Google Expands Ads in AI Overviews to More Countries

Keeps Sensitive Topics Ad-Free Google has quietly expanded advertising support inside AI Overviews to more countries, marking a significant step in how AI-powered search results are being monetised globally. However, the company is also drawing a firm line: ads will not appear in AI Overviews for sensitive verticals, including healthcare, finance, gambling, and politics. This dual move underscores Google’s strategy to scale AI-driven advertising while protecting user trust and regulatory boundaries. Key Highlights Google has expanded AI Overviews ads to 12 countries, including the US, India, Canada, Australia, and Singapore. AI Overview ads can appear above, below, or alongside AI-generated answers based on relevance and auction signals. Sensitive verticals such as healthcare, finance, gambling, alcohol, adult content, and politics remain ad-free in AI Overviews. AI Overview Ads Now Live in 12 Countries According to updated Google Ads documentation, ads within AI Overviews are now supported in the following countries: Australia Canada India Indonesia Kenya Malaysia New Zealand Nigeria Pakistan Philippines Singapore United States Previously, AI Overview ads were limited primarily to the U.S., with Google stating that expansion to other English-speaking markets would occur “soon.” This update confirms that rollout is now active across multiple global regions. Ads can appear above, below, or alongside AI Overviews, depending on relevance, auction outcomes, and user intent. Eligible formats include standard Search ads and Shopping ads from existing Google Ads campaigns. Sensitive Verticals Remain Excluded Despite the wider availability, Google has clarified that ads will not be shown in AI Overviews for sensitive topics. These include: Adult content Alcohol Gambling Finance Healthcare Politics Other regulated or high-risk verticals This restriction applies across all supported countries. The decision reflects Google’s effort to avoid misinformation, compliance risks, and erosion of trust in areas where AI-generated answers could strongly influence user decisions. Why This Update Matters For Advertisers This expansion unlocks new, premium visibility in AI-generated search experiences, especially for e-commerce, consumer brands, SaaS, and retail advertisers. However, brands operating in restricted verticals will see no additional reach from AI Overviews, even if their ads comply with standard Search policies. For Users By excluding sensitive topics from AI Overview ads, Google aims to keep AI-generated answers informational rather than promotional, particularly in areas such as health, finance, or political opinions. For SEO and Publishers AI Overviews already dominate above-the-fold search space. With ads now entering this area, organic visibility faces further pressure, increasing the importance of content that aligns with AI summarisation and citation patterns. The Bigger Picture This update signals a measured monetisation approach: Google is expanding AI-powered ad inventory globally, but doing so cautiously to balance revenue growth with user trust, safety, and regulatory scrutiny. As AI Overviews continue to evolve, advertisers and publishers alike should expect more structured monetisation, paired with stricter guardrails, to shape the future of AI search experiences. Also Read: Google Expands AI Mode to 180 Countries with New Agentic Capabilities

Google Expands Ads in AI Overviews to More Countries

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