The evolution of AI in Google Search includes more advertising

It seems that Google’s AI-powered search era also extends to its advertising. Now, when you search for a product, Google’s Gemini AI chatbot will display relevant items and generate a “personalized explanation” on why you should buy a particular product.

The update comes just one day after Google Reveal a new search box For larger, more conversational inquiries, along with a focus on AI-generated results. In one example shared by Google, someone searching for “compact espresso machine” might see Nespresso Vertuo Up under a “Sponsored Product” label, along with an AI-generated description that says:

For a quality machine, look for pod compatibility and flavor versatility, the ability to produce rich crema, fast heating, and one-touch options for custom cup sizes and iced coffee. A slim, fast-acting machine that uses Vertuo capsules with rich flavor and custom brew concentrations (e.g. for iced coffee). Heats up in 3 seconds and makes 6 cup sizes.

Search will also show ads using the built-in chatbot. These ads will display a “Ask a Question” button, which you can click to start a conversation with a Gemini. The AI ​​chatbot will then use information from the product or service’s website to answer your questions, and can even ask you to fill out a form to put you in touch with the company.

Google is also testing new ad types within its AI Mode — a chatbot-style search experience — as well. the The company introduced a “sponsored” score for the first time. For some queries in AI mode last year, but these ad formats are more in your face.

One of these options could feature a sponsored product that answers a specific question, such as “What are some low-maintenance ways to make my home smell amazing?” The AI ​​mode can provide a “sponsored” result for the air freshener under its response, complete with product description and images. In Google’s example, the ad appears to take up the entire screen once you hover over it.

Google is also experimenting with an ad format that prominently displays sponsored products or services within its recommendations list. If you’re looking for a language learning service, for example, AI Mode can show an ad for Duolingo at the bottom of the list, with information about the app’s features.

“We’re reinventing ads for AI search so they feel like helpful additions to your conversation,” Vidhya Srinivasan, Google’s vice president of advertising and commerce, wrote in the announcement. “These next-generation ad formats bridge the gap between a person’s initial question and their final purchase, while making it easier to discover new brands along the way.”