Summary
Inline sources are links embedded directly in the text of an AI response, often next to brand names or claims, without a formal citation.
Definition
When engines like Google AI Overviews or ChatGPT Mentions create answers, they sometimes include hyperlinks inside the body of the response. These are Inline Sources. They point to a url that the AI is drawing from, giving the user an immediate way to access more detail.
The key distinction is that Inline Sources function as part of the answer itself. They are woven into the narrative, so users can click through naturally as they read. By contrast, Cited Sources usually appear separately, often at the end of a response, and serve as explicit attributions that show where the information came from.
For marketers and agencies, Inline Sources are important because they reveal not only which domains are shaping AI answers, but also which ones are being presented as direct next steps for the user. Tracking them helps understand both visibility and how AI engines guide user navigation.
Use cases
Identifying which websites are linked inside AI-generated answers.
Comparing Inline Sources with Cited Sources to distinguish user invitations from attributions.
Monitoring whether your competitors are recommended as Inline Sources.
Evaluating how often your own content is surfaced as an Inline Source for relevant queries.
Analyzing Share of Sources to see the mix between inline and cited references.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Inline Sources overlap with Inline Domains?
Yes, Inline Sources come from Inline Domains, but refer specifically to the linked references shown to the user.
How can brands appear more often as Inline Sources?
By publishing content that AI engines view as directly relevant and useful to include within an answer.
Why do Inline Sources matter in AI search?
They indicate which domains are being actively linked inside answers, shaping how users explore further.
What makes Inline Sources different from Cited Sources?
Inline Sources are clickable links embedded in the AI’s text, while Cited Sources are separate references that show attribution.