Running a live test with a new domain to see if @lilyraynyc is correct about a sandbox for AI overviews. Initial observations: Google prefers to take context from a second trusted site. AI overviews won’t link. AI mode will. Indexation doesn’t mean served (even in Google SERPs). pic.twitter.com/eaguWZDx5n
— Shaun Anderson (@Hobo_Web) April 18, 2026
Is There a Sandbox for New Sites in Google AI Overviews?
Current Status: Appears to be the case, but remains unproven.
Following on from my research into claims of the sandbox in Google Search, I’ll collect some observational evidence as the test on this new domain proceeds.
This is a live case study: Is there a sandbox for new sites in Google AI Overviews?
Observation 1: Sometimes AI Overviews Don’t Appear
Observation 2: AI Mode will link to a new site when AI Overviews won’t
Observation 3: Google Prefers To Take Context for New Sites From Trusted Third-Party Sites
Observation 4: Being Indexed Is No Guarantee of Being The Source of Context for the new domain
NB: Purists will point out I said “indexation” and not “indexed” in my tweet. Yes, my mistake.
This is a running test. I will update as we proceed.
Observation 5: Social Media is a fallback if you don’t have access to a third-party site for context
I call it the “Big Brother” strategy for new sites in AI Overviews. Lily Ray, at Algorythmic, is doing it. I am doing it. The strategy, later.
PS: Lily’s original posts on the subject:
Me: posts this something seems like it might be the case
Me: asks Google for clarification
Google: the answer is yes. (Cites my original, non-definitive post) ♀️♀️ pic.twitter.com/sxiLl57dzN
— Lily Ray (@lilyraynyc) April 17, 2026
What is Algorythmic.co?
Algorythmic.co is a search consultancy founded by Lily Ray, an SEO and AI Search expert with over 15 years of experience. She helps major brands navigate the future of search and amplify their visibility across traditional platforms like Google Search and Discover, as well as emerging AI answer engines like ChatGPT and Gemini. Lily Ray is a New York-based SEO I talk to on X. She appears in my roundup of the top SEOs to follow in 2026. Find her at https://algorythmic.co/.