Google reportedly tests paying publishers for AI search results

Digiday first reported the pilot program, which began less than a year ago. As part of the test, Google is reportedly paying participating publishers for how much their content contributed to AI Overviews and AI Mode in Search, as well as its Gemini chatbot, The Information reported.

The payments reported so far vary by publisher and by when they joined. One publisher that joined the program when it first started earned more than $1 million in a year, while another that joined a few months ago has earned around $50,000 to $60,000, according to The Information.

Google's AI-focused search changes have not only drawn criticism and lawsuits from publishers, but also from regulators around the globe. In June, the UK ruled that Google must allow publishers to opt out of appearing in AI search features, while the European Union opened an investigation into its impact on web traffic and recently ordered it to make changes to its search engine.

The pilot program puts payments at the center of a dispute over how AI-generated search results use publisher content and how those results affect traffic to publishers' websites. The Information's report says the test includes about 100 publishers and covers contributions to AI Overviews, AI Mode and Gemini.

The reported test also comes after Digiday first reported on the pilot program, which The Information says began less than a year ago. According to The Information, Google is paying participating publishers based on how much their content contributed to its AI search features and its Gemini chatbot.

Editor's Summary Google is reportedly testing direct payments to about 100 publishers for content used in AI Overviews, AI Mode and Gemini. The pilot is taking shape as publishers sue and regulators in the UK and EU demand changes to AI search. Reported payments range from about $50,000 to more than $1 million.