Google Plans Ad Rollout on Gemini as AI Monetisation Nears

Google has started briefing select advertising clients on plans to introduce paid advertising within its AI chatbot Gemini, marking the clearest signal yet that monetisation of the platform is approaching. According to agency executives familiar with the discussions, Google indicated that ad placements could begin as early as 2026, though no specific details regarding ad formats, pricing models or pilot timelines have been shared so far.The proposed ads in Gemini will operate separately from AI Mode, Google’s AI-powered search experience launched earlier this year. Clients said that while the company acknowledged early-stage thinking around monetisation, no visual mock-ups, demos or technical previews were provided to demonstrate how advertising would ultimately appear within Gemini chat sessions.

Google has not officially announced product tools allowing advertising inside Gemini, but leadership has previously acknowledged that internal concepts for ad integration are under exploration. These ideas are tied to the company’s broader AI investments, including a projected $75 billion capital expenditure in 2026 aimed at scaling infrastructure and advancing generative AI capabilities.Agency leaders who attended preliminary briefings said ecommerce brands are viewed as potential early beneficiaries of Gemini’s advertising use cases. However, details remain limited, and no market-ready offering has yet been introduced. When asked about the reported roadmap, Google declined to provide specifics, stating only that Gemini conversations are currently ad-free and that any future changes would be clearly communicated to users.

The move comes amid rapid adoption of Gemini globally. Following the launch of its third major version in November  featuring a new image-generation model  monthly active users grew by nearly 30 percent between August and November, reaching an estimated 650 million users worldwide. In comparison, ChatGPT’s growth during the same period was around six percent, though it retains a significant lead with approximately 800 million weekly users.

The possibility of AI-native advertising is attracting industry-wide attention, with multiple platforms evaluating similar revenue models. However, the challenge remains balancing commercialisation with user trust, a concern underscored by past advertising pullbacks at competing AI services. Google’s cautious approach  starting with quiet advertiser briefings rather than public launches — suggests it is keenly aware of this delicate trade-off as it readies Gemini for its next business phase.