By Anu Adegbola
Publication Date: 2026-01-30 15:44:00
Google is experimenting with showing third-party endorsement content directly within Search ads.
The test places short endorsements from external publishers under the ad description, including the third party’s name, logo, and favicon.
What’s showing up. The test was first spotted by Sarah Blocksidge, Marketing Director at Sixth City Marketing, who shared a screenshot on Mastodon. In the example, a Search ad included the line “Best for Frequent Travelers,” attributed to PCMag, complete with the publication’s favicon.
The endorsement appears directly beneath the ad copy, visually separating it from standard advertiser-written text.
Why we care. If rolled out more broadly, the change could make Search ads feel more like product reviews — and potentially give advertisers with strong third-party validation a new advantage in crowded auctions.
What Google says. A Google Ads spokesperson confirmed the test, calling it “a small…
