Google is bringing ads to AI Mode

Google on Wednesday detailed its plans to bring ads to AI Mode, the company’s AI-powered experience in Google Search. Ads may appear “where relevant” below and “integrated into” AI Mode responses as part of a test, Google says. AI Mode lets Google Search users ask a question and get an AI-generated response, with the ability to go deeper through follow-up questions and links to websites. “In some cases, a website builder might be a good next step [in an AI Mode query], so we may show a helpful ad that can help [users] get started,” explains Google in a blog post provided to TechCrunch. “From there, [the user] can ask questions to explore possible business ideas, what type of content they should develop, and even learn about their target audience.” Ads being Google’s primary cash cow — the company notched $66.89 billion in ad revenue in Q1 2025 alone — it was inevitable that they’d eventually make their way into what many see as the future of Google Search. But that doesn’t mean user ... Read full article.