10/16/2026
Traditional search results can show several pages that repeat the same facts. An AI-generated answer has less reason to do that.
Ahrefs examines Google’s information gain patent, which describes a system that can remove information the user has already been given and surface something new instead.
That creates an interesting content challenge.
A page may cover the topic accurately and still contribute little if every important point has already been explained elsewhere. Original research, proprietary data, firsthand experience, and specific insights give the page something harder to replace.
There is an important distinction here: Google has not confirmed that a literal information gain score is currently part of its ranking or AI systems.
The practical lesson still holds. Content has a stronger reason to exist when it contributes something beyond the existing consensus.
https://ahrefs.com/blog/information-gain/
Source: Ahrefs