Google: Our users like advertising in AI search results

Google has started introducing ads in its AI-generated search results, called “AI Overviews” and “AI Mode,” in the United States. The ads are placed below the AI-generated summaries and are labeled as “sponsored.” The company claims that users find these ads helpful.

Bleeping Computer writes that according to a Google support document, internal data shows that users appreciate the ads because they connect them to relevant companies, products, and services at the right time. However, Google does not disclose the methodology behind the internal data.

The change is part of Google’s strategy to retain its dominance in digital advertising, especially in increasing competition with players like OpenAI and Microsoft.

At the same time, some publishers have previously expressed concerns that these AI summaries could reduce traffic to their websites, which could negatively impact their advertising revenue.