Google tests a new ad slot on the Play Store ahead of its I/O developer conference
Google tests new Play Store ad slot before I/O conference. Google has been testing a new ad slot on its Play Store ahead of its I/O developer conference in May.
This could significantly expand the company’s Play Store search ads business by providing developers with access to new prime real estate for their app marketing efforts.
The ad slot appears when Android users navigate to the Play Store’s search menu, where they can type in keywords to find apps.
Similar to Apple, which made a similar move two years ago, Google is also testing an ad slot that appeared on the store’s search tab itself.
Google had been testing app “recommendations” in this slot as of late last year, but now, the same spot includes both app recommendations and suggestions that are labeled as ads.
Google has confirmed that this is a test and is not yet showing for everyone. However, users have reported seeing the test in multiple markets worldwide, indicating that it is not a US-only update.
Google regularly tests new features and ad formats to improve app discovery for Play users and help developers reach their audience.
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This new test could potentially help Google boost its bottom line at a time when it has had to make concessions on Play Store commissions due to new regulations and pressure from lawmakers.
The availability of new Play Store search ad slots could significantly impact Play Store revenues if they are rolled out broadly.
According to a few users on Telegram, the Google Play Store is starting to show ads for apps in the search screen.
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) April 25, 2023
Is anyone else seeing this? I've only heard two users report this so far. pic.twitter.com/j32RpBIWBq
When Apple introduced new App Store ad slots last year in less prominent locations, experts forecast the change could generate another billion in revenue for the tech giant.
Google doesn’t break out the size of its Play Store Ads business, but it’s also likely a sizable figure. Data from Statista estimated Google Play generated approximately $48 billion in 2021 through mobile apps.
However, unsealed court filings in a Google antitrust case revealed Google Play app store revenue hit $11.2 billion in 2019.
Google has not provided any further information about this specific ad test, which may indicate that it doesn’t want to spoil a planned announcement or that there’s no determination yet on an ETA for a public launch.
The company regularly tests new features and ad formats to improve app discovery for Play users and help developers reach their audience.
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