AdWeek reported that Google has been telling advertisers it intends to introduce ads into its Gemini AI chatbot in 2026, a claim that Google’s top ads executive is now publicly rejecting.
Driving the news. According to Adweek, Google representatives recently told major brands on calls that Gemini would receive dedicated ad inventory starting in 2026. This would be distinct from the ads already appearing in AI Mode, the AI-driven search experience Google rolled out in March.
- Media buyers said they were not shown any ad mockups, formats, or rate cards.
- They characterized the discussions as preliminary and lacking in technical specifics.
Google says that’s wrong. Dan Taylor, Google’s VP of Global Ads, directly challenged the story on X, stating:
- “This story is based on uninformed, anonymous sources who are making inaccurate claims. There are no ads in the Gemini app and there are no current plans to change that.”
Why we care. Marketers are closely tracking how AI assistants will be monetized, viewing them as a potential next big ad channel. Mixed messages around Gemini ads offer clues about Google’s long-term AI revenue strategy, even as it denies any near-term rollout. Introducing paid placements into a heavily used chatbot could reallocate ad spend, alter user habits, and establish a fresh ad environment distinct from traditional search.
Between the lines. A broader debate is unfolding over whether AI chatbots should remain purely functional tools or evolve into ad-supported platforms. Even early chatter about ads in Gemini is already pushing agencies to sketch out scenarios and prepare.
What’s next. At this point, Google maintains that Gemini remains free of ads. However, competitors are actively experimenting with monetizing AI, and advertisers are hungry for additional inventory. The conversation about ads in Gemini is likely to persist – what’s in question is when, not whether, it might happen.
Adweek’s report. EXCLUSIVE: Google Tells Advertisers It’ll Bring Ads to Gemini in 2026