A significant evolution is underway in how search visibility is determined, as Google quietly broadens the reach of its AI Overviews (AIO) across major industry verticals. Beginning April 25, 2025, BrightEdge’s Generative Parser™ observed a marked expansion in AIO coverage, particularly in sectors like entertainment, travel, B2B technology, insurance, and education. This shift signals a deepening reliance on AI-generated content within the search ecosystem, prompting publishers and digital strategists to rethink traditional keyword-driven SEO tactics.
Entertainment Takes Center Stage with AI Overview Surge
The most dramatic AIO expansion has occurred within the entertainment industry. Queries related to actor filmographies now represent over 76% of the new AIO coverage in this sector, accounting for a staggering 175% overall increase. This development reflects Google’s growing confidence in using AI to respond to detailed, fact-based searches, which were once the stronghold of dedicated entertainment databases and fan-curated websites.
Travel Sector Gains Through Complex Query Mapping
Travel searches, particularly those that are both geographically and temporally specific, experienced an AIO coverage increase of around 108%. Users searching for time-sensitive activities in specific locations — a traditionally challenging search area — are now more likely to be presented with AI-generated overviews. This could signal a redefined experience for travel planning, with Google aiming to streamline discovery by offering more precise, AI-curated answers.
Steady Momentum in B2B Technology and Insurance
In the B2B technology space, a 7% growth in AIO coverage was recorded, particularly around technical queries like containerization (e.g., Docker) and data management solutions. This aligns with the broader trend of AI stepping in to assist users grappling with rapidly evolving tools and frameworks. The insurance sector showed similar momentum, with an 8% increase in coverage, hinting at a broader shift in how intent is interpreted for service-driven sectors.
BrightEdge’s analysis emphasizes that success in these verticals now requires moving beyond keyword density and toward building topic-level authority. Publishers must generate content that resonates with audience intent and domain relevance — factors increasingly central to Google’s AI-first ranking systems.
Education Sees Online Learning Lead the Way
The education sector has also experienced a 5% increase in AIO keyword coverage. Notably, 32% of this growth is centered around keywords related to online learning, with a focus on specialized degrees and emerging certification programs. As learners increasingly seek flexible and targeted educational solutions, Google appears to be aligning its AI Overviews to reflect and support this demand.
Tailored SEO Is No Longer Optional
According to Jim Yu, CEO of BrightEdge, these findings underscore a critical reality: AI-first search is not applying a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, Google is developing vertical-specific AIO behaviors, making it imperative for digital marketers to understand the precise nature of AI coverage in their sector.
“The data is clear. Google is reshaping search with AI-first results in highly specific ways across different verticals. What works in one industry won’t translate to another,” Yu stated.
The Bottom Line
As Google continues integrating AI into the heart of its search functionality, businesses must adapt. Visibility is no longer about dominating high-volume keywords, but about aligning closely with the intent and complexity of user queries in each niche. For those in fast-moving fields like tech, education, and travel — or culturally rich domains like entertainment — the new landscape demands a strategy grounded in authority, depth, and precision.
