Google brings Gemini 4 Hydrogen to Search, makes it the default in AI Mode
Google has made Gemini 4 Hydrogen the new default model in AI Mode and is using it for harder questions in AI Overviews, promising better intent understanding, broader links, and more visual answers.
The post Google brings Gemini 4 Hydrogen to Search, makes it the default in AI Mode appeared first on Search Engine Watch.
Google AI Mode tests grouped sponsored ads at the bottom
Google is testing grouped sponsored ads at the bottom of AI Mode instead of separate boxes for each website, similar to a layout it tested and rolled out on the SERP in 2025.
The post Google AI Mode tests grouped sponsored ads at the bottom appeared first on Search Engine Watch.
Semrush alternatives for freelancers and small teams
Semrush can feel expensive for freelancers and small teams. So we compared the best Semrush alternatives on real prices, seat costs, rank tracking limits and the SEO jobs each tool handles best.
The post Semrush alternatives for freelancers and small teams appeared first on Search Engine Watch.
Google wants you to try Chrome’s floating search bar with AI Mode
Google is promoting its floating desktop search bar with built-in AI Mode directly on Chrome’s New Tab page, giving Chrome Canary users another way to access Google Search without opening a new tab.
The post Google wants you to try Chrome’s floating search bar with AI Mode appeared first on Search Engine Watch.
Google Search Console confirms AI performance report data bug
Google confirmed a logging error caused lower impressions in the Search Console Generative AI performance report from November 9 to 11, 2026, and says it affects data logging only.
The post Google Search Console confirms AI performance report data bug appeared first on Search Engine Watch.
Best schema markup generators for common website tasks
We reviewed and listed the best schema markup generators for eight everyday website tasks. From product rich results, local business details and breadcrumbs to videos, recipes, events and testing, you will find every schema maker for your need.
The post Best schema markup generators for common website tasks appeared first on Search Engine Watch.
Google Search Console Generative AI Performance Report Data Bug Nov 9 – 11
Google has confirmed a data logging bug in the Search Console Generative AI performance report in Search between the dates of November 9 and November 11, 2026 which resulted in a decrease in impressions.
ChatGPT Ads UX Study: Findings from Real AI Search Sessions
TL;DR
We watched 161 recorded AI search sessions and logged every ad that showed up inside a ChatGPT answer. Most of the people we asked told us they hadn’t seen any.
Google Search Gets Massive Upgrade With Gemini 4 Hydrogen
Google Search has received a “massive upgrade with Gemini 4 Hydrogen,” said Nick Fox of Google. “The biggest model upgrade to Search yet has landed,” said Robby Stein of Google. It is super fast, has better understanding, improved query fan-out and lin…
2025 – ChatGPT named 21 competitors & us 0 times 2026 – Them 0, us 65%
In 2025 ChatGPT rewarded our competitors for ranking themselves in listicles.
We bet on humans instead, this is the data on what happened.
In February 2025 I recorded this video:
New Google Help Doc Explains How To Identifying Traffic From Google Search
Google has published a new help document named Identify Google Search traffic in your web analytics or server logs. This document explains how to see if Google Search is sending you traffic in your own web analytics system or server logs by inspecting …
OpenAI ChatGPT Ads Updates: Intelligent Bidding, New Cost Targets, Geo-Flexibility & Product Set Filters
OpenAI just sent out its weekly ChatGPT Ads update email announcing a number of updates including intelligent bidding, new cost targets in Ads Manager, more geographic flexibility for product feed campaigns and more flexible product set filters.
Best Search Console tools for finding your next content update
Eight Search Console tools that show which pages to update next, from content decay reports to striking-distance queries and CTR gaps.
The post Best Search Console tools for finding your next content update appeared first on Search Engine Watch.
Google AI Mode now shows customer reviews for products
Google AI Mode is showing customer reviews within product results, including the review text, star rating, source website, and posting date, a change that could help build shopper trust.
The post Google AI Mode now shows customer reviews for products appeared first on Search Engine Watch.
Google Ads New Invalid Traffic (IVT) Overview Card
Google Ads announced a new Invalid Traffic (IVT) overview card within Google Search. Google’s Keerat Sharma wrote, “We’re rolling out the Invalid Traffic Overview Card in Google Ads to give advertisers front-end transparency into how we protect their c…
Google Ads Disallows Impersonate Public Figures With AI Even If Disclosed
Google Ads clarified in its unacceptable Business Practices policy that impersonating public figures using AI isn’t allowed, even if they disclose that they were generated or edited using AI.
Google Ads Disallows Targeting Users Based On Prohibited Content Interests
Google Ads has added a single line to the Restricted targeting in Personalized advertising policy. Google wrote, “Additionally, advertisers are not allowed to target users based on an interest in categories prohibited in Google’s ad network.”
Google Ads ‘Found On Site’ Icon & More Pages Label On Sponsored Results
Google is testing a new label on its sponsored results on Google Ads named “Found on site.” The label also has a text with a magnifying glass icon next to it. Next to the label is a site link that you can click on.
Bing shows website ratings from external review sites in ads
Bing is showing third-party website ratings, including ratings sourced from Bizrate, within its sponsored search results.
The post Bing shows website ratings from external review sites in ads appeared first on Search Engine Watch.
Google Ads Editor Version 2.14 Is Now Available
Google has released version 2.14 of the Google Ads Editor, which includes 10 new features.