1 min read
Zero-click search predates AI Overviews by years — featured snippets, knowledge panels, and direct answer boxes have been resolving queries without a click for a long time.
The pre-AI history
Weather, sports scores, unit conversions, and simple factual questions have resolved directly on the results page for years. AI just extended the pattern to more complex, multi-part questions.
What’s different now
AI-driven zero-click search covers open-ended, nuanced questions rather than simple facts — see zero-click AI search for that specific layer. More in Future of Search.
Related Reading
Related in Future of Search:
- AI Agents and Search
- Search Personalization
- Multimodal Search
- Voice Search Evolution
- Visual Search Trends
Supporting reading from related clusters:
- How AI Search Works Behind the Scenes
- GEO Ranking Factors
- How to Run an AI Search Visibility Case Study
Cornerstone guide: AI SEO