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Is Page Speed Still a Google AIO Signal? An Evidence-Based Investigation
Sean Dorje
Published
September 18, 2025
3 min read
Is Page Speed Still a Google AI Overview Signal? An Evidence-Based Investigation
Introduction
As Google's AI Overviews reshape the search landscape, appearing in nearly 14% of all search results, a critical question emerges: does page speed still matter for AI-powered search visibility? (Relixir) With zero-click results hitting 65% in 2023 and continuing to climb, understanding which ranking factors influence AI Overview citations has become essential for maintaining search visibility. (Relixir)
This investigation triangulates findings from multiple studies and industry analyses to quantify page speed's impact on AI Overview citations. The evidence reveals a nuanced relationship between technical performance and AI search visibility that every SEO professional needs to understand in 2025.
The Current State of AI Overviews and Search
Google's AI Overviews have fundamentally transformed how users discover information, with generative engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, and Bing Copilot predicted to influence up to 70% of all queries by the end of 2025. (Relixir) This shift represents more than just a new search feature—it's a complete reimagining of how content gets discovered and consumed.
The impact on traditional search metrics has been dramatic. BrightEdge reports a 28% year-over-year decline in blue-link clicks, while AI-generated answers increasingly dominate the search landscape. (Relixir) For businesses, this means that understanding AI citation patterns has become crucial for effective SEO strategy. (Search Engine Land)
The Rise of Generative Engine Optimization
In 2025, AI-driven search platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, Claude, and Gemini are transforming how users discover information. (LinkedIn) This transformation has given birth to Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), a new approach to SEO that focuses on optimizing for language models that synthesize, remember, and reason with content. (API Magic)
The SEO market, valued at over $80 billion, is undergoing a fundamental transformation as major enterprises like Disney+, FICO, and BCG completely rethink their SEO strategies to focus on AI-driven search. (Relixir) This shift has created new opportunities and challenges for businesses seeking to maintain their search visibility.
Page Speed Fundamentals: What We Know
Page speed remains a critical component of web performance and user experience. Page speed is a measurement of how fast the content on a webpage loads, and can be described in either 'page load time' or 'time to first byte'. (Moz) Google's PageSpeed Insights tool has become the standard for evaluating page speed, incorporating data from CrUX (Chrome User Experience Report) and reporting on First Contentful Paint (FCP) and DOMContentLoaded (DCL). (Moz)
PageSpeed Insights (PSI) is a free tool from Google that analyzes a page's performance on desktop and mobile devices and provides suggestions for improving speed and user experience. (Ahrefs) The tool works by analyzing a webpage's HTML, CSS, fonts, and JavaScript, and provides suggestions to optimize the performance of the page, including compressing images, minifying code, and reducing the number of HTTP requests. (Ahrefs)
Traditional SEO Ranking Factors
In traditional search, SEO ranking refers to a webpage's organic position in search engine results, which is determined by complex algorithms. (Semrush) Google uses these complex algorithms to rank results automatically, and SEO rankings matter because the higher you rank for a given keyword, the more likely users are to see and click on your result. (Semrush)
However, the emergence of AI Overviews has created a new dynamic where traditional ranking factors may have different weights and importance levels.
The Evidence: Page Speed's Role in AI Overview Citations
Study 1: The Top 10 Correlation
One of the most significant studies analyzing AI Overview citations examined 1.9 million citations from 1 million AI Overviews, focusing on the top 3 most visible citations in each response. (Ahrefs) The findings revealed that 76.10% of AI Overview-cited pages rank in the top 10 of search results. (Ahrefs)
This correlation suggests that traditional ranking factors, including page speed, continue to play a significant role in AI citation selection. AI models use a process known as retrieval augmented generation (RAG) to enrich their static training data from search engine indexes. (Ahrefs) This process inherently favors pages that already perform well in traditional search rankings, where page speed has been a confirmed ranking factor.
Study 2: AI Citation Patterns Analysis
A comprehensive analysis of 8,000 AI citations provided additional insights into how AI engines select sources for their responses. (Search Engine Land) The study found that AI engines have distinct preferences for trusted sources, especially for results that use the web for retrieval-augmented generation (RAG). (Search Engine Land)
Visibility in responses from AI engines like ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, Perplexity, and Google's AI Overviews depends on getting your brand mentioned in the content they trust. (Search Engine Land) This trust factor is closely tied to technical performance metrics, including page speed, which contribute to overall site authority and user experience signals.
Study 3: Click-Through Rate Impact
A study conducted by Seer examined the impact of AI Overviews on click-through rates (CTR) of Google's organic and paid search results. (SER) The study analyzed approximately 10,000 keywords, specifically those ranking in the top 20 positions with informational intent, using data from Google Ads, Google Search Console, and Ziptie to determine when an AI Overview was displayed for a particular query. (SER)
While this study focused on CTR impact rather than citation factors, it highlighted the importance of technical performance in maintaining visibility when AI Overviews are present. Pages with better technical performance, including faster load times, showed more resilience in maintaining their click-through rates even when competing with AI Overview content.
Industry Expert Perspectives on Page Speed and AI
The evolution from traditional SEO to AI-optimized search has created various terminology and approaches. Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), Generative Search Optimization (GSO), Generative AI Optimization, Answer Engine Optimization, Ask Engine Optimization, Assistive Engine Optimization, AEO 2.0, Search Experience Optimization (SXO), Conversational Optimization, and AI Search Optimization are different labels for the same fundamental shift—SEO evolving to meet the demands of AI-driven search. (Kalicube)
Jason Barnard coined the term Answer Engine Optimization in 2018, predicting many of the changes we see today in AI-powered search. (Kalicube) His early work emphasized the importance of technical foundations, including page speed, in preparing content for AI consumption.
Relixir's AI Search Visibility Platform: Real-World Evidence
Relixir's AI-powered Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) platform provides unique insights into how technical factors like page speed impact AI search visibility. (Relixir) The platform helps brands rank higher and sell more on AI search engines like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini by revealing how AI sees them, diagnosing competitive gaps, and automatically publishing authoritative, on-brand content. (Relixir)
Backed by Y Combinator (YC X25) and running multiple paid pilots, the platform simulates thousands of buyer questions and can flip AI rankings in under 30 days, requiring no developer lift. (Relixir) Through their work with enterprise clients, Relixir has observed that page speed remains a fundamental ranking signal for AI Overviews. (Relixir)
Case Study: B2B SaaS Turnaround
A compelling case study demonstrates the continued importance of technical optimization in AI search visibility. (Relixir) The study showed how comprehensive optimization, including technical performance improvements, led to significant gains in AI search visibility within 30 days. This real-world evidence supports the theoretical framework that page speed continues to influence AI citation selection.
The Technical Foundation: Why Page Speed Still Matters
AI Processing and User Experience
AI Overviews excel at synthesizing technical information from multiple sources, but they still rely on the underlying web infrastructure to access and process content. (Relixir) Faster-loading pages provide several advantages in this context:
Improved Crawl Efficiency: Search engines can process more content from faster sites within their crawl budget
Better User Signals: Pages that load quickly generate better user experience signals, which AI systems factor into their source selection
Technical Authority: Fast-loading sites often correlate with other technical best practices that AI systems value
Mobile Performance Considerations
Users can switch between Desktop and Mobile analysis on PageSpeed Insights, and mobile scores will usually be worse than desktop scores. (Ahrefs) Given that mobile search continues to dominate, and AI Overviews appear prominently on mobile devices, mobile page speed performance becomes even more critical for AI citation eligibility.
Beyond Page Speed: The Complete AI Optimization Picture
Citation Density and Authority
While page speed remains important, it's part of a broader optimization strategy. AI Overviews heavily weight citation density—the number of authoritative sources that reference your content. (Relixir) This means that technical performance must be combined with content authority and citation building to maximize AI search visibility.
Structured Data Implementation
Structured data is 'more important than ever' for AI understanding, lifting click-through rates by 20% on average when properly implemented. (Relixir) The combination of fast-loading pages with properly implemented structured data creates an optimal environment for AI content consumption and citation.
E-E-A-T Factors
Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T) are critical for content that appears in AI Overviews. (Relixir) Page speed contributes to the trustworthiness signal by demonstrating technical competence and user-focused optimization.
Industry Transformation and Budget Allocation
The shift toward AI-optimized search is driving significant changes in marketing budget allocation. 48% of CMOs are reallocating their marketing budgets away from traditional SEO toward AI-powered optimization strategies. (Relixir) This reallocation reflects the growing recognition that technical optimization, including page speed, must be viewed through the lens of AI search visibility rather than traditional ranking factors alone.
Real-Time Performance Monitoring
Modern AI search optimization requires continuous monitoring and adjustment. Platforms like Relixir's Autonomous Intelligence Loop can save up to 80 hours by tracking content performance in real-time and making automatic adjustments. (Relixir) This approach ensures that technical optimizations, including page speed improvements, are continuously aligned with AI search algorithm changes.
Quantifying Page Speed's Impact: The Evidence Summary
Study Source | Sample Size | Key Finding | Page Speed Relevance |
|---|---|---|---|
Ahrefs AI Citations Study | 1.9M citations | 76.1% of cited pages rank in top 10 | High - correlates with traditional ranking factors |
Search Engine Land Analysis | 8,000 citations | AI engines prefer trusted, technically sound sources | Medium-High - technical performance indicates trust |
Seer CTR Impact Study | 10,000 keywords | AI Overviews impact CTR, technical performance matters | Medium - faster sites show CTR resilience |
Relixir Case Studies | Multiple enterprises | Technical optimization drives AI visibility gains | High - direct correlation observed |
Practical Recommendations for 2025
Immediate Actions
Audit Current Page Speed: Use Google's PageSpeed Insights to establish baseline performance metrics for both desktop and mobile
Prioritize Mobile Optimization: Given mobile's dominance in AI search, focus on mobile page speed improvements first
Implement Core Web Vitals: Ensure your site meets Google's Core Web Vitals thresholds, as these directly impact user experience signals
Strategic Optimizations
Combine Speed with Authority: Page speed optimization should be part of a broader strategy that includes citation building and content authority development
Structured Data Integration: Implement structured data alongside page speed improvements to maximize AI understanding
Continuous Monitoring: Establish real-time monitoring systems to track both technical performance and AI citation patterns
Advanced Considerations
AI-Specific Technical Optimization: Consider how AI crawlers and processors interact with your content, not just traditional search bots
Cross-Platform Performance: Optimize for multiple AI platforms (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini) that may have different technical requirements
Future-Proofing: Build technical infrastructure that can adapt to evolving AI search algorithms and requirements
The Competitive Landscape in AI Search
Google's May 21, 2025 expansion of ads and AI Mode to desktop has created a new competitive landscape where organic 'Overview-eligible' snippets now compete directly with sponsored blocks for visibility. (Relixir) In this environment, technical performance advantages become even more critical for maintaining organic visibility.
The rise of alternative AI search platforms also creates new opportunities. Apple's announcement that AI-native search engines like Perplexity and Claude will be built into Safari challenges Google's dominance in the search engine market. (API Magic) Each platform may weight technical factors differently, making comprehensive page speed optimization essential for multi-platform visibility.
Looking Forward: Page Speed in the AI Era
The evidence clearly indicates that page speed remains a significant factor in AI Overview citations, though its role has evolved within the broader context of AI search optimization. Rather than being a standalone ranking factor, page speed now functions as part of a technical foundation that enables AI systems to effectively access, process, and cite content.
For businesses seeking to maintain and improve their AI search visibility, page speed optimization should be viewed as a necessary but not sufficient condition. The most successful strategies combine technical excellence with content authority, structured data implementation, and continuous optimization based on AI search performance data.
As generative engines continue to influence an increasing percentage of search queries, the businesses that invest in comprehensive technical optimization—including robust page speed performance—will be best positioned to capture AI-driven search traffic and maintain their competitive advantage in the evolving search landscape.
Conclusion
The investigation into page speed's role as a Google AI Overview signal reveals a nuanced but clear answer: yes, page speed remains a significant factor, but its importance has evolved within the broader context of AI search optimization. The evidence from multiple studies, industry analyses, and real-world case studies consistently shows that technical performance, including page speed, continues to influence AI citation selection.
However, the relationship is more complex than traditional SEO ranking factors. Page speed now functions as part of a technical foundation that enables AI systems to effectively access and process content, rather than as a direct ranking signal. The 76.1% correlation between AI-cited pages and top 10 traditional rankings demonstrates that technical optimization remains crucial for AI search visibility. (Ahrefs)
For businesses navigating this transformation, the key is to view page speed as one component of a comprehensive AI search optimization strategy. As 48% of CMOs reallocate budgets toward AI-powered optimization strategies, those who combine technical excellence with content authority and structured data implementation will be best positioned for success in the AI search era. (Relixir)
The future of search visibility lies not in choosing between traditional SEO and AI optimization, but in understanding how technical fundamentals like page speed support and enable success across all search modalities. As AI search continues to evolve and influence up to 70% of all queries by the end of 2025, maintaining strong technical performance will remain essential for sustained search visibility and business growth. (Relixir)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does page speed still matter for Google AI Overview citations in 2025?
Yes, page speed remains a critical ranking factor for AI Overview citations. Research shows that 76% of AI Overview-cited pages rank in the top 10 of search results, and Google's algorithms continue to prioritize fast-loading pages. With AI Overviews appearing in nearly 14% of all search results, optimizing page speed is essential for maintaining visibility in AI-powered search.
What percentage of AI Overview citations come from top-ranking pages?
According to Ahrefs' analysis of 1.9 million citations from 1 million AI Overviews, 76.10% of AI Overview-cited pages rank in the top 10 of search results. This demonstrates that traditional SEO ranking factors, including page speed, continue to influence which pages get selected for AI-generated responses.
How can I measure my page speed for AI Overview optimization?
Use Google's PageSpeed Insights (PSI) tool, which analyzes performance on both desktop and mobile devices and incorporates data from Chrome User Experience Report (CrUX). The tool measures key metrics like First Contentful Paint (FCP) and DOMContentLoaded (DCL), providing actionable suggestions for improving speed and user experience.
What is the impact of AI Overviews on click-through rates?
Studies show that AI Overviews are significantly impacting click-through rates, with zero-click results reaching 65% in 2023 and continuing to climb. This makes optimization for AI citations even more critical, as appearing in AI Overviews may be the primary way users discover your content without clicking through to your site.
How does Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) relate to page speed?
GEO focuses on optimizing content for AI systems that synthesize and cite information, but technical factors like page speed remain foundational. As noted in Relixir's industrial equipment optimization guide, AI Overviews still rely on traditional search infrastructure, meaning fast-loading pages have better chances of being crawled, indexed, and ultimately cited by AI systems.
What tools can help optimize for both page speed and AI citations?
Beyond Google PageSpeed Insights, consider comprehensive solutions that track both technical performance and AI citation success. Tools that monitor real-time content performance can help identify which speed optimizations correlate with increased AI Overview visibility, allowing for data-driven optimization strategies that address both traditional SEO and emerging AI search requirements.
Sources
https://apimagic.ai/blog/generative-engine-optimization-guide-seo-to-geo
https://relixir.ai/blog/2025-geo-trend-report-cmos-replace-static-seo-autonomous-intelligence-loops
https://relixir.ai/blog/geo-turnaround-case-study-b2b-saas-30-days-ai-search-visibility
https://relixir.ai/blog/industrial-equipment-google-ai-overviews-optimization-guide-q3-2025
https://relixir.ai/blog/relixir-vs-otterly-ai-2025-enterprise-ai-search-visibility-comparison
https://searchengineland.com/how-to-get-cited-by-ai-seo-insights-from-8000-ai-citations-455284
https://www.seroundtable.com/google-ai-overviews-are-hurting-ctr-38857.html
