Google is pushing back against an Adweek report claiming the company told agencies it plans to introduce ads into its Gemini AI chatbot next year. Dan Taylor, Google’s VP of Global Ads, publicly denied the story on X, stating there are no current plans to monetise the Gemini app.
What Adweek Claimed
Adweek reported that anonymous agency buyers were told during calls with Google that ad placements in Gemini were being targeted for a 2026 rollout. The buyers said Google shared no details on formats, pricing, or prototypes. The report also noted that these ads would be separate from those appearing in AI Mode and Google’s AI Overviews.
Google’s Response
Taylor called the report inaccurate, saying it relied on “uninformed, anonymous sources.” Google’s AdsLiaison account reinforced the message, emphasizing that while ads appear in AI Overviews and are being tested in AI Mode, the Gemini app remains ad free. Members of the Gemini team also publicly supported the clarification.
Where Google Is Monetizing AI
Although Gemini reportedly won’t include ads, Google continues expanding monetization in AI-driven search experiences. Ads in AI Overviews have rolled out to additional English-speaking countries, and tests within AI Mode are ongoing.
Why It Matters
As AI chatbots grow in popularity, tech companies face increasing pressure to find revenue models for costly AI systems. Even OpenAI appears to be exploring advertising infrastructure based on recent code discoveries, though nothing is confirmed.
For now, Google maintains that Gemini users won’t see ads, but whether that position shifts as AI competition intensifies remains to be seen.
