Google is globally launching a new “Sponsored results” label across desktop and mobile, grouping text and Shopping ads under a clearer header.

The update marks one of Google’s most visible ad labeling changes in years. It allows users to hide groups of ads directly on the search results page.

How it works. Text ads will now appear under a larger Sponsored results header.

  • The same label will apply to other formats, like Shopping ads.
  • Users can choose to hide entire groups of sponsored results for a more personalized browsing experience.

Why we care. Clearer ad labeling and the option for users to hide sponsored results could influence ad visibility and click-through rates – meaning brands will need to focus even more on ad relevance and creative quality to attract engaged users who actively choose to view their content.

The big picture. The change aims to make ad placements easier to identify while streamlining navigation, part of Google’s ongoing effort to balance user trust and advertiser visibility in Search.

Bottom line. For advertisers, clearer labeling could mean higher-quality clicks from users who better understand when they’re engaging with paid results.


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Anu AdegbolaAnu Adegbola

Anu Adegbola has been Paid Media Editor of Search Engine Land since 2024. She covers paid search, paid social, retail media, video and more. In 2008, Anu’s career started with delivering digital marketing campaigns (mostly but not exclusively Paid Search) by building strategies, maximising ROI, automating repetitive processes and bringing efficiency from every part of marketing departments through inspiring leadership both on agency, client and marketing tech side. Outside editing Search Engine Land article she is the founder of PPC networking event – PPC Live and host of weekly podcast PPC Live The Podcast.
She is also an international speaker with some of the stages she has presented on being SMX (US, UK, Munich, Berlin), Friends of Search (Amsterdam, NL), brightonSEO, The Marketing Meetup, HeroConf (PPC Hero), SearchLove, BiddableWorld, SESLondon, PPC Chat Live, AdWorld Experience (Bologna, IT) and more.