Google reportedly pays publishers for AI search contributions

Google is testing payments to publishers whose content contributes to its AI search features, according to The Information. The pilot reportedly includes around 100 publishers and began less than a year ago, with Digiday first reporting on the program.

Under the test, Google reportedly pays participating publishers based on how much their content contributes to AI Overviews and AI Mode in Search, as well as its Gemini chatbot. One publisher that joined when the pilot began earned more than $1 million over a year, while another that joined a few months ago has earned around $50,000 to $60,000, The Information reports.

The reported payments come as Google faces scrutiny over the effects of AI features on web traffic. Publishers have criticized the changes and filed lawsuits, while regulators have also raised concerns.

In June, the UK ruled that Google must let publishers opt out of appearing in AI search features. The European Union has opened an investigation into the effect on web traffic and recently ordered Google to make changes to its search engine.