Banner Ads & Image Ads On Google Images

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.

About The Author

Danny Sullivan

Danny Sullivan was a journalist and analyst who covered the digital and search marketing space from 1996 through 2017. He was also a cofounder of Third Door Media, which publishes Search Engine Land, Marketing Land, MarTech Today and produces the SMX: Search Marketing Expo and MarTech events. He retired from journalism and Third Door Media in June 2017. You can learn more about him on his personal site & blog He can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.