As industry anticipates AI search ads, buyers scrutinize Google’s AI Max

December 11, 2025 Presented by Google's AI Max for Search product is a key component for brands keen to advertise within AI Overviews and AI Mode search results. But buyers remain unconvinced the AI features intended to save time and increase reach can actually deliver. Launched in May, AI Max is a suite of targeting and creative tools powered by AI, which aim to improve results for advertisers' search campaigns across Google Ads, Google Ads Editor, Search Ads 360, and through the Google Ads API. Advertisement TOP STORY Zero-click Future As industry anticipates AI search ads, buyers scrutinize Google's AI Max Media buyers report mixed results with the AI-powered search ads toolset. As zero-click search rises, publisher traffic and revenue are falling. To stay relevant, publishers need to build experiences that make people want to stay and come back tomorrow. Partner insights from EX.CO. Domain relevance is critical to help brands improve their standings in AI-powered search results. Keyword-driven top-level domains like .studio signal industry relevance and ensure brands stand out in AI-generated search. Partner insights from name.com. According to a 2024 holiday shopping study by YouGov, commissioned by Meta, 58% of shoppers said Meta is likely to influence their purchases — up from 55% in 2023. Partner insights from Meta. MEDIA & PLATFORMS The Programmatic Publisher How The Arena Group is rewriting its commercial playbook for the zero-click era The company is testing AI-powered content recommendation models to keep readers moving through its network of sites and, in doing so, bump up revenue per session – its core performance metric. A MESSAGE FROM CRITEO Make every ad, offer and moment feel like discovery, not noise Shoppers say online shopping can feel dull — uninspired, fragmented and short on surprise and delight. To create richer, more memorable experiences, brands and retailers are upgrading their advertising with commerce intelligence. Lift every shopping moment with AI trained on commerce and built to match every shopper with the right products, right when and where it matters most. Learn more Audio Anywhere The Washington Post debuts AI-personalized podcasts to hook younger listeners The Washington Post has used AI to build a pick-your-own-format news podcast, letting listeners choose the topics, hosts and duration. PARTNER INSIGHTS FROM MIQ The 'see now, buy now' phenomenon and how marketers are adjusting to the new consumer journey Go shopping with Global CMO of Assembly, Bria Bryant, as she unpacks the new consumer journey from both a marketing and consumer perspective in this video. Advertisement MARKETING Generative AI Brands look to experiential marketing as antidote to AI slop, digital fatigue Brands are prioritizing experiential and IRL marketing as an antidote to ‘AI slop’ and digital fatigue. PARTNER INSIGHTS FROM TIVO Why advertisers should see the CTV home screen as a valuable marketing moment The CTV home screen is a valuable marketing moment due to the mindset of viewers when they turn on their TV. But ad success on the home screen demands a different creative approach. Generative AI AdsCopilot offers agencies an AI overlay at no cost It functions as a real-time, AI-powered assistant directly within the user’s web browser, overlaying and interacting with existing ad platforms that media agencies use. PARTNER INSIGHTS FROM URBAN ONE The ROI impact of representation, inclusivity and cultural fluency Nearly 80% of U.S. consumers believe Black Americans are influential, while 51% of Gen Z and millennials are more trusting of brands and products when Black consumers are accommodated for. DIGIDAY + Member exclusive Media Briefing: Why publishers are flocking to Substack The Economist, The FT, The New Yorker and others have recently launched Substack newsletters, with varying strategies to find new audiences. Written by Jim Cooper and Sara Jerde Were you forwarded this email? Sign up to get it daily. Advertise | Digiday+ | Events | Awards Update your email | Unsubscribe | Privacy policy