Introduction to Google’s New Plan
Google has built an enormously successful business around the idea of putting ads in search results. Its most recent quarterly results showed the company made more than $50 billion from search ads, but what happens if AI becomes the dominant form of finding information? Google is preparing for that possibility by testing chatbot ads, but you won’t see them in Google’s Gemini AI—at least not yet.
The Testing of Chatbot Ads
A report from Bloomberg describes how Google began working on a plan in 2024 to adapt AdSense ads to a chatbot experience. Usually, AdSense ads appear in search results and are scattered around websites. Google ran a small test of chatbot ads late last year, partnering with select AI startups, including AI search apps iAsk and Liner.
Expansion of AdSense
The testing must have gone well because Google is now allowing more chatbot makers to sign up for AdSense. "AdSense for Search is available for websites that want to show relevant ads in their conversational AI experiences," said a Google spokesperson. If people continue shifting to using AI chatbots to find information, this expansion of AdSense could help prop up profits.
The Future of Google’s Gemini Chatbot
There’s no hint of advertising in Google’s own Gemini chatbot or AI Mode search, but the day may be coming when you won’t get the clean, ad-free experience at no cost. Google is racing to catch up to OpenAI, which has a substantial lead in chatbot market share despite Gemini’s recent growth.
A Path to Profit
This has led Google to freely provide some of its most capable AI tools, including Deep Research, Gemini Pro, and Veo 2 video generation. There are limits to how much you can use most of these features with a free account, but it must be costing Google a boatload of cash.
Conclusion
Google’s plan to test chatbot ads is a significant step towards adapting to the changing landscape of information search. As AI becomes more dominant, Google is preparing to ensure its advertising business remains profitable. While we don’t see ads in Google’s Gemini chatbot yet, it’s likely that this will change in the future.
FAQs
- Q: What is Google’s AdSense program?
A: AdSense is a program that allows websites to show relevant ads and earn money from them. - Q: Why is Google testing chatbot ads?
A: Google is testing chatbot ads to adapt to the changing landscape of information search and ensure its advertising business remains profitable. - Q: Will we see ads in Google’s Gemini chatbot?
A: There’s no hint of advertising in Google’s Gemini chatbot yet, but it’s likely that this will change in the future. - Q: What AI tools is Google providing for free?
A: Google is providing AI tools like Deep Research, Gemini Pro, and Veo 2 video generation for free, with limits on usage for free accounts.
