In late September 2026, Google AI Overviews appeared on most branded searches in several measured datasets—but the results describe specific samples, not every brand query or Google user. Ahrefs found an Overview on 73.3% of its US desktop branded-keyword results on average in September, while its separate panel of 100 exact brand-name queries showed one for 63 brands on September 30. Semrush, reporting a different DemandSphere dataset, also recorded a sharp rise in the share of tracked branded queries showing an Overview. These figures measure whether an Overview appeared; they do not establish whether it accurately described a brand, mentioned it, or reduced its traffic.
How often did AI Overviews appear on branded searches?
The short answer: most of the branded searches in the late-September 2026 samples had an AI Overview (AIO). The exact rate depends on the query set and measurement method.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Measure | Reported result | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Ahrefs branded-keyword monthly average | 61.3% in July; 65.1% in August; 73.3% in September 2026 | US desktop Google search-result crawls for a broad set of branded keywords |
| Ahrefs dated snapshot | 82.91% on September 29, 2026 | US desktop results for branded keywords on that date |
| Ahrefs exact-name panel | 63 of 100 brand-name queries on September 30, 2026; 5 of 98 usable results on July 1 | A separate panel of bare brand names selected from Interbrand’s Best Global Brands 2025 |
| DemandSphere figures reported by Semrush | 28–34% in the first week of September, rising above 80% by late September 2026 | DemandSphere’s tracked branded queries; this is a different dataset and query definition |
Ahrefs’ broad crawl series also found AIOs on 73.5% of non-branded keywords in July, 74.7% in August, and 78.3% in September 2026. The gap between its branded and non-branded monthly averages narrowed over that period, but those rates describe Ahrefs’ database and methods—not all Google searches. Ahrefs’ September 2026 analysis says it examined 232.8 million US desktop Google search-result crawls from July to September: 92.5 million branded-keyword crawls and 140.2 million non-branded-keyword crawls.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesSemrush’s account of DemandSphere data describes the same broad direction, not a directly comparable replication. Its chart is described as rising from about 25% to above 75%; its text reports 28–34% early in the month and above 80% by late September. Semrush emphasizes that the measure is AIO presence, not whether the searched brand was mentioned or cited. Semrush’s report should therefore be read as a separate series rather than combined with Ahrefs’ percentages.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
Why broad branded keywords and brand-name searches differ
A “branded keyword” can include more than a company’s bare name—for example, a name paired with a product, service, or other term. Ahrefs’ broad series counts search-result crawls for a large branded-keyword set. Its exact-name panel instead tracks 100 bare brand-name queries, with checkpoints each week from July through September. The two samples answer different questions, so their percentages should not be substituted for one another.
The September 30 panel found an AIO for 63 of the 100 exact-name queries. Among those 63 Overviews, 48 appeared in the first search position: 76.2%, with an average position of 1.49. These position figures apply to the exact-name panel, not to Ahrefs’ broad keyword crawl. A high placement means the Overview can be prominent on the results page; it does not by itself reveal what the answer said or whether a user clicked it.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
What an Overview can show—and what the figures do not prove
Google describes AI Overviews as a way to provide key information about a topic or question, with links to learn more. In its May 2025 explanation of AI Overviews and AI Mode, Google says the feature uses a customized Gemini model alongside existing Search systems, including quality and ranking systems and the Knowledge Graph. Google also says it is designed to appear selectively when it can add benefit and its systems have high confidence in response quality. Those are Google’s descriptions of product design and goals, not independent validation of individual answers.
An Overview may occupy a prominent place for a brand-name query and draw on external sources. In Ahrefs’ exact-name panel, Wikipedia was cited in 41 AIOs (71.9%), YouTube in 22 (38.6%), and LinkedIn in 13 (22.8%). These are counts among Overviews where an external citation was observed; they are not shares of all brand searches. Ahrefs also found that two of 58 readable answers explicitly discussed competitors, while only one competitor-owned site appeared across 57 available source lists.
These observations do not establish that every brand appeared in its Overview, that answers represented brands accurately, or that any business lost traffic or revenue. AIO presence, brand inclusion, citation, placement, and business impact are separate outcomes. The study is based on third-party crawls and a limited exact-name panel; it is not Google’s complete internal query log or a census of users. Search results can also vary by date, location, device, query wording, and personalization.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to check what people see for your brand
For a useful brand-search review, look at the results in the markets and on the devices that matter to your audience. Record the answer and the surrounding search page rather than treating a reported prevalence rate as a substitute for inspection.
Rank #4
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
- Define the query set. Separate bare brand names from broader branded keywords, and keep the same query definitions when comparing dates.
- Check the relevant search contexts. Record location, device, date, and whether an AIO appears. Results from a US desktop crawl do not necessarily describe mobile searches or another market.
- Read the answer. Note whether the brand is mentioned, what claims are made, whether the information is current, and which sources are cited. Presence alone does not answer these questions.
- Record the page position and your result. An Overview’s prominence and the position of the brand’s own listing are separate observations.
- Track performance as a diagnostic, not a causal test. Semrush recommends comparing branded-query click-through rate for a full week before and after an observed AIO appearance, using CTR rather than raw clicks because brand demand varies. In Google Search Console, interpret any change alongside dates, query definitions, geography, device, ranking changes, campaigns, and seasonality; a before-and-after movement does not prove the Overview caused it.
As examples of vendor workflows, Ahrefs suggests filtering branded organic keywords by the AI Overviews SERP feature and reviewing responses in Brand Radar. These tools can help organize monitoring, but they do not change what the underlying presence metric means.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
