, many users treat AI Overviews as a starting point—not a final answer.

This matters for marketers. The assumption that AI will cannibalize clicks is proving false. Instead, AI Overviews are changing the game, requiring brands to optimize not just for visibility, but for credibility and engagement.

TikTok’s Rise as a Search Tool

The survey also highlights a growing trend: TikTok is gaining traction as an alternative search engine, especially among younger audiences. Here’s how it breaks down:

• • • • Food queries: 42.7% prefer TikTok
      • Entertainment: 36.3%
      • News: 33.8%

Meanwhile, Google remains dominant in categories like education, business, and parenting. This topic-based shift shows that users are diversifying their search habits, choosing platforms based on the type of information they seek.

For marketers, this means visibility strategies must extend beyond Google. TikTok’s influence is growing—not just as a content platform, but as a discovery engine.

Why This Matters for Business Owners

If you’re a business owner, this data sends a clear message: clicks aren’t vanishing, but competition for attention is intensifying. AI Overviews are helpful for users seeking fast answers, but they also spark concerns about accuracy and control. Meanwhile, TikTok is pulling users into a new kind of search experience—one that’s visual, fast, and community-driven.

To stay ahead, you need to:

• • • • Understand how AI Overviews affect your visibility
      • Optimize your content for both AI summaries and traditional search
      • Explore emerging platforms like TikTok for lifestyle and entertainment niches
      • Ensure your content is trustworthy, relevant, and engaging

Take Action: Maximize Your Visibility

AI Overviews aren’t killing clicks—they’re reshaping how users engage. To thrive in this evolving landscape, you need smart SEO strategies and tools that adapt to both AI-driven search and emerging platforms.

 Explore our professional SEO tools and connect with experts who can help you stay visible, competitive, and relevant—no matter where your audience is searching. Get Started by clicking the SEO TOOLS button below! 

Sources: Press Gazette Alpha SEO Pros