Google Explains Ad Placements in AI Overviews
▼ Summary
– Ads in Google AI Overviews can appear either above/below or within the feature, but not simultaneously in both positions.
– Google Ads Liaison Ginny Marvin confirmed ad placement rules for AI Overviews, stating ads trigger in one location at a time.
– Advertisers need clarity on ad placements as AI Overviews expand, with broad match keywords required for ads within the feature.
– Exact match keywords are prioritized over broad match for ads above/below AI Overviews when both are eligible.
– Google currently restricts ads from appearing in multiple positions within AI Overviews, impacting campaign planning for advertisers.
Google has clarified how advertisements will appear within its AI Overviews feature, providing marketers with crucial insights into placement strategies. The company confirmed ads can display either above/below the AI-generated summaries or within the content itself, but never simultaneously in both positions. This distinction helps advertisers better understand visibility opportunities in these evolving search results.
Ginny Marvin, Google’s Ads Liaison, recently addressed advertiser questions through social media, stating: “Your ad could trigger to show either above/below AI Overviews or within them, but not both at this time.” This clarification comes as Google expands AI Overviews internationally while testing an AI Mode feature in the United States.
The placement rules reveal important nuances for campaign optimization. Exact match keywords take priority when competing for positions above or below AI Overviews. However, only broad match keywords qualify for placement within the AI-generated content itself. This creates strategic considerations for marketers balancing precision targeting with broader visibility opportunities.
Current limitations prevent ads from appearing in multiple positions simultaneously, even when eligible. While Google sometimes permits double-serving in other contexts, advertisers shouldn’t expect this functionality within AI Overviews. The search giant maintains this single-placement approach to preserve user experience quality.
These developments mark a significant shift in search advertising dynamics as AI-powered features become more prominent. Marketing teams must now factor these placement rules into their keyword strategies and bidding approaches. Understanding these mechanics helps businesses maximize visibility while avoiding wasted spend on overlapping placements.
(Source: Search Engine Land)
