Google has reportedly indicated to advertisers that its AI chatbot Gemini could display advertisements by 2026. The potential formats mentioned include brand cards or clickable links integrated into chat responses. Google has not released details on pricing, ad examples, or a precise rollout schedule.
According to media reports, this initiative is separate from the advertisements already appearing in AI Mode, Google’s AI-powered search experience launched earlier in 2025. The company appears to be exploring Gemini as a distinct revenue channel while keeping its existing ad operations unchanged.
The 2026 timeline seems to reflect a strategy to prioritise product refinement and user engagement before monetisation. Gemini offers advanced multimodal AI capabilities, including text, image, and reasoning tasks. Earlier in 2025, Google expanded Gemini’s availability across multiple products and services.
Following the reports, Google publicly clarified that there are currently no plans to include advertisements in Gemini. A spokesperson said the reports were based on anonymous sources and did not reflect official plans.
This leaves the future of Gemini’s monetisation uncertain. While advertisers may have been briefed on potential plans, the chatbot remains ad-free for the time being. One industry analyst described the announcements as a roadmap rather than a firm commitment.
