Google embeds Top Stories in AI Overviews for 15.5% of U.S. news queries

searchenginejournal.com — August 4, 2026 at 08:02 PM UTC

Google is now embedding Top Stories carousels directly inside AI Overviews on 15.5% of U.S. trending news queries, and blocking Google-Extended does not remove publishers from these results. NewzDash CEO John Shehata's July data shows the UK rate is 17.46%, with entertainment queries exceeding 35% in the U.S. The embedded carousel replaces standalone Top Stories modules, and Google's documentation confirms Google-Extended only affects AI training, not search visibility. Google is testing a Search Console generative AI exclusion for some UK publishers, which may remove sites from AI Overviews and embedded carousels, though the layout outcome remains unconfirmed. Experts advise auditing current controls and testing exclusions on limited sections before sitewide application.

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