The first ads in Googles new AI Mode have been spotted. But how are they laid out? And what could this mean for Google Ads in the future?
(Photo Credit: Brodie Clark)
Users have finally spotted ads in Googles new AI Mode search tool, after Google announced earlier this year that ads would be coming to the mode (link to blog if we have one?). Since that announcement, we had not seen any real examples until now.
As we can see from the picture above, ads appear at the bottom of the prompt, which is a noticeable shift from the typical ad placements we are used to on the standard Google SERP. While this could look like Google is trying to push organic activity first by placing it higher in the prompt, I actually think they have been clever here given the layout of AI Mode.
AI Mode places the search bar at the bottom of the page, similar to ChatGPT and Gemini. This means that placing ads in that same area, right where users will make their next prompt, is likely the most visible and memorable position. It is the natural point of focus, so the placement makes sense.
I think this bottom of page placement works well for all types of digital users across all stages of the consumer buying journey. If you are a user who likes to read the full AI prompt in detail, you will probably appreciate seeing the organic content first. It gives you a clear view of your issue, some solutions and considerations, and then could present a paid option that aligns with what you have just read. This can feel like a natural next step rather than an interruption.
However, for users who scroll quickly and already have a clear idea of the product or service they are looking for, having the ads positioned right by the main interaction point in AI Mode is ideal. It grabs attention at the exact moment they are ready to act, rather than distracting them earlier in the journey.
Overall, these first ads in AI Mode show that Google is not pushing paid activity out of sight… It is simply placing it where users naturally look next. Whether someone reads the full response or scrolls quickly, the ads land right at the moment they are ready to make a choice. It is early days, but this gives us a good idea of what the future of ads in AI search could look like.