Google Search Without Ads or AI: How to Get Just Links in Your Results
Google's New Filter: Just Links, No Ads or AI?
Google has introduced a new "Web" search filter that allows users to see only text-based links in their search results, excluding ads, AI summaries, and multimedia content. This feature was announced at the Google I/O event on May 14, as part of a significant update to Google Search, which now includes AI Overviews for many common queries.
To access link-only results, users can select the Web filter below the search box on the Google Search results page. Additionally, users can set up their browser's address bar to default to the Web filter by creating a custom site search shortcut. This setup is supported on popular browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Edge, with specific steps varying by browser.
What URL structure is necessary to create a custom site search that utilizes the Google Web filter in a web browser?
To create a custom site search that utilizes the Google Web filter in a web browser, you need to use a specific URL structure6. The essential URL format required is https://www.google.com/search?q=%s&udm=14. In this URL, %s represents the placeholder for the search query that you input. The udm=14 part of the URL is a critical parameter that directs the search to use the Google Web filter, ensuring that the results are limited to text-based links without ads, AI summaries, or other types of content46. This URL can be set up as a custom search engine in various browsers to facilitate direct searches using the Web filter from the browser's address bar6.
How does the introduction of AI Overviews in Google Search results impact the traditional search experience?
Transformation of Search Experience
The introduction of AI Overviews in Google Search represents a significant shift in the traditional search experience26. Previously, users would receive a list of links in response to their queries, which they would sift through to find relevant information. With AI Overviews, Google now provides a summarized answer at the top of the search results, synthesizing information from various sources2. This change aims to deliver quicker and more comprehensive answers, potentially reducing the time users spend navigating through multiple web pages2.
Impact on User Interaction
This new feature alters how users interact with Google Search. For users seeking immediate answers or broad overviews, AI Overviews enhance efficiency and satisfaction by eliminating the need to click through to individual websites6. However, for users who prefer exploring multiple sources or require detailed information from specific sites, this might limit their control over selecting and comparing information from different links.
Concerns and Adjustments
The rollout of AI Overviews also raises concerns among web publishers and content creators, as it could lead to a decrease in traffic to individual websites, impacting ad revenues and visibility26. In response, Google has introduced a "Web" search filter, allowing users to opt-out of AI Overviews and view traditional text-based link results only2. This option caters to users who prefer the old way of searching, balancing between the new AI-driven approach and traditional methods.