Quick answer: Google says AI Overviews and AI Mode use the same Search preview controls. Website owners can use nosnippet, max-snippet, data-nosnippet, or noindex depending on the level of control required.
Know the four controls
- nosnippet: prevents a text snippet or video preview from being shown for the page.
- max-snippet: sets the maximum number of characters Google may use in a text snippet.
- data-nosnippet: excludes selected on-page text from snippets while leaving the rest eligible.
- noindex: asks Google not to show the page in Search at all.
Choose the least restrictive option
- Use
data-nosnippet for confidential wording, pricing notes, or text that should not appear in previews. - Use
max-snippet when a shorter preview is acceptable. - Use
nosnippet only when the page should appear without a text preview. - Use
noindex only when the whole page should not appear in Search.
Implementation checklist
- Make sure the directive is visible to Googlebot in the HTML response.
- Use Search Console URL Inspection to check the crawled HTML.
- Request recrawling after an important change.
- Allow time for Google to revisit and process the page; updates are not immediate.
- Test templates carefully so controls do not accidentally affect every page.
EEAT check
- Experience: Document which pages and sections were tested.
- Expertise: Have an SEO or developer review site-wide directives.
- Authority: Base implementation on Google Search Central documentation.
- Trust: Explain the effect and limitations to content owners before deployment.
Source: Google Search Central, “AI features and your website.” Google also states that no special AI file or schema is required to appear in AI Overviews or AI Mode.
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