Google appears to be expanding Shopping Ads into the Image tab within Google Search.Shopping Ads are now being shown natively inside the Images tab on mobile, clearly marked as “Sponsored”. This means product ads are no longer limited to the traditional Shopping or Search results.
What does this change?
Until now, Shopping Ads were mainly focused on lower-funnel searches, where users already know what they want.
By appearing in the Image tab, Shopping Ads can now reach users who are:
- Browsing images
- Exploring product ideas
- Comparing options visually
This shifts Shopping Ads slightly from bottom funnel toward mid funnel.
Why this matters for advertisers
The Image tab is a highly visual environment. Users scroll, compare and discover — often before making a clear buying decision.
Because of this:
- High-quality product images are more important than ever
- Visual appeal can directly influence engagement
- Strong imagery can help capture attention earlier in the journey
For advertisers, this opens new discovery moments beyond classic product searches.
What to do next
If this rollout expands further, advertisers should:
- Review product images in Merchant Center
- Improve image quality and consistency
- Test how Shopping performance changes on mobile
This could become a meaningful new placement for e-commerce brands.
Final thoughts
This update shows how Google continues to blur the line between search, discovery, and shopping.
Shopping Ads are no longer just about capturing demand — they are increasingly about creating it.
Thanks to Thomas Eccel for sharing this update: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/thomaseccel_ppc-googleads-activity-7422541688499277824-joMU?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAADgO2Z4B89w25NEtrI9ZRlfnlTSIa6grYEE