Google's Gemini Ads: New Channel or Search Evolution?

• Google is exploring introducing ads into its Gemini AI assistant, with an internal target of 2026, though later statements softened these claims.
• Conflicting signals from Google have left marketers uncertain about the company's aggressive commercialization plans for Gemini.
• Experts debate if Gemini with ads is a new channel or an evolved interface layer on Google's existing ad infrastructure, leveraging conversational answers.
• Proposed ad formats for Gemini are native to conversation, like sponsored product recommendations, follow-up prompts, and contextual affiliate links, not traditional banners.
• Implementing ads in Gemini would require a more complex auction system and could shift high-intent queries away from the open web.

Why It Matters: Google's Gemini ads could redefine online advertising and user trust.