Microsoft Bing is testing a single oversized sponsored unit at the very top of its results page. Khushal Bherwani posted a screenshot on X and called it “a dedicated placement for sponsored ads at top of serp.”
Search Engine Roundtable’s Barry Schwartz described the unit as a gray panel carrying an image, a call to action button, and the usual URL, title, and ad description. He added that it looks a bit like a malware ad at first glance, though it is not one.
The format differs from a plain text listing because the image and button take up more vertical room. If it ships widely, organic results would start lower on the page, and advertisers would compete for one prominent slot instead of several smaller ones.
The report does not say whether Microsoft has confirmed the test or who is seeing it. Bing advertisers should check their accounts for image assets and watch for shifts in click share on top placements.
Search Engine Roundtable, Barry Schwartz, October 14, 2026.
