Google appears to be testing sitelinks on ads within AI Mode, according to Search Engine Roundtable (Barry Schwartz), which reported the sighting on October 2. Schwartz found the format through a post on X by Anthony Higman. This is a test seen in a screenshot, not a confirmed launch.
Schwartz notes that ads already appear often in AI Mode, and that Google is trying different ad layouts there to find the ones people click most. Higman wrote, “New Ai Mode Ad Format? With Site Links? Their AI Mode Monetization Strategy Is Heatin Up.”
Schwartz was not sure about the format, saying the sitelink design looks “off” to him without knowing why. The post does not say how many users see the format or whether it will ship, and it quotes no comment from Google.
The sighting still matters as a signal of where paid placement inside AI Mode is being tried, since the post frames the testing around click-through rate.
Advertisers running Search campaigns should watch their sitelink reporting for any change in AI Mode traffic, and keep sitelink copy current in case the format widens.
Based on reporting by Barry Schwartz of Search Engine Roundtable, published October 2, 2026.
