Google overhauls AI search with new 'Expert Advice' section drawing on Reddit and social media

Google is updating its AI Overviews and AI Mode to introduce a new "Expert Advice" section designed to surface perspectives from public discussions, social media, and Reddit directly within search results. This feature will display previews of quotes and viewpoints drawn from forums, WordPress blogs, and Reddit, positioning these first-hand accounts prominently above standard hyperlinks. The update aims to provide users with immediate context by showing a creator's name, handle, or community name directly on the source links to aid judgment.

Beyond aggregating online discourse, the search engine is shifting its linking strategy to embed citations directly inside generated answers rather than relegating them solely to the end of responses. Google also plans to recommend in-depth articles at the conclusion of AI responses for further exploration of a given topic. Additionally, the system will now highlight publications to which users have subscribed via their Google account, personalising the information landscape based on individual preferences.

This move comes as Google acknowledges that Reddit is increasingly viewed by some users as a more useful source of information than the search engine itself. Standard search results have already begun prominently featuring Reddit links, and the company notes that AI Overviews and AI Mode have been consistently iterated on since their respective launches in 2024 and 2025. The decision to cite the platform more prominently reflects a recognition of the growing reliance on such forums for practical information.

The update arrives amidst reports that Google's AI search tools are driving more searches and "high-quality clicks" on the websites they cite. However, the specific impact of adding more links and recommending long-form reporting on the dwindling number of publications Google currently pulls from remains unquantified. While the company claims the tools are improving engagement, the extent to which this new "Expert Advice" section will alter user behaviour compared to previous iterations is not yet established.

Previous iterations of AI Overviews have faced issues, including hallucinations attributed to information sourced from Reddit, which adds a layer of complexity to this integration. Despite these past challenges, Google continues to refine its approach to ensure that the information presented is both comprehensive and verifiable. The company maintains that regardless of how much it tinkers with its AI responses, the ultimate goal remains to provide high-quality, actionable insights to users.

Ultimately, the persistent outcome of AI Overviews and AI Mode is the creation of scenarios where users do not have to click away to another website because Google has answered their question entirely within the search interface. By integrating Reddit and other social platforms more deeply, Google hopes to balance the convenience of instant answers with the need for transparent, sourced information that drives traffic back to original creators.