Google AI Overviews are negatively affecting search referral traffic for publishers. Recent data shows that organic search traffic from Google is declining year over year, with many Digital Content Next member sites reporting losses between 1% and 25%. In a survey conducted between May and June 2025, it was found that the median referral decline from Google Search was approximately 10%. News and non-news brands alike are heavily impacted, with identically consistent results across surveyed companies. Jason Kint from DCN confirmed that the declines are a direct consequence of the AI Overviews.
Google's new AI Overviews have resulted in significant declines in search referral traffic for publishers, with data showing a median year-over-year traffic decrease of 10% overall.
Between May and June 2025, the majority of publishers reported traffic losses from Google search, ranging from 1% to 25%, confirming the negative impact of AI Overviews.
Jason Kint, CEO of DCN, emphasized that the losses publishers are experiencing are directly related to the implementation of Google AI Overviews.
The data collected over eight weeks showed that for the seven non-news brands surveyed, the decline in referral traffic from Google Search was consistent and significant.
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