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- Google ads in AI answers
News of the day
1. Google is now placing ads directly within its AI-generated search answers globally. This marks a significant shift from being a search intermediary to a content provider, potentially reshaping the digital advertising landscape.→ Read more
2. AI search startup Perplexity reportedly secured $200M at a $20B valuation, following a $100M raise two months prior. ARR approaches $200M, positioning it as a strong Google challenger. → Read more
3. Microsoft's Copilot now features an audio mode powered by the MAI-Voice-1 model, enabling natural-sounding AI voices for enhanced user interaction and spoken responses. → Read more
4. Spotify users are selling their listening data to AI developers, seeking insights beyond the annual 'Wrapped' feature. This trend highlights user demand for personalized analytics and raises data privacy concerns. → Read more
Our take
Hi Dotikers!
Google is crossing a new line in the monetization of search: ads are now being inserted directly into AI-generated answers. This isn’t just a usability test ; it’s a business model shift. The search engine no longer merely points users to websites; it produces the answer itself and embeds its own commercial placements inside.
The movement has accelerated since spring, with the introduction of ads in AI Overviews and the integration of ads into AI Mode ; first on desktop in the United States, then expanding in English to other countries. Mountain View is being clear and deliberate about this.
At the same time, Google is rolling out AI Max in global beta, an advertising module ready to plug into Search Ads, Editor, SA360, and the API. This foundation equips advertisers at scale to inject their campaigns directly into generated answers, with dedicated controls and tailored guidelines. The infrastructure is in place; adoption will follow.
The consequence: Google is no longer just an intermediary, but a full-fledged publisher-monetizer. Value is captured upstream, at the very point where intent is formed ; before a single click. For publishers, tensions are already rising, caught between traffic losses and competitive concerns. In Europe, antitrust complaints are targeting precisely the impact of AI Overviews on audience access.
For brands, the promise is appealing, with more contextual formats and potentially stronger performance. For the information ecosystem, dependency deepens, and transparency of the rules becomes critical.
G.
Meme of the day
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