Earlier this week, we noted a report that Google was showing banner ads on Google Images. Now via TechCrunch, a new implementation — an AdWords ad on Google Images with its own thumbnail image.

Notice in the screenshot above how a Guinness Logo is appearing next to a Target ad where NHL Buffalo merchandise is being sold on a search for buffalo logos. While a Guiness logo is being used as part of the ad isn’t clear.

Here’s the ad in context:

While showing an image next to ad is a big step for Google, it’s not that far removed from video they’ve tested with some ads. But an actual banner ad that SearchViews spotted on Google Images is another thing entirely:

See it down at the bottom of the page? An actual banner ad. We’re checking with Google for more details.

Postscript: Google sent this:

As part of our ongoing commitment to innovation and to help users find new and better ways of getting the information they’re looking for, we are currently conducting a test to show ads on the results pages for Google Image Search. The experiment is restricted to U.S. advertisers who are using formats including text ads and static image ads.

Display Ads Coming In Image Search from us back in May has more details on how Google said this type of test would be coming. There’s also some discussion now developing on Techmeme.

Related Topics: Channel: SEM | Google: AdWords | Top News

About The Author: Danny Sullivan is a Founding Editor of Search Engine Land. He’s a widely cited authority on search engines and search marketing issues who has covered the space since 1996. Danny also serves as Chief Content Officer for Third Door Media, which publishes Search Engine Land and produces the SMX: Search Marketing Expo conference series. He has a personal blog called Daggle (and keeps his disclosures page there). He can be found on Facebook, Google + and microblogs on Twitter as @dannysullivan. See more articles by Danny Sullivan

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