Query fan-out
Query fan-out is Google’s name for generating “a set of concurrent, related queries” to gather more results for one question. AI Mode uses it by “breaking down your question into subtopics and issuing a multitude of queries simultaneously,” and Deep Search can issue hundreds of searches. It means pages can be cited for sub-questions, not just the original query.
What does Google say query fan-out is?
Google’s guide defines it as “a set of concurrent, related queries generated by the model to request more information and fetch additional relevant search results,” with the example that “how to fix a lawn that’s full of weeds” might fan out to “best herbicides for lawns.”[1] At I/O 2025 Google said AI Mode “uses our query fan-out technique, breaking down your question into subtopics and issuing a multitude of queries simultaneously,” and that Deep Search “can issue hundreds of searches.”[2]
Which Google features use query fan-out?
Google says both AI Overviews and AI Mode “may use” fan-out, so the set of supporting links can be “wider and more diverse” than in classic results.[3]
How should content respond to query fan-out?
- Cover the sub-questions a topic naturally raises on the relevant page.
- Rank for those sub-questions in classic search, since AI features are rooted in core ranking.[1]
- Do not mass-produce pages for every variation: Google says that violates its scaled content abuse policy.[1][4]
Can you see fan-out queries?
Google does not report them. Bing’s AI Performance report shows grounding queries associated with cited pages.[5]
Frequently asked questions
Is query fan-out only in AI Mode?
No. Google says AI Overviews and AI Mode may both use it.
Does query fan-out change keyword research?
It widens it: sub-questions around a topic become citation opportunities.
Should I create a page for each fan-out query?
No. Google says doing that primarily to manipulate results violates its scaled content abuse policy.
See also
References
Sources accessed October 14, 2026 unless another date is given. See all sources.
- “Optimizing your website for generative AI features on Google Search”. Google Search Central. accessed October 14, 2026.
- “AI Mode in Google Search: Updates from Google I/O 2025”. Google (The Keyword). May 20, 2025.
- “AI features and your website”. Google Search Central. accessed October 14, 2026.
- “Spam policies for Google web search”. Google Search Central. accessed October 14, 2026.
- “AI Performance”. Bing Webmaster Tools Help. accessed October 14, 2026.