What You Need to Know About Google Ads in AI Overviews

Google is making some big changes to how ads show up in its new AI-powered search results, known as AI Overviews. If you run Google Ads, here’s what you need to know to keep your campaigns running smoothly.

Where will Ads Show Up Now?

Google’s new AI Overviews are designed to give users quick, summarized answers at the top of search results. Ads can still appear on these results pages, but they’ll only show up in one spot per search:

• Either above or below the AI Overview

• Or directly inside the AI Overview

• But not both.

This helps keep the search results clean and less overwhelming for users.

What kind of Keywords Trigger Ads in AI Overviews?

Here’s where it gets a bit technical — but we’ll keep it simple.

• If you’re using broad match keywords (which capture a wide range of related searches), your ads might show inside the AI Overview.

• If you’re using exact match keywords (which target very specific search terms), your ads will show above or below the AI Overview — but not inside it.

If your ad qualifies for both, Google will choose to place it above or below the AI Overview instead of inside it.

Why this matters for you?

Google is still testing how ads work with AI Overviews and rolling this feature out to more countries. That means ad placement could shift as they continue refining the experience.

But for now, if you’re running Google Ads:

• Use a mix of keyword types to maximize your visibility.

• Keep an eye on where your ads are showing up.

• Know that ads inside AI Overviews are designed to be relevant to the content being shown.

Here’s the bottom line…

AI is changing how people use Google Search — and that means your ad strategy needs to evolve too. As Google keeps experimenting with AI Overviews, staying flexible and informed will help your business stay ahead.

Interested in reading more? Check out Google Ads Support article here: https://support.google.com/google-ads/answer/16297775?hl=en