Google announced it has updated the links in AI Mode to encourage searchers to click more. Google also introduced contextual introductions to embedded links in AI Mode responses.
Google wrote, "We’re increasing the number of inline links in AI Mode, and updating the design of those links to make them more useful. We’re also adding contextual introductions to embedded links in AI Mode responses. These are short statements that explain why a link might be helpful to visit."
Here is how contextual introductions look:
We some saw examples of Google changing links to encourage clicks as Robby Stein from Google promised months ago. We saw hover style inlinks and anchor text links in AI Mode responses.
Forum discussion at X.
Update: Here is a live example - maybe rolling out in February 2026:
Google testing a new type of citation style in AI Overviews. Anyone seen this before? @rustybrick pic.twitter.com/ViGKwWj5Zo
— Harpreet (@harpreetchatha_) February 3, 2026
i also see this today pic.twitter.com/SkSOOKHZv6
— Sachin Patel (@SachuPatel53124) February 5, 2026
