Google is rolling out ads in AI overviews, which means users can now see products in some of the search engine’s AI-generated overviews. Let’s say you’re searching for how to remove grass stains from pants. If you ask Google, Google's AI-generated responses will offer tips and recommend products to buy that can help you remove stains.
The products will appear under the "Sponsored" heading, and Google spokesman Craig Ewer said they will only appear if the issue has a "business angle."
Google has been testing ads in AI Overview since May and said it is rolling it out across the board because it helps people "quickly connect with relevant businesses, products and services so they can take the next step when they need it." Currently, ads only appear in the "AI Overview" on U.S. mobile platforms. Microsoft has also included ads in its Copilot chatbot and recently changed the way ads appear in replies.
Google is also making some adjustments to the format of its AI overview. Following a test in August, Google will now display referring web pages more prominently to the right of the snippet, as it found this "increased traffic to supporting sites compared to the previous design."
Additionally, Google will launch AI-organized search pages, a feature that will display a customized results page with relevant information instead of just a list of links. Currently, the feature is only available for searches related to recipes and meal ideas on U.S. mobile platforms.