AI search is growing quickly, but most AI ad spending still depends on traditional search formats. Conversational search ads (e.g., ads inside search engine-based chatbots like Google AI Mode) are scaling faster than ads on standalone chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT or Gemini), which will continue to face pressure on inventory, pricing, and advertiser returns.

Key Question: How will advertising in and around AI content grow as the category matures?

Key Stat: More than 80% of AI advertising in 2026 will appear next to AI content—such as traditional search ads next to Google AI Overviews (AIOs)—rather than inside AI chatbots or conversations. Overall, AI ad spending will more than double in the next five years to $68.25 billion in 2030.