Launch Overview
Microsoft recently rolled out the AI Performance report as a public preview within Bing Webmaster Tools, a move that shifts the focus from traditional metrics to AI citation data. This tool offers insights into how frequently and effectively publisher content appears in AI-generated outputs, specifically within Microsoft Copilot and Bing AI summaries. The report emphasizes Total Citations, Average Cited Pages, Grounding Queries, Page-level Citation Activity, and Visibility Trends—critical metrics that provide a new lens on content performance.
Key Metrics Explained
The AI Performance report includes several notable features:
- Total Citations: Counts how often content is cited in AI-generated answers during a specified time frame, but lacks position data.
- Average Cited Pages: Reflects the average number of unique pages cited daily, providing insight into overall citation patterns.
- Grounding Queries: Displays phrases used by AI to retrieve content, categorized by intent, although these do not represent actual user queries.
- Page-level Citation Activity: Breaks down citations per URL, allowing publishers to identify which pages receive the most references.
- Visibility Trends: Tracks citation activity over time, aiding publishers in spotting trends in content performance.
No click data or API access is available yet, which limits the ability to measure engagement beyond citations. This absence raises questions about the practicality of these metrics for real-world SEO strategies.
From Beta to Public Preview
Initially spotted in beta testing in late January 2026, the AI Performance report transitioned to public preview on February 10, 2026. The redesign of the entire Bing Webmaster Tools interface accompanies this update, which Microsoft touts as an extension of search insights into AI frameworks. This shift indicates a push towards Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), a concept that has yet to achieve broad adoption but underscores a future trend in SEO.
Industry Reception
SEO experts have generally received the report positively, praising its transparency compared to existing tools like Google Search Console. Figures such as Glenn Gabe and Aleyda Solis noted its potential for tracking AI visibility, highlighting that Bing has taken a lead in dedicated AI reporting. However, the lack of user engagement metrics could limit its utility, particularly for small business owners who rely on actionable data.
Implications for SEO Practices
This development reflects a significant shift in how we measure content performance in the age of AI. By providing insights into AI citation patterns, Microsoft positions itself as a key player in the emerging field of GEO. However, the metrics available may not fully meet the needs of SEO professionals looking for comprehensive performance data. Future enhancements could include click data and API access, but until then, the potential for cash-grab tactics remains a concern. Microsoft’s roadmap hints at more features coming in 2026, but the immediate benefits are unclear.
Looking Ahead
Over the next 6 to 12 months, I predict we will see increased focus on API integration and enhanced filtering options. As more data becomes available, publishers will likely find ways to leverage these insights into actionable strategies. However, the effectiveness of the AI Performance report will ultimately depend on how well Microsoft addresses the current limitations. Expect competitive responses from Google and others as they scramble to catch up in this area.
