Google is updating its search results page with a new presentation for sponsored content. The changes, now rolling out on both desktop and mobile, group paid results into a collapsible section and alter the labeling.
Previously, Google marked each paid listing individually with a “sponsored” tag. The new format consolidates all sponsored results at the top of the page within a distinct section. This section is identified by a single, larger “sponsored” label that remains in view as the user scrolls. At the bottom of this group of ads, a button to hide the sponsored results is available. To access this button, users must first scroll past all the paid listings. Tapping the button collapses the ads under the main heading. Users can tap the heading again to expand the section and view the results.
Over time, Google has received criticism for making its paid search results look more like organic results. Around 2020, the company transitioned from using the label “ads” to “sponsored” for its paid placements. According to Google, this most recent update is an effort to “make navigation even easier.” The implementation of the feature requires users to see the sponsored results before the option to hide them is presented.
