Quick answer: Google appears to be testing AI-generated summary snippets inside the citation cards that accompany AI Overviews. Instead of showing text taken from the cited page, some cards now show a short description written by Google’s AI and tailored to the query. SEO Brodie Clark spotted the change, and Search Engine Roundtable confirmed it for some queries on October 23, 2026.
What happened
Citation cards are the source links shown beside or below an AI Overview. Traditionally, they display the page title and a snippet pulled from the page. Clark noticed that some snippets did not appear on the source page in that form; Google had summarized the page based on what it considered most relevant to the search.
Barry Schwartz saw the same behavior on some, but not all, of his test queries, joking that AI was now generating more AI.
Why it matters
The citation card is one of the few places in an AI Overview where a publisher’s own words could persuade a searcher to click. If Google rewrites that text, publishers lose control of how their page is described. Because the summary is generated per query, the same page could be presented differently across searches, and the description may not match the page’s actual wording or tone.
It also adds another layer of AI between the user and the source, which could affect how often people click through to cited pages.
Key facts
- Reported: October 23, 2026
- Spotted by: Brodie Clark
- What changed: AI-written, query-tailored snippets in AI Overview citation cards
- Status: Appears to be a test; not seen on every query
What to do now
- Check how your cited pages are described in AI Overviews for priority queries.
- Make the opening of key pages state clearly what the page offers, so any summary reflects it accurately.
- Track clicks from queries where you are cited, to see whether click-through changes.
FAQ
Can I control the text Google shows in AI Overview citation cards?
Not directly. Clear titles, strong introductions and accurate meta descriptions give Google better material, but it may still generate its own summary.
Is this rolled out to everyone?
No. It appears to be a test that shows only for some queries.
