Google Discover updates with AI summaries.

The latest feature in Google Discover could further reduce traffic for online publishers.

Google Discover introduces AI summaries impacting publisher traffic

Google has begun rolling out AI-generated summaries in its Discover feature, available on iOS and Android in the U.S. Instead of seeing headlines from major publications, users now see multiple news sources along with AI-created summaries. This change raises concern among publishers as website traffic from Google has already been declining. While Google claims the feature can help users choose what to read, it signals a shift in how news is consumed, potentially leading to further decreases in direct website visits. Some publishers are experimenting with their own AI solutions, but the overall impact on traffic remains troubling, with data showing a 15% drop in worldwide search traffic year-over-year as of June.

The introduction of AI summaries in Google Discover underscores a significant trend in how news is distributed and consumed today. As fewer users click through to publisher websites, traditional revenue models face mounting pressure. Publishers are adapting with new tools from Google, but many fear these measures are too late to reverse the trend of declining traffic. There is a growing tension between providing quick access to information and fostering sustainable practices for news providers. Google’s moves may streamline user experience, but they threaten the financial stability of publishers.

Highlights

As the digital news landscape evolves, publishers must adapt quickly to survive.