Google Tests AI Summaries in Discover With Dive Deeper

Google is testing a new feature in Discover called "Dive Deeper." Google's Robby Stein posted on X that "today we're experimenting with a new way to make exploring a topic and discovering related web content easier in Discover."

Tapping it doesn't take you straight to the publisher's original article. Instead, a short AI-generated topic overview appears. Stein explained that "by tapping 'Dive deeper,' you'll see a short topic overview with prominent links to related stories, community reactions, and original reporting."

Google said it's starting the test on videos first. It added that it will experiment with different designs over the coming weeks.

Discover is Google's feed-style screen that surfaces articles and videos based on a user's interests without them typing anything into a search box. Until now, tapping an item there took you straight to the publisher's site; Dive Deeper inserts an AI summary screen in between.

Barry Schwartz of Search Engine Roundtable, who reported the news, said he isn't sure yet how he feels about the feature. His concern is that if an AI-generated summary already gives readers what they need, they may have less reason to click through, which could mean less traffic reaching publishers.

The source doesn't say what percentage of users see this, or whether mobile or desktop gets it first. It's also not clear whether or when Google plans a full rollout.

Concerns that AI Overviews are cutting into publisher clicks have already come up repeatedly as they've spread across search results. Dive Deeper raising the same concern in Discover suggests a similar pattern is now spreading to a screen that had run separately from search.

Google has already expanded AI Overviews and AI Mode across search results and the search bar, and a report earlier this month said it's testing a similar screen in local knowledge panels. Dive Deeper appearing in Discover looks like an extension of that same trend.

In Korea

This feature is still in a test phase, and the source does not say whether it has reached Discover for users in Korea.

If your site or blog draws traffic from Discover, a wider rollout could mean more readers stop at the summary screen instead of clicking through to your article.

Source: Search Engine Roundtable, Barry Schwartz, September 18, 2026. Checked September 19, 2026. Read the original