The world of search is constantly evolving, and Google is at the forefront of this transformation with its integration of generative AI. This isn't just about getting a list of links anymore; it's about getting direct, insightful, and comprehensive answers to your questions, powered by advanced artificial intelligence.
Are you ready to experience a whole new way of searching? Let's dive in!
How to Get Generative AI in Google Search: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Google's generative AI in Search, often referred to as "AI Overviews and more" (which has superseded the earlier "Search Generative Experience" or SGE), is an experimental feature that provides AI-powered summaries and conversational interactions directly within your search results. Getting access involves opting into Google's "Search Labs" program.
Step 1: Are You Eligible and Eager to Explore?
Before we begin, let's confirm if you meet the basic requirements to access Google's generative AI features. Google is rolling out these features gradually, so availability can vary.
Do you have a personal Google Account? Currently, generative AI features in Search Labs are generally not available for Google Workspace accounts, including those for education. You'll need a personal Google Account that you manage yourself.
Are you 18 or over? This is a general age requirement for participating in Search Labs experiments.
Are you in an eligible region? Google is expanding availability to more countries and languages. As of my last update, Search Labs and its experiments are available in over 120 countries and 7 languages. India and the US are prominent regions where these features are active.
Are you using a supported device and browser? While some features might be more prominent on mobile (Android/iOS), you can generally access Search Labs through any browser where you're signed into your Google Account (with Incognito mode turned off).
If you answered "yes" to these questions, then you're likely good to go! Let's move on to actually enabling the feature.
Step 2: Accessing Google Search Labs
The gateway to Google's cutting-edge AI experiments in Search is Google Search Labs. This is where Google tests out new ideas and gathers user feedback.
Sub-heading 2.1: Finding the Labs Icon
Open your web browser (e.g., Chrome) and go to https://www.google.com/search?q=Google.com.
Ensure you are signed in to your personal Google Account. Important: Make sure Incognito mode is turned off.
Perform any search query. This will load the Google search results page.
Look for the "Labs" icon. This icon typically looks like a beaker or a test tube and is usually located near the top of the search results page, often next to the "Images" or "Shopping" tabs, or sometimes near your profile picture.
If you see the Labs icon: Great! Click on it to proceed.
If you don't see the Labs icon: This might mean the feature isn't available to your account or in your region yet. You can still try directly visiting
https://labs.google.com/search/, but the icon is the most common entry point. Google rolls out features gradually, so patience may be key.
Step 3: Enrolling in "AI Overviews and more"
Once you're in Search Labs, you'll see a list of experimental features. The one you're looking for to enable generative AI in your search results is often titled "AI Overviews and more."
Sub-heading 3.1: Activating the Experiment
Click on the "Labs" icon (the beaker).
Look for the "AI Overviews and more" card. This card will describe what the experiment offers.
Tap or click the "Turn on" button (or "Enable," depending on the interface).
Review and Accept Terms and Conditions. Google will likely present you with a pop-up asking you to agree to the terms of service for using this experimental feature. Read them carefully before clicking "I Agree."
Sub-heading 3.2: Confirmation and First Taste
Once you've turned it on, you might see a "Try an example" button. Clicking this will often take you to a pre-defined search query where you can immediately experience an AI Overview.
Congratulations! You've now opted into the generative AI experience in Google Search.
Step 4: Experiencing Generative AI in Your Searches
Now that you've enabled "AI Overviews and more," your search experience will change for relevant queries.
Sub-heading 4.1: Recognizing AI Overviews
When you perform a search, for many queries, you'll now see an AI-generated summary at the very top of your search results, above the traditional "blue links." This is your AI Overview.
Key Characteristics of an AI Overview:
It's a concise, synthesized answer to your query.
It often provides multiple perspectives or key takeaways.
It includes links to the source websites that the AI used to generate the overview, allowing you to easily delve deeper. These links might appear on the left side or within the text itself.
You might see a "Generate" button for some searches, which means the AI won't automatically provide an overview, but you'll have the option to generate one.
Sub-heading 4.2: Engaging with Conversational Search (Follow-up Questions)
One of the most powerful aspects of generative AI in Google Search is the ability to have a more conversational experience.
Below the initial AI Overview, you'll often see suggested follow-up questions. These are designed to help you explore the topic further, allowing you to refine your inquiry without typing a whole new search.
You can also type your own follow-up questions directly into the search bar. The AI will remember the context of your previous query and provide a more refined or in-depth answer. This is where the "chat-like" interaction comes into play.
Sub-heading 4.3: Giving Feedback
Since these are experimental features, Google highly encourages user feedback.
Look for "Thumbs up" and "Thumbs down" icons at the bottom of each AI Overview.
Clicking these allows you to provide feedback on the helpfulness, accuracy, or any other aspect of the AI's response. This feedback is crucial for Google to improve its generative AI models.
Step 5: Understanding What Generative AI Means for Search
The integration of generative AI isn't just a cosmetic change; it's a fundamental shift in how Google processes and presents information.
Sub-heading 5.1: Beyond Blue Links: The Power of Summarization
Traditional search primarily aimed to point you to information. Generative AI aims to give you the information directly. For complex topics or questions requiring synthesis from multiple sources, AI Overviews can save you significant time by presenting a condensed, understandable summary.
Sub-heading 5.2: From Keywords to Conversations: More Natural Interactions
With generative AI, you can ask more complex, natural language questions, similar to how you'd speak to another person. The AI is designed to understand the intent behind your queries, even if they're phrased informally or involve multiple concepts. This makes searching feel less like a "keyword hunt" and more like a conversation.
Sub-heading 5.3: Evolving Features: AI Mode and Beyond
Google is continuously experimenting. You might also encounter features like "AI Mode" or other specialized generative AI experiences within Search Labs, each designed to enhance different aspects of your search journey. These features are likely to evolve and expand over time, offering even more personalized and interactive ways to find information.
Frequently Asked Questions about Generative AI in Google Search
Here are 10 common questions you might have about Google's generative AI in Search, along with quick answers:
How to turn off AI Overviews in Google Search?
You can turn off "AI Overviews and more" by going back into Google Search Labs (the beaker icon), finding the "AI Overviews and more" experiment, and toggling it off.
How to know if I have generative AI in my Google Search?
You'll see an "AI Overview" at the top of your search results for many queries, presented as a synthesized answer with source links, above the traditional blue links. You'll also see the "Labs" beaker icon in your search interface.
How to access Search Labs?
You can access Search Labs by clicking the beaker icon typically found near the top of your Google Search results page after performing a query, or by directly visiting https://labs.google.com/search/.
How to use follow-up questions with generative AI in Search?
After an AI Overview appears, look for suggested follow-up questions below it. Clicking on these will generate new AI-powered responses based on the context of your initial query. You can also type your own follow-up questions directly into the search bar.
How to provide feedback on Google's generative AI in Search?
At the bottom of each AI Overview, you'll find "Thumbs up" and "Thumbs down" icons. Click these to rate the overview and optionally provide more detailed written feedback.
How to get generative AI features if I have a Google Workspace account?
Currently, generative AI features in Search Labs are generally not available for Google Workspace accounts. You typically need a personal Google Account to opt-in.
How to know which countries have generative AI in Google Search?
Google's Search Labs and its experiments, including "AI Overviews and more," are available in over 120 countries and territories and 7 languages. You can usually find an updated list on Google's official support pages for Search Labs availability.
How to get on the waitlist for generative AI features?
If a generative AI experiment isn't immediately available to you, you might see an option to "Join Waitlist" within the Search Labs interface. Google will notify you by email when you're granted access.
How to differentiate between AI-generated content and traditional search results?
AI-generated content, or AI Overviews, appears as a distinct summary box at the very top of the search results page, clearly labeled as an "AI Overview" and often including source links. Traditional search results are the familiar blue links below this section.
How to optimize my website content for generative AI in Google Search?
To optimize for generative AI, focus on creating high-quality, comprehensive, and well-structured content that directly answers common questions. Use clear headings, subheadings, and natural language. Providing authoritative and accurate information with good E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) is crucial, as is using structured data (schema markup) where appropriate.
