Google AI Mode shows zero citations on high-level TOFU queries, SEO tests find
gaganghotra_ · x · 2026-09-03
SEO practitioner gaganghotra reports that Google AI Mode (running Gemini 3.8 flash) returns no citations at all for certain queries. Follow-up testing shows the issue is mostly limited to high-level top-of-funnel (TOFU) queries, while regular and long-tail queries still show citations. The poster suspects it could be a bug. The observation, discussed with Search Engine Land's Barry Schwartz (rustybrick), has direct implications for sites relying on AI Mode referral traffic.
Related event: Google AI Mode's Gemini 3.8 Flash Drops Citations on Top-of-Funnel Queries(5 posts)→
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