Google is monetizing AI search interfaces aggressively: But users, advertisers, and publishers remain skeptical of trust, data, and fairness.

Last week’s announcements by Google to expand its AI search experiences came with big changes for advertisers. Google will offer more ads in AI Overviews and is also testing ads in its fully chat-based AI Mode.

GenAI search is gaining traction, but not all consumers are seeking out the conversational experiences that will eventually disrupt the search ad market.

Google expands ads into AI Mode: But marketers lack visibility into performance as analytics gaps persist.

Strong Q1 ad results show resilience: But AI, tariffs, and antitrust pressures will reshape how and where marketers spend in 2025.

t’s a bold play to keep users engaged as rivals like ChatGPT gain steam, merging generative AI into the search experience without breaking the old formula.

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss why Google is now keeping third-party cookies, who’s most likely to buy Chrome if they have to sell it, and the impact of AI Overviews so far. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, Senior Director of Briefings Jeremy Goldman, and Principal Analyst Yory Wurmser. Listen everywhere and watch on YouTube and Spotify.

YouTube tests new AI features: The updates, including video carousels in search results and AI video summaries, promise innovation but require adaptation.

Google AI Overviews decrease CTRs: A new study bolsters claims that Google controls both the search experience and the advertising ecosystem.

After pulling news for a portion of EU users, Google saw barely any drop in engagement, which could fuel a shift toward AI summaries and fewer publisher links.

Google’s AI Overviews for health will include people’s suggestions: It’s a recognition that consumers want to hear from their peers in addition to verified sources of medical information.

With no ads, no tracking, and deep customization, Kagi is challenging Google’s dominance by offering a $10/month alternative that puts control back in users’ hands.

Perplexity’s new ad makes Google a target: The company’s biggest ad yet, led by “Squid Game” star Lee Jung-jae, could continue the push toward a more divided AI market.

Google, OpenAI explore ads: The moves indicate that ads will be a crucial part of how AI search engines generate future revenues.

AI Mode promises cleaner search summaries, but cutting out website links might backfire with users and crater referral traffic for publishers.

Nearly half of US consumers say AI-generated ads make brands seem fraudulent, yet most will still buy, revealing a gap between skepticism and spending habits.

The platform warns that shifting search algorithms and mixed DEI expectations could hurt user growth and brand perception.

Alphabet's cloud revenues disappoint, and capacity remains strained. Could hefty AI spending outpace its profits and potential cost savings?

GenAI is taking the search market by storm, but market dynamics will stay largely the same this year.

As media struggles with declining traffic, the AP is cashing in on AI licensing deals. But smaller AI companies may struggle to compete in this high-cost content arms race.