Google Tests Moving AI Overview Citation Cards to Bottom of Desktop Results

Google is testing a new layout for its AI Overview (AIO) feature on desktop that moves citation cards from the right-hand sidebar to the bottom of the response, according to a report published September 29, 2026, by Search Engine Roundtable.

The variation was first spotted by SEO consultant Glenn Gabe, who shared screenshots on X on September 28, 2026. Gabe described the test, writing: "I'm in an AIO test where the citations are stacked at the bottom of the answer on desktop. The right side citation bar is gone. And you can click show all to see a full list of citations at the bottom."

Gabe offered a generally positive reaction to the redesign, noting: "I sort of like it actually. Inline links you can hover over (like you normally can), but then a larger citation area at the bottom. Hmm... those links look much more enticing down there."

According to Search Engine Roundtable's Barry Schwartz, Google has tested similar placements at least twice previously — once in March 2026 and once in September 2025. Schwartz described the current iteration as "a nicer variation of the earlier tests" but raised a usability concern, noting uncertainty about whether citation cards would be visible without a user actively clicking a "Show more" button, unless Google automatically expanded them.

The test is notable for publishers and marketers who track how prominently source citations appear within AI-generated search responses, as the placement and visibility of citation links directly affects the likelihood of users clicking through to source content.

Google has not issued a public statement on the test, and it remains unclear whether the bottom-placement layout will be rolled out more broadly.