Google Tests AI Snippets; Missing AI Label Was a Bug

Google is trialling AI-generated page snippets in search results, and a missing “AI” label on some desktop results was a confirmed bug—not a stealth one. Key Highlights AI-generated per-result snippets are in testing; the desktop label gap was a bug. Expect CTR swings as Google may reframe your offer in the snippet. Act now: audit desktop vs mobile, front-load value, keep metas tight. What actually changed in the SERP Google is experimenting with AI-generated page snippets—the description that appears under each blue link. In some desktop tests, those AI-written descriptions appeared without an AI label, while the mobile version showed the AI badge. Google’s Rajan Patel confirmed the feature is an unreleased experiment and the missing desktop label was a bug that will be fixed. How do we know it’s real (and not a one-off) The sequence is precise: SEOs spotted unlabeled AI snippets on desktop; side-by-side captures showed mobile with a label, desktop without; Patel acknowledged both the experiment and the labelling bug on X. Barry Schwartz documented the incident and Patel’s remarks; Brodie Clark independently flagged examples and timeline. This is not AI Overviews Don’t conflate these with AI Overviews (the large synthesis block). AI-generated snippets serve as micro-descriptions for each result; AI Overviews are a separate, top-of-page module. Earlier this month, Google was also seen replacing or augmenting meta descriptions with Gemini-generated copy—labelled during most tests—showing this is a broader direction for snippets, not a new overview type. Why this experiment matters for sites First impression volatility. If Google’s AI reframes your offer (e.g., softens a value prop or surfaces different benefits), expect CTR swings—helpful on informational queries, risky on commercial ones. The meta description becomes influential, not controlling. Transparency & trust. The label parity fix (desktop ↔ mobile) matters: clearly marked AI output reduces confusion and potential compliance questions. Google says the missing label was a bug, not an intent. Longer trend line. Snippets have been trending toward dynamic, AI-assisted summaries. Even if this exact test never ships, the direction of travel is evident. What practitioners should do now (short, actionable) Spot-check your money terms on desktop vs. mobile each week. Capture the live snippet, note whether it’s AI-generated (and labelled), and annotate Google Search Console to correlate CTR deltas. Front-load value in the opening 1–2 sentences of your body copy. Tests indicate AI often draws from early, factual lines—make them benefit + qualifier + proof. Keep writing tight metas. Strong, intent-matched metas still appear and can shape what the AI writes. Use snippet controls judiciously (max-snippet, data-nosnippet) only for sensitive content—recognise the visibility trade-off. Competitive landscape & community watch The community surfaced this quickly: Brodie Clark tracked unmarked examples; Search Engine Roundtable logged confirmations; Search Engine Land set prior context on Google’s Gemini-powered description tests. Together, they outline an iterative, opt-in-looking pathway where Google may or may not ship the feature—but continues to probe AI as the copywriter of record for snippets. Also Read: Google Tests AI-Generated Snippet Summaries in Search Results

Google’s AI-Written Snippets: Test Confirmed, Missing “AI” Label Was a Bug

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