Google is revamping its search results page with a new layout for sponsored content, rolling out on both desktop and mobile platforms. This change aims to enhance user experience by reorganizing paid results.
The new format groups all sponsored results together at the top of the page within a distinct section, marked by a prominent “sponsored” label that remains visible as users scroll. Previously, each paid listing was individually labeled as “sponsored.” This consolidated section includes a button to hide the sponsored results, located at the bottom of the group of ads. To access this button, users must scroll past all the paid listings. Upon tapping the button, the ads collapse under the main heading, allowing users to tap the heading again to expand the section and view the results.
Google has faced criticism over the years for making its paid search results resemble organic results. In response to this feedback, Google transitioned from labeling paid placements as “ads” to “sponsored” around 2020. According to Google, the latest update is an effort to “make navigation even easier.” The implementation of this feature requires users to see the sponsored results before they can hide them.
