Google becomes second most-cited domain in AI search results as business profiles gain prominence
Google has become the second most-cited domain in its own AI search results as business profiles and product panels increasingly appear in AI-generated answers.
1. Increased Citations for Google
A report from Profound indicates that Google has become the second most-cited domain within its own AI Mode. Between April 15 and June 30, 2026, citations for google.com within AI Mode increased by 8.4 times. This growth is primarily attributed to the integration of Google Business Profiles and Product Knowledge Panels directly into AI-generated search answers.
2. Impact on Local and Product Searches
The shift is most prominent in queries involving local intent and product information. For local searches, AI Mode now displays inline panels featuring Google Business Profiles, which provide users with business hours, location details, photos, and reviews before they visit a company's website. Similarly, product-related queries—such as those regarding specifications, comparisons, or compatibility—are increasingly surfacing Google-hosted Product Knowledge Panels rather than direct links to brand or e-commerce websites.
3. Strategic Implications for Businesses
According to the data, these Google-hosted cards often serve as the first point of contact for users. Profound suggests that this trend makes the accuracy and quality of a business's Google-hosted profile critical. Incomplete information, outdated photos, or negative reviews on these profiles may negatively impact user perception and engagement before a potential customer ever reaches the business's own website. The findings were based on an analysis of over 32 million instances of Google search viewer data.