The Great Decoupling Of Google Search - Clicks vs Impressions

Jun 3, 2025 - 7:51 am 144 by
Filed Under Google

Torn Google Logo

Since Google began rolling out AI Overviews in Google Search, publishers, site owners, SEOs, etc have been posting screenshots of their Google Search Console performance reports that show how clicks from Google start to drop, where impressions stay the same or go higher.

I mean, all third-party studies basically show click-through rates have significantly dropped with the release of AI Overviews in Google Search. Google has not outright denied it, they just throw PR spin at it saying there are more diverse links that lead to better traffic.

Larry Engel shared an example on LinkedIn of a performance report chart in Google Search Console showing just that. That chart got shared more widely and Darwin on X posted this is named "The Great Decoupling." What a great name for this.

Where clicks and impressions used to be somewhat in line, now you get tons of impressions but no one is clicking anymore.

Here is the chart but I am sure you've seen countless screenshots just like this:

Gsc Clicks Impressions

Sankarnarayan R posted a similar chart, I mean, I can share so many examples of this:

Gsc Clicks Impressions 2

This is just sad to see, but sadly, this is the future.

I am currently offline for the Shavout holiday, this post was pre-written and scheduled to be posted today.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Search Video Recaps

 
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: September 8, 2025

Sep 8, 2025 - 10:00 am
Google Search Engine Optimization

Google: Go With Traditional TLD Even If You Need A Hyphen In Domain Name

Sep 8, 2025 - 7:51 am
Google

Google Search Tests Alternatives To People Also Search For

Sep 8, 2025 - 7:41 am
Google

New Google Court Doc: Open Web Is In Rapid Decline

Sep 8, 2025 - 7:31 am
Google Maps

Google AI Mode Disclaimer: Google Use Your Search & Maps Activity To Personalize Results

Sep 8, 2025 - 7:21 am
Google Maps

Google AI Overviews Citing Individual Reviews

Sep 8, 2025 - 7:11 am
 
Previous Story: Google Publishes About Video Ads Help Doc