Google AI Mode improves visual search with “query fan-out”

Google has updated AI Mode to better understand visual prompts by applying its “query fan-out” technique to images and videos. That means when you search something like “moody but maximalist bedrooms” or “barrel jeans that aren’t too baggy,” AI Mode runs multiple background searches to better interpret the intent and return more relevant, visual answers. The feature is multimodal, so you can start a search with an image or video and then refine results with follow-up questions.

Why it matters

• Richer visual results: Responses are now more image-forward rather than long blocks of text.
• Better shopping support: Google highlights shopping use cases — visually finding items and refining style/fit queries.
• Multimodal inputs: Start with images/videos and continue the conversation with text prompts.

Rollout

Google says the update is rolling out gradually in the US, so you may not see the new experience immediately.

Sources & further reading

– Official Google post: Google Search blog — AI Mode update

– Coverage: Search Engine Land: Google expands AI Mode

What do you think?

Will more visual search results change how you shop or discover design ideas? Share your thoughts in the comments below.