Are Google Search Ads Showing Up in the AI Overview?

By Dipa Gandhi • Published September 2, 2025 • Updated July 20, 2026

What’s Up With AI Overviews?

Just when you felt like you had a handle on Google Ads, along comes another change, AI Overviews.

Instead of the regular list of links, Google now shows an AI-written summary at the top of the page. If you’re a contractor paying for ads, your first thought is probably:

Are people still going to see my ads?
Or is Google pushing them so far down that nobody clicks?

It’s a valid concern. If you’re spending money on ads, you want to make sure they’re still working.

Here’s the good news: Yes, you are. Ads can show above, below, or even within the AI Overview box.

Why You Should Care

Less space at the top of the page = less real estate for your ads.
More competition for those spots. Locals like roofers, plumbers, and electricians might see click costs rising as more businesses fight for attention.
Your ad copy needs to be sharp and relevant if you want to stay in the game and make customers click.

What Exactly Does Google Say?

Here’s what Google explains in their support documentation:

Ads are eligible to appear above or below the AI Overview in all 200+ markets where AI Overviews are active.
Some special ads (like Search, Shopping, and Performance Max) can even run within the AI Overview, but only in English in the U.S. for now, and expanding to other English-speaking countries soon Google Help.

You can dig into the full details straight from Google here: Ads and AI Overviews – Google Support

What This Means for Everyday Contractors

For businesses like plumbers, roofers, and electricians:

Keyword Precision wins: Instead of “Plumbing Services,” go for “24/7 Emergency Plumber in [Your Town].” That kind of specificity matters.
Expect fluctuation: As everyone adapts, click costs may rise and ad placements will bounce around from above, below, or within the AI box.
Strength in numbers: Ads are still powerful, but you’ll want a plan B: solid SEO, plenty of positive reviews, and standout profiles so you stay visible no matter what Google throws at us.

Quick Recap

Are search ads still showing up?	Yes! They can appear above, below, or even within the AI Overview.
Will AI Overviews lower the value of ads?	Not necessarily. Ads are still prime real estate. But since the AI box takes up space, relevance and targeting matter more than ever.
How do I make sure my ad still gets seen?	Use highly relevant, local-focused copy and pair ads with SEO efforts for full coverage.

Final Thought

Google’s AI Overview doesn’t mean the end of ads. It just means we have to work a little smarter. If your ads stay focused, local, and sharp, you’ll still visibility and clicks.

Need help crafting ads that stand out no matter how Google’s results evolve? The Ads specialists at 99 Calls team can help!