Google’s AI Search Will Still Include Ads, Says Exec
▼ Summary
– Google’s VP of Product, Search confirms that Google Ads are not going away despite AI reshaping search.
– User behavior is expanding with AI rather than shifting away from search, and Google is experimenting with ads in AI experiences.
– AI recommendations are driven by web and Google’s information systems, not by ads inputs, ensuring organic results.
– Google is developing new and novel ad formats for AI systems, tailored to specific user needs like shopping or home remodeling.
– The integration of ads into AI is in early stages, with Google exploring how ads might appear while focusing on helpful consumer products.
The integration of artificial intelligence into Google’s search platform does not signal the end of the company’s advertising business, according to a senior executive. Robbie Stein, Google’s Vice President of Product for Search, has confirmed that advertisements will remain a core component of the search experience even as AI technology evolves. He emphasized that user engagement is broadening with these new tools rather than moving away from traditional search behaviors.
Stein addressed concerns directly, stating he does not foresee Google Ads disappearing. The company has already initiated experiments to place advertisements within its AI-powered search modes and other AI-driven user experiences. While the primary focus has been on developing high-quality consumer products, Stein acknowledged that users are beginning to encounter these early advertising tests.
A key point of clarification from Stein is that the organic AI-generated recommendations are not influenced by advertising data. The AI systems pull information exclusively from the broader web and Google’s own internal knowledge systems to ensure the integrity of the responses provided to users.
Looking ahead, Stein indicated that the future will likely introduce new and novel ad formats, though he described this phase as “early days.” The company is still exploring the most effective and unobtrusive ways for ads to appear within AI-driven systems. The guiding principle is that there should be no barrier to people finding the information they seek. For instance, in scenarios like shopping or planning a home renovation, more detailed user input could allow the AI to deliver highly tailored recommendations, service suggestions, or exclusive deals that are genuinely useful.
This development is particularly significant for brands aiming to maintain visibility. The emergence of innovative advertising formats within conversational and multimodal AI search interfaces represents a critical area for marketers to watch and prepare for.
(Source: Search Engine Land)
