Google Claims AI Search Clicks Are Growing

Publication date: 17.07.2026

Nick Fox, Google's SVP of Search, said the search engine's AI features send websites billions of clicks every week, while Search overall sends billions of clicks a day. He posted the claim on July 17, 2026.

Fox answered the widespread argument that AI is killing search traffic head-on: he says Google is "seeing the opposite." His position is that when people can ask whatever is on their mind, they use Search more than ever — and that ends up driving more clicks to the open web.

  • Billions of clicks a week — specifically from AI features (AI Overviews, AI Mode).
  • Billions of clicks a day — from Google Search as a whole.
  • Google still refuses to share the underlying data on clicks from AI blocks.
  • Independent studies, meanwhile, report rising zero-click rates and falling referrals for a share of sites.

According to Search Engine Land, the publication is asking Google to back the figures with verifiable Search Console metrics rather than social-media statements.

What this means for SEO. "Billions of clicks" is a web-wide aggregate that tells you nothing about your own site — some see AI-driven traffic grow, others watch it fall. Until Google shares a breakdown, rely on your own data. Segment queries in Search Console, track impressions and clicks separately for pages that land in AI Overviews, and judge more than visits — brand queries, conversions, and engaged reads. Building a strategy on Google's public statements without your own numbers is risky right now.

Seo Factory
Seo Factory
The content published on SEO-FACTORY is created by a team of specialists in SEO, digital marketing, PPC advertising, and web analytics. The main goal of the project is to provide practical and easy-to-understand materials that help businesses, website owners, and marketers better understand modern Google algorithms, SEO principles, and online promotion strategies. The authors regularly work with commercial projects in Ukraine and international markets, testing SEO strategies, analyzing search algorithm updates, studying behavioral ranking factors, link building, AI search technologies, content marketing, and Google Ads campaigns. Because of this, the published materials are based not only on theory but also on real-world practical experience. Articles on SEO-FACTORY include: up-to-date market data and industry research; practical insights and real case studies; analysis of Google updates and SEO trends; technical optimization recommendations; modern approaches to increasing organic traffic. The project focuses on creating expert-level content without generic advice or unnecessary filler. The main emphasis is placed on practical value, clear explanations, and modern digital marketing approaches relevant