AI Overviews: Why Both Short and Long Content Get Cited

The Ahrefs study, “Short vs. Long Content in AI Overviews: The Data Says Both Work,” provides a data-driven rebuttal to the prevailing myths that only ultra-short or extremely long content secures visibility in AI-generated summaries. By meticulously analyzing 10,000 AI Overviews across 2,000 diverse keywords, the research unequivocally demonstrates that both content lengths are frequently cited, disproving the notion that content creators must exclusively target one extreme for AI recognition. This comprehensive analysis offers vital guidance for optimizing content strategies for the evolving landscape of AI search.

The study's quantitative findings illustrate a nuanced distribution of cited content. Approximately 30% of the sources referenced in AI Overviews were under 1,000 words, showcasing the effectiveness of concise content for certain queries. Conversely, a substantial 70% of cited content exceeded 1,000 words, with the average word count of referenced articles hovering around 1,800 words and a median of 1,200 words. This empirical evidence indicates that while more extensive, comprehensive articles are indeed frequently preferred, shorter, direct pieces remain valuable contributors to AI summaries. Importantly, AI Overviews often synthesize information from multiple sources of varying lengths to construct a complete answer.

The core implication is that content quality, thoroughness, and aligning with “content-market fit” are far more critical than adhering to arbitrary word count rules. For simple, direct questions, a succinct and accurate piece of content can be highly effective. However, complex or multifaceted queries typically necessitate longer, more in-depth articles to cover all relevant aspects, thereby increasing their propensity for citation. The article strongly advises content creators to prioritize becoming the definitive and most valuable resource for any given query. By focusing on comprehensively addressing user intent and providing well-structured, authoritative information, creators can maximize their chances of being featured in AI Overviews, irrespective of the specific length of their content.

(Source: https://ahrefs.com/blog/short-vs-long-content-in-ai-overviews/)