Google Tests 'Dive Deeper' AI Overviews in Discover, Potentially Diverting Publisher Traffic
Google is experimenting with a 'Dive deeper' feature in Google Discover that inserts an AI-generated topic overview between a content card and the publisher's page a user would normally visit. Google Search VP Robby Stein announced the test on September 18, 2026, noting that the feature opens a short summary with links to related stories, community reactions, and original reporting. The experiment currently applies to video cards, though independent researchers have spotted code flags suggesting possible expansion to article cards — something Google has not confirmed. While publisher links remain visible within the experience, the new design introduces a Google-hosted stop before users reach an external site, raising concerns about reduced referral traffic. Google has not shared click-through data, disclosed affected regions, or provided publishers with an opt-out mechanism, and the test has not been confirmed for wider rollout.
This is an AI-generated summary. ShortSingh links to the original source for the complete article.
Discussion (0)
Log in to join the discussion and vote.
Log in