Google Search & Discover Update: Collapsible Ads & AI Features

Google Enhances Search and Discover with AI and User Control

A series of modifications to its Search and Discover platforms has been announced by Google. These updates introduce new, AI-driven functionalities to these essential destinations. Simultaneously, improvements to navigation are being implemented.

Collapsible Ads on Google Search

Users can now minimize advertisements on Google Search results pages with a new feature. A dedicated button labeled “Hide sponsored results” allows for the collapsing of ads appearing at the top of the search results.

Although this action removes ads from immediate view, they aren’t entirely eliminated. The “Sponsored Results” label will remain visible as users scroll down the page, potentially increasing ad prominence.

Ad Placement and AI Overviews

The “Sponsored results” header will be displayed both above and below AI Overviews – the concise, AI-generated summaries found at the top of search results.

Text ad groupings will also feature the “Sponsored results” header at the page’s bottom. These can be collapsed using the same “Hide sponsored results” button, enabling a focus on organic search results.

Google states that the revised design streamlines navigation to the page’s top. The number of text ads displayed in a group will remain capped at four.

Expanded “Sponsored” Labeling

The updated “Sponsored” label will extend to other Google services, including Shopping ads, which will be branded as “Sponsored Products.”

These changes are being deployed across both desktop and mobile platforms.

New Features for Sports Information

When searching for sports-related data, such as player or team information, a new “What’s New” button will appear. This button provides a feed of current updates and news articles.

This feature will become available on Google Search in the U.S. within the coming weeks.

AI-Powered Updates in Google Discover

The Google app’s Discover feed on mobile is receiving an AI-powered feature designed to keep users informed about trending topics. Short previews will be displayed, expandable for more detailed information and related links.

This functionality aims to help users stay current with stories from diverse publishers. However, it arrives during a period of declining search traffic for publishers, influenced by the rise of AI-provided answers and evolving consumer media consumption patterns.

Regional Availability

The latest feature is currently being rolled out to users in the U.S., South Korea, and India.