Google is introducing ads within its AI Overviews, allowing users to see product recommendations alongside AI-generated summaries. For instance, if you're searching for solutions to remove a grass stain from your pants, Google's AI will not only provide tips but also suggest relevant products for purchase, clearly labeled under a “sponsored” header. According to Google spokesperson Craig Ewer, these ads will appear only when searches have a “commercial angle.”
Having tested ads in AI Overviews since May, Google is now fully rolling out this feature to help users easily connect with relevant businesses and products at the moment they need them. Currently, these ads are available in the US on mobile devices. Microsoft has also incorporated ads into its Copilot chatbot, recently updating how they appear in responses.
Additionally, Google is enhancing the format of AI Overviews. Following an August test, cited webpages will now be more prominently displayed on the right side of summaries, which has reportedly increased traffic to supporting websites. Google is also launching AI-organized search pages, showcasing custom results instead of just a list of links. This feature is currently limited to mobile searches in the US for recipe and meal idea queries.