If you’re keeping an eye on how Google is evolving, one big thing on the horizon is already shaking up the SEO and PPC world: AI Overviews (AIOs). Previously called Search Generative Experience (SGE), these AI-generated summaries are now popping up in more and more search results—right at the top and they’re changing the game.

Whether you’re managing paid search, organic strategy, or both, you need to understand how these AIOs are impacting the SERP click-through rate (CTR). In this post, we’ll dive into the latest CTR study, uncover what’s happening to your traffic, and most importantly, how to adapt. We’ll also evaluate this shift through the lens of CTR booster reviews, seeing what works and what doesn’t in this evolving landscape.

How AI Overviews Are Slashing CTRs

A recent Click through rate study examined over 100,000 keywords from both organic and paid campaigns. Here’s what they found:

• Organic CTR without AIOs: 2.94%
  
• Organic CTR with AIOs: 0.84%
  

That’s a significant drop in search CTR nearly 70% lower when AI Overviews appear. But here’s the kicker: the average organic click-through rate position stayed almost the same. So even though your ranking didn’t change, your clicks probably did.

This shows that being on page one just isn’t enough anymore. AI Overviews are snatching attention before a user ever gets to your listing.

That’s a staggering drop of nearly 72%. What’s interesting here is that the organic position in both cases was nearly identical (5.9 vs. 5.6), proving that the dip isn’t about lower rankings. It’s about attention being diverted to AI-generated summaries.

This reinforces the growing challenge of optimizing for organic click-through rate by positioning traditional tactics that may not cut it anymore.

Paid Ads Aren’t Immune Either

If you thought Google Ads might escape the impact, then think again:

• Paid CTR without AIO: 21.27%
  
• Paid CTR with AIO: 9.87%
  

That’s more than a 50% drop in clicks. While AI Overviews currently show up in only 7% of paid ad impressions, they still account for 2.2% of all impressions—enough to matter, especially as this feature becomes more widespread.

The Bright Side: What Happens If You’re in the AIO

Here’s a surprising twist. If your content is featured within the AI Overview itself as one of the sources you can gain traffic.

• Organic CTR with AIO Source: 1.08%
  
• Organic CTR not in AIO: 0.60%
  

That extra link to your page within the AI result can drive real value. Being cited can give you more visibility than just ranking fifth on the page.

This shift brings a new definition to organic CTR by position. It’s not just about where you rank, it’s about whether you’re part of the AI-generated answer. And if you are, you can bypass the clutter and jump ahead in SERP CTR relevance.

What Triggers an AI Overview?

Understanding what kinds of queries prompt AIOs is key to adapting. Based on the data:

1. Question-Based Queries Dominate

• 31.6% of queries that triggered AIOs were questions
  
• Only 9.7% of non-AIO queries were questions.
  

Popular CTR words in these question-based searches include:

• “What is…”
  
• “How to…”
  
• “Why does…”
  

If your keyword strategy is mostly short, factual, or transactional phrases, it might be time to diversify with content that answers specific questions especially those likely to pull in featured snippets or AIO citations.

2. Longer Queries = Higher AIO Potential

• AIO-triggering queries averaged 4.29 words.
• Non-AIO queries averaged 3.48 words.
  

Long-tail queries not only attract more specific traffic but are now more likely to activate an AI Overview. Optimizing for long-tail, question-style keywords could be your click-through rate booster in an AIO-heavy SERP.

CTR vs. AIO: How to Adapt Your Strategy

So what does all this mean for marketers, content creators, and SEO pros?

1. Optimize for AIO Inclusion

If you can’t beat it, try to join it. Structure your content in a way that AI Overviews might pull from:

• Use structured headings and concise paragraphs
  
• Add factual, well-sourced information.n
  
• Cover key click-through rate words and common questions in your niche.
  

2. Rethink CTR vs. Position Focus

It’s no longer just about where you rank, but how you stand out. Think beyond the organic click-through rate by position model. Being informative and authoritative can now earn you a second link in the form of an AIO citation.

3. Monitor Query Trends

Keep an eye on your search click-through rate in Google Search Console. Look specifically at:

• Increases in long-tail, question-based queries
  
• Drops in click-through rate despite consistent rankings
  

This insight can help you pinpoint if AIOs are eating into your traffic and where to pivot your strategy.

4. Use Tools & CTR Booster Reviews Wisely

If you’re exploring tools to help improve your visibility or simulate clicks, make sure you’re informed. Dive into CTR booster reviews to compare what’s ethical, effective, and aligned with Google’s guidelines. Focus on long-term strategies, not gimmicks.

Conclusion

The rise of AI Overviews is more than just a new feature. It’s a shift in how users interact with search results. While they may reduce SERP click-through rates, they also open up new opportunities to become a trusted source. The key lies in understanding the nuances of CTR vs. AIO visibility, optimizing content for inclusion, and adjusting your expectations around traditional ranking logic.

Whether you’re analyzing your CTR study data, adjusting for average organic CTR, or diving into CTR booster reviews for insights, one thing’s clear: agility is the new SEO power play.