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Paid Ads Are Now in AI Overviews - Here's What You Need to Know

Google is now placing Search and Shopping ads directly into AI-generated Overviews and they’re triggered purely by relevance. No new campaign types. No extra setup. This is a major shift toward intent-first, AI-driven search and it’s already live.

Morgan O’Hea, Paid Media Director at Marcel Digital, breaks down what this means for ad visibility, mobile SERPs, and your paid strategy going forward.

Hi! I’m Morgan O’Hea, Paid Media Director at Marcel Digital. You’ve probably seen those AI-generated Overviews taking over the top of Google Search. Well now, Google’s started slipping both Search and Shopping ads directly into them.

But here’s what’s different - these ads aren’t tied to specific campaign types anymore.
Google’s showing them based on relevance alone. It’s all part of a shift toward a smarter, AI-driven, intent-first search experience.

So why does this matter?
They’re live right now. If your ad’s relevant, it can show up in AI Overviews today - no special campaign needed.
The rules are changing. While paid media was typically optimized through bidding, match types, and placements - now, Google's AI will become a primary factor in determining prime visibility inside its most prominent search feature.
Visibility could shift. Especially on mobile - users may not scroll past the Overview, which means that being in it matters more than being under it.

Ads in AI overviews are exciting. It’s a shift to a new search experience, one that will continue to evolve quickly in the months to come. At Marcel Digital, we’re laser-focused on keeping campaigns aligned with what Google’s AI favors - so you show up where it matters most.

Learn more at marceldigital.com.

  • Paid Media

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