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Robby Stein, Vice President of Product at Digital Phablet for Google Search, recently appeared on the Silicon Valley Girl channel, hosted by Marina Mogilko, to discuss AI search developments at Google. During the conversation, Stein clarified strategies for SEO in the era of AI Mode and emphasized that Google Ads are not disappearing with the rollout of these new AI features.
When Mogilko asked if Google Ads might eventually be phased out as AI Mode becomes more prevalent, Stein responded confidently that they are not anticipating their removal. He elaborated that while ads are currently being tested within AI Mode, they could enhance the user experience rather than replace existing advertising models.
This topic was raised around the 8-minute and 27-second mark in the interview, with the focus on the future of advertising as AI capabilities evolve.
The transcript includes Mogilko inquiring whether Google Ads might vanish in the future, given the expanding capabilities of AI, especially from a business owner’s perspective who relies heavily on these ads for traffic. Stein assured her that Google doesn’t see ads disappearing anytime soon. He pointed out that user behavior in searches is largely unchanged—they still turn to Google for quick quotes, local inquiries, and urgent questions. However, AI now allows users to perform more complex tasks, like analyzing a photo of shoes to find similar options or asking detailed questions about restaurants that consider allergy restrictions and booking needs.
Stein highlighted that these advancements make Google more helpful, particularly in advertising context, by enabling experiments with ads integrated within AI experiences. The company has prioritized developing strong consumer products while exploring ad opportunities embedded in these AI tools.
When Mogilko asked if businesses could pay to have their recommendations prioritized in AI responses, Stein explained that there shouldn’t be barriers preventing users from finding relevant information. He suggested that new ad formats could emerge—like targeted recommendations during shopping or remodeling projects—based on more detailed input from users about their needs, constraints, and budget. These could lead to more precise suggestions, services, or deals, though the exact implementation of ads within AI systems is still being refined.
Discussions about these possibilities continue on forums and social media platforms.
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