For SEO, Authority is largely built through backlinks. What additional factor does Authority include in AEO?

In AEO (AI Engine Optimization), Authority expands beyond traditional SEO's reliance on backlinks to also encompass brand mentions across the web. While backlinks are crucial for demonstrating credibility and relevance to search engines, brand mentions, even without direct links, signal brand recognition and influence to AI models. These mentions indicate that a brand is discussed and recognized, contributing to its perceived authority. Keyword placement in headings is an on-page SEO factor, not a component of authority. Page load speed is a technical SEO factor affecting user experience and ranking, but not authority itself. Social media follower count can indicate popularity but doesn't directly equate to authoritative recognition in the same way brand mentions do.