AI is actually making Google search bigger

Alphabet reported that AI-powered search features are expanding Google Search usage rather than cannibalizing it. CEO Sundar Pichai said AI Overviews and AI Mode are driving incremental query growth, with search usage reaching an all-time high during the FIFA World Cup. He noted AI Mode now has over 1 billion monthly active users and is sending billions of clicks to websites each week. Google also said these AI tools helped lift search revenue 17%. The comments counter publisher fears that AI answers would reduce traffic to traditional websites. Alphabet’s latest quarter revenue came in at $119.8 billion, up 24% year over year, although the stock finished down 1.24% on the day.