Google has confirmed that AI Mode performance data is coming to Search Console, but with a key limitation: You won’t be able to break it out separately from traditional search or AI Overviews.
As AI-driven search reshapes how users discover and engage with content, this lack of transparency limits how marketers can measure performance and make data-informed decisions.
What’s Changing
AI Mode is now live for all U.S. users. While initially excluded from tracking during its Labs rollout, Google says it will soon appear in the “Web” search type within Search Console.
However, as Google’s John Mueller clarified:
“There’s currently no separate breakout planned, and no API changes involved.”
That means any impressions or clicks from AI Mode or AI Overviews will be bundled into your general search data, without a way to distinguish their specific impact.
Why This Matters
This reporting gap affects both organic search and paid campaigns:
- You won’t know how much traffic is coming from AI features.
- There’s no way to optimize specifically for AI Mode or Overviews.
- Ads shown in AI results can’t be tracked independently either.
Despite Google's promises of “transparency and control,” marketers are being asked to operate in the dark during one of the biggest shifts in search behavior to date.
IMEG Clients Are Already Ahead
While others are waiting on Google to catch up, IMEG clients are already equipped to compete in AI-driven search.
Our AI visibility solutions go beyond traditional SEO:
- AI Brand Analytics
Track how your brand is presented in ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews. - Competitor Monitoring
See how you rank in AI-driven responses across your most valuable keywords. - GSO & GEO Execution
Structure your site and content to match how generative engines discover, summarize, and cite content. - AI Visibility Tracking
Measure your share of voice in AI results and track shifts over time. - Actionable Recommendations
Get ongoing insights to improve AI citations, conversational authority, and overall visibility.
Traditional SEO focuses on ranking in Google’s top 10.
AI search pulls from the entire web. If you’re not optimized for it, you’re missing the conversation.
Bottom Line
This is a step in the right direction from Google, but it's far from enough. As AI continues to reshape how people find and evaluate products and services, the brands that adapt early will lead.
IMEG has already built the tools and strategies for this new era.
Want to Know How Your Brand Shows Up in AI Search?
Contact us to schedule a free AI Visibility Audit and see where you stand in ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews before your competitors do.
