Google has announced that ads will now be featured in AI Overviews, specifically in search and shopping ads that can appear above search results for more complex queries. These ads will be integrated within the overview boxes and will be labeled as “sponsored” when they are relevant to the search query and AI overview content.
Advertisers do not need to take any action to be eligible for this feature, as existing Search, Top Performance, and Shopping campaigns can automatically qualify. While this could potentially improve the performance of ads, it may also result in fewer clicks to a brand’s website as Google provides relevant information directly within the search results.
This update represents Google’s initial efforts in monetizing its AI investments in consumer products like Search. User testing has shown that people find AI overviews helpful and are visiting a wider range of websites through the provided links.
Google has emphasized its commitment to directing valuable traffic to publishers and creators, indicating a balanced approach between AI-generated content and external web sources. Placing ads within AI summaries is uncharted territory for Google, especially as AI technologies become more expensive and pose a potential threat to its profitable search advertising business model.
However, there is a concern about maintaining the usefulness and objectivity of AI-generated overviews if ads are excessively disruptive or intrusive. It will be important for Google to ensure that the integration of ads does not compromise the overall user experience and credibility of the information provided.
In conclusion, the inclusion of ads in AI overviews by Google marks a significant development in leveraging AI technology for advertising purposes. Advertisers may benefit from increased visibility, but there are potential implications for user engagement and the balance between advertising revenue and user experience. Google will need to tread carefully to ensure that the integration of ads does not detract from the usefulness and integrity of AI-generated content.
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https://searchengineland.com/google-tests-ads-ai-overviews-440649