On May 20, 2025, Google announced it was rolling out AI Mode across the United States. Users in the U.S. will see a new tab for AI Mode in Search and in the Google app search bar.

This new search experience drastically changes how people interact with results. Instead of the traditional blue links, AI Mode uses a “query fan-out” method to  summarize content from multiple sources—often including images, favicons, and logos from websites.

What my team and I have learned so far in playing around with AI Mode is that you need to optimize your images to ensure they represent your brand and topic in a way that will get users to clickthrough to your site.

Here are 3 quick tips to optimize your images so your brand stands out in Google’s new AI Mode.

Jump to:

1. Use a Visually Appealing Favicon

A favicon is the tiny icon that appears in browser tabs and bookmarks. In AI Mode, it often shows up next to your site’s name or URL in search results.

That tiny image now carries big branding weight.

Why it matters:

• It reinforces your brand identity at a glance.
• A clear, appealing favicon can make your link look more trustworthy and polished.
• If your favicon is missing or messy, you might get skipped over—even if your content is great.

How to optimize your favicon:

• Use a simple design with strong contrast.
• Make sure it’s not cut off at small sizes (48×48 or 96×96 px).
• Avoid tiny text or intricate details.
• Upload your favicon via WordPress > Appearance > Customize > Site Identity.

2. Use a Kick-Ass Featured Image with Square Dimensions

In most content management systems (WordPress, Squarespace), you can assign a featured image to any post or page. This image shows up in social shares, internal archives, and now Google AI Mode search results.

Google AI Mode may also rely on the image at the very top of the page and show that in its search results. Additionally, the image shown uses square dimensions.

Why it matters:

• AI Mode often pulls an image to go with your search snippet.
• If you don’t have a featured image, or if your image is awkwardly shaped or off-topic, you’re missing a chance to grab attention and increase people clicking through to your website.

How to optimize:

• Use a square image (e.g., 1000×1000 px) to match Google’s square preview frame.
• Choose an image that’s visually strong and relevant to your content – not abstract.
• Embed the image at the top of your post/page, not just in the “Featured Image” field.
• Avoid generic stock photos that don’t add value or context.

3. Use a Square Logo for Better Branding

Your logo might also show up in AI Mode results. Since AI Mode’s image previews use a square frame, if your logo is rectangular, it might get cropped.

Why it matters:

• A cut-off or tiny logo weakens your brand impression.
• A well-prepared square logo can appear crystal clear and centered.

How to optimize:

• Design or crop a version of your logo in a 1:1 aspect ratio.
• If you use a rectangular logo, try stacking the elements in it to make a square version
• Update any logo fields in SEO plugins (like RankMath or Yoast) with the square version

Final Thoughts

With Google’s AI Mode reshaping how users explore search results, your images now carry more weight than ever. Don’t let your site get overlooked because of weak visuals.

To recap:

✅ Add a clean, on-brand favicon
✅ Set a square, eye-catching featured image that is also present at the top of the page or post
✅ Use a square logo for stronger AI Mode representation

Now’s the time to tune up your image game – before your competitors outrank you in clicks and brand trust.

If your business needs SEO and help optimizing your website for AI Mode, book a free consultation with Digital Dynamo.