Google’s Latest Update. “Ad” Tags Are Out, “Sponsored” Labels Are In

Google’s rolling out a major update to Search Ads. The “Ad” tag is gone, replaced with “Sponsored”. Users can now hide ads they don’t want to see, making relevance more important than ever.

AI Search Engine Hologram | IDIGIU - Digital Marketing Agency
AI Search Engine Hologram | IDIGIU - Digital Marketing Agency

Google is rolling out a global update that’s changing the way ads appear in Search results, and it’s something every advertiser should know about.

The familiar “Ad” tag is being replaced with a new “Sponsored” label. But that’s not the only big change. For the first time, users can now choose to hide ads they don’t want to see.

This marks a big step toward a more transparent, user-first experience on Google. It gives people more control over what they see online, but it also means advertisers will need to work smarter to stay visible.

Why This Google Update Matters

This update isn’t just a visual refresh. It changes how people interact with paid content, and how Google rewards or filters out ads.

Here’s what to expect:

Visibility Risks

If your Google Ads don’t feel relevant or useful, users can now hide them. This could reduce your reach if your targeting or creative isn’t on point.

Budget Waste

Ads that miss the mark could quickly eat into your budget without delivering results. Weak targeting or uninspired copy won’t make the cut anymore.

The Upside

The good news? The clicks you do get will come from people who genuinely want to engage. Expect higher intent, better leads, and stronger conversion potential.

What This Means for Your PPC Campaigns

This update rewards advertisers who focus on precision, value, and user alignment. It’s not about showing up everywhere. It’s about showing up where it truly matters, with the right message, for the right audience.

The brands that take the time to understand their customers, craft helpful messaging, and deliver meaningful experiences will thrive. Those that don’t could start seeing their visibility drop.

Stay Visible in a User-Driven World

If your Google Ads aren’t built with this in mind, your results could start to slip.

At IDIGIU, we help businesses fine-tune their campaigns to stay visible, relevant, and profitable in this new landscape. From audience research to creative optimisation, we make sure your ads connect with the people who actually want to see them. We're also currently offering free Google Ads audits for businesses that need a second opinion with their Ads account.

Let’s make your campaigns work smarter, not harder.

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