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AI (Artificial Intelligence)October 30, 20261 min read

Google's AI Mode answers in India can now carry ads.

Google's AI Mode answers in India can now carry ads. featured image

On 28 October, Google said it's scaling ads in AI Mode to India and nine other countries. They'll be labelled "Sponsored." Ads in follow-up questions are US only.

Here's what most people miss. Google says, based on US data, that AI Mode queries are on average three times longer than traditional searches. Your customer isn't typing two keywords. They're asking a full question.

Google also says, from its own US data, that click-through rates are already similar for sponsored and organic product listings in AI Mode. That's Google measuring Google. Test it, don't assume it.

My take: showing up in AI search isn't only an SEO job anymore. Your ad, landing page and offer need to answer the whole question.

And don't panic-shift your budget. Watch your Google Ads reports and search terms over the next few weeks.

Published: October 30, 2026

Last updated: 2026-05-27

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