Google’s AI search results are now receiving ads

Google just rolled out AI summaries in search results — and now they’re getting ads. In an update on tuesdayGoogle says it will soon begin testing search and shopping ads in AI overviews for users in the US.

In the example shared by Google, the search engine’s AI overview lists an answer to the question: “how do I get wrinkles out of clothes?” Below the AI-generated suggestions is a new “Sponsored” section with a carousel showing anti-wrinkle spray that you can buy at places like Walmart and Instacart.

Google says it will show ads in AI overviews when “they are relevant to both the query and the information in the AI ​​overview.” Advertisers already running certain campaigns through Google will automatically become eligible to appear in AI overviews. “As we move forward, we will continue to test and learn new formats, getting feedback from advertisers and the industry,” writes Google.

There are no details on when exactly Google will start testing ads in AI overviews, but that defeats the purpose of using AI to get a quick summary of what you’re looking for. In fact, it seems like this will hinder this experience even more.