AI Overview are a new and rapidly evolving feature in Google search results. While not much official data is available, understanding and tracking AI Overviews can give you a competitive edge—especially if you’re focused on SEO.
In a recent update, it became essential to know how to monitor when and how AI Overviews are triggered for specific queries and whether your website is being referenced in them. Here’s a complete guide to identifying and tracking these AI-generated summaries using Google Sheets and SERP API.
Understanding the Different Types of AI Overviews
Before you begin tracking, it’s important to know that not all AI Overviews are the same. Though they may appear similar at a glance, there are subtle differences among them. Based on careful observation, AI Overviews can be categorized into five types:
-
Normal AI Overview
This is the most common type that appears in many Google search queries. It’s the one Google usually showcases in its slides and public examples. -
List with Thumbnails
This version displays a list of people, places, or things along with their thumbnail images. -
Tables
Some AI Overviews return information in a structured table format, showing definitions, comparisons, or examples. -
Empty Overview
In certain queries, Google shows a placeholder message such as “Can’t generate AI Overview right now. Please try again later.” These are cases where an Overview might exist under different conditions, but wasn’t generated at that specific moment. -
Video Overview (excluded)
This category has been intentionally left out as it includes video content.
The fifth type, Empty Overview, can occasionally complicate the tracking process, so it’s useful to handle it as a distinct case.
Tools Required for Tracking AI Overviews
To track AI Overviews effectively, you’ll need two main tools:
-
Google Sheets – Free and accessible to everyone.
-
SERP API – A paid service with a free plan offering 100 searches per month. You can also register multiple free accounts using different Gmail IDs if needed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tracking AI Overviews
1. Register on SERP API
Start by signing up for a free SERP API account using a regular Gmail address. Avoid using Google Workspace accounts as they sometimes result in errors. After registration, verify your email and phone number, then subscribe to the free plan. Once your account is ready, copy your unique API key.
2. Set Up Your Google Sheet
Create a new Google Sheet and organize it with the following columns:
-
Search Query – Keywords you want to track.
-
AI Overview Available – Whether an AI Overview appears for the query (Yes/No).
-
Referred Websites – A list of websites mentioned in the Overview.
-
My Website – Indicates whether your website is included in the references.
-
Trend – Shows a trendline over time to see if your website continues to appear in AI Overviews.
-
Website URL – Your website address (e.g.,
https://example.com).
Add your target queries under “Search Query” and your domain URL in the “Website URL” column.
3. Automate with Google Apps Script
Use Google Apps Script to connect your sheet with the SERP API. Replace the placeholder script with a pre-written script, and make sure to insert your copied API key into the designated section.
Once pasted and updated, save and run the script. This will start pulling data from the SERP API and populate your sheet with insights based on your listed queries.
Final Thoughts
Tracking AI Overviews can provide valuable data on how your content is being referenced by Google’s AI systems. With a simple setup involving Google Sheets and the SERP API, you can begin monitoring which of your target queries trigger Overviews and whether your website is part of them.
As AI Overviews become more widespread, staying ahead by understanding how they work and ensuring your site is included in them can significantly benefit your SEO strategy.
