The content that ranks best in Google AI Overviews is clear, original, and truly helpful. Google prefers articles that share real insights, personal experiences, and unique ideas — not copied or generic content.
Google Search is going through another big change, and this time, it is all about high-quality and original content. Liz Reid, Google’s Vice President of Search, has shared valuable insights about how Google’s new AI Overviews decide what type of content users actually click on.
If you are a blogger, SEO professional, or content creator, this information can help you understand what kind of content performs well in AI-driven search results.
How People Shape What Appears in Google AI Overviews
According to Liz Reid, people themselves decide what type of content Google shows. Google pays close attention to user preferences and behavior. If users spend more time watching short videos, joining online discussions, or reading long-form guides, Google adjusts its results to show more of that kind of content.
In simple terms, the audience shapes the search results. When people engage more with a certain type of content, Google’s system learns from that behavior and prioritizes similar results.
This means success is no longer just about pleasing algorithms. It is about connecting with your real audience and understanding what they truly value.
The New Meaning of Spam in Google AI Overviews and Search
Google’s definition of “spam” has expanded beyond the old-school ideas of keyword stuffing or using spammy backlinks. Now, content that simply repeats what is already available online without adding new insights or value can also be considered spam.
Even if your article is factually correct, if it feels repetitive, unoriginal, or lacks depth, it will likely be treated as low-value content.
The takeaway is simple: Google wants to promote meaningful, helpful, and authentic writing instead of repetitive summaries or auto-generated filler content.
AI Content Is Not the Problem, Low Quality Is
One of the biggest updates from Google is that AI-generated content is not automatically penalized. What truly matters is the quality of the final piece.
Whether you write your content manually or use AI tools, Google focuses on how useful, informative, and human it feels.
If your article sounds generic, lifeless, or unhelpful, it will not perform well. But if it is well-crafted, unique, and offers genuine value, it can rank even if AI assisted in the creation process.
The bottom line is that Google rewards quality, not the method of creation.
Why Unique and Insightful Content Wins in Google AI Overviews
When Google looked at what users clicked on inside AI Overviews, they found that people preferred content that had depth, originality, and a human touch.
Readers are drawn to articles that teach something new or share an expert’s point of view. Shallow or repetitive posts fail to hold attention, leading to higher bounce rates.
Google’s systems can detect these patterns. So, to win clicks and build trust, you must share your own knowledge, experiences, and insights. Let your personality and expertise shine through your writing.
How Google AI Overviews Rank Content in the AI Era
Google’s ranking signals are now changing in two key ways:
- Reducing the visibility of repetitive, low-value, or generic content that does not add any new perspective.
- Boosting the ranking of content that demonstrates expertise, genuine effort, and originality.
In short, Google now values creators who care about their work, show knowledge of their topics, and make an effort to educate their audience.
Content that feels authentic and thoughtfully written will always perform better than content created just to rank.
Tips to Improve Your Content for Better Ranking in Google AI Overviews
- Be Original: Avoid rewriting what is already available online. Add your own ideas or real-life examples.
- Show Expertise: Focus on topics you understand well or have experience in.
- Invest Effort: Write clearly, structure your ideas well, and provide useful information.
- Watch Engagement: Study how readers respond to your posts and adapt your future content accordingly.
Conclusion
Google’s message is simple. Quality, depth, and authenticity matter more than ever. The content that performs best in AI Overviews is not the one that repeats common facts, but the one that helps readers truly learn something new.
If your writing feels genuine, provides real value, and reflects your unique voice, both Google’s AI and your readers will notice.
Creating with care, insight, and originality is the real secret to success in the new era of AI-driven search.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How can I make my content appear in Google AI Overviews?
Focus on writing helpful, expert-driven content that provides new insights. Avoid generic summaries and emphasize originality, clarity, and human experience.
Q2. Does Google penalize AI-written content?
No. Google does not penalize AI-generated content as long as it is useful, accurate, and adds real value to readers.
Q3. What does Google consider low-quality or spammy content?
Content that is repetitive, lacks depth, or simply rewords existing articles is treated as low-quality. Always aim to add a unique perspective or actionable information.
Q4. What kind of content performs best in AI Overviews?
Expert-led, authentic, and deeply informative content tends to perform best — especially if it engages readers and satisfies their intent.