Google AI Mode improves visual search with ‘query fan-out’

Google is updating AI Mode to better understand visual prompts by applying a technique called query fan-out. Instead of returning long text blocks for image queries, AI Mode now runs multiple sub-queries in the background to more precisely identify and return relevant images — making visual search and shopping experiences more useful.

Key points

• Multimodal prompts: Start searches with an image or video and continue the conversation with text follow-ups.
• Query fan-out: The system breaks down image queries into multiple searches to better interpret complex styles or product attributes (eg. “moody but maximalist” bedrooms).
• Follow-up refinement: Ask clarifying questions like “more ankle length” and AI Mode will refine the results accordingly.
• Shopping benefits: Visual, refined results make it easier to find specific items (e.g., certain jean fits or design styles).
• Rollout: The update is rolling out gradually; it may take a few days to appear for all users.

How to try it

If you have access to AI Mode in Google Search, try uploading or taking a photo and ask for specific styles or product attributes. Then use follow-up prompts to refine the results.

For more details, see Google’s official announcement: AI in Search: Google’s AI Mode update.

Questions for you

How would you use visual AI Mode? Share a creative search prompt in the comments — let’s compare results.