Google Search Now Lets You Hide Sponsored Results
▼ Summary
– Google is updating its search results to make sponsored ads more obvious with a larger “Sponsored” label and grouping them into one section.
– Users can now hide sponsored results by clicking a button that collapses the ad section, leaving only SEO-driven links and AI content.
– The sponsored section will contain no more than four ads per search, and the hide button will be clearly visible at the bottom of the section.
– AI Overviews will remain a prominent part of Google Search, appearing above or below the sponsored section as they have previously.
– This update is rolling out globally on both desktop and mobile devices and will impact all ads, including shopping ads.
Navigating Google’s search results just became more straightforward for users seeking greater control over their browsing experience. A significant update is now being implemented, allowing people to easily identify and even conceal sponsored advertisements that appear during their searches. This enhancement aims to make the distinction between paid promotions and organic search outcomes clearer than ever before.
Google has officially announced that this new feature is gradually becoming available to users worldwide. The primary change involves grouping all paid search results into a single, clearly marked section labeled “Sponsored.” This label has been enlarged to ensure it catches the eye immediately, leaving no doubt about which listings are advertisements. By consolidating these paid entries, Google intends to reduce any potential confusion between marketing content and genuine search engine results.
At the bottom of this dedicated sponsored section, which will display a maximum of four ads per search, users will find a prominent “hide sponsored results” button. Selecting this option will collapse the entire sponsored segment, removing it from view entirely. Once hidden, the search results page will showcase only the algorithmically generated, SEO-optimized links and any AI-generated summaries, providing a cleaner, ad-free interface.
It’s important to note that AI Overviews will continue to play a central role in Google Search alongside these advertising adjustments. These AI-generated summaries will maintain their usual placement, appearing either above or below the sponsored section as they have in the past. The new hide button empowers users to declutter their search page by temporarily removing the ads, thereby customizing their experience to focus solely on the content they value.
This advertising overhaul affects all types of paid placements within Google Search, including shopping advertisements. The timing of this update coincides with another recent announcement from Google, which introduced the ability for users to select preferred news sources for a more personalized Top Stories carousel. By tapping an “Add as a preferred source on Google” button, individuals can further refine the information presented to them.
The rollout for this new sponsored results feature is currently underway across both desktop and mobile platforms, reaching a global audience. Users can expect to encounter these changes in the coming days and weeks as the update propagates through all regions.
(Source: 9to5 Google)
