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Google Merchant Center · Status at source date: Newsletter archive

Google tests a favicon-led advertiser list on sponsored results

Written by Paid Media Collective
IN BRIEF

Google is testing a mobile Search format that lists participating advertisers' favicons and domains above sponsored results, with quick action buttons and a "Hide sponsored results" control beneath.

Original newsletter image: Google tests a favicon-led advertiser list on sponsored results
Via the Paid Media Collective newsletter. Original visual creator unverified.View full-size image
THE COLLECTIVE PERSPECTIVE

Why it matters for advertisers

For you, this means brand visual identity may matter more in the ad unit itself, so check how your favicon renders before the test widens.

Perspective from the original PMC newsletter.

Sources & contributor credit

  1. Newsletter coverage · Paid Media Collective newsletter

    Original newsletter text, contributor labels and media for this update.

  2. Source referenced in newsletterSearch Engine Watch

    Linked from the original newsletter. The source publication date has not been independently confirmed.

  3. Source referenced in newsletterSachin Patel

    Linked from the original newsletter. The source publication date has not been independently confirmed.

First Contributor
Sachin PatelOriginal source Credit evidence

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The names below are source credits. The original creator and first-reporting priority have not yet been independently verified.

Attribution evidence and limitations

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Original newsletter text and archive evidence

Google tests a favicon-led advertiser list on sponsored results

Google is testing a mobile Search format that lists participating advertisers' favicons and domains above sponsored results, with quick action buttons and a "Hide sponsored results" control beneath. For you, this means brand visual identity may matter more in the ad unit itself, so check how your favicon renders before the test widens.

Source captured . No explicit first-contributor label was provided for this update.

Newsletter coverage (1)Issue 226 · 17 Aug 2026

Google Merchant Center

StrategyNewsletter archive1 min

Google tests an “Evaluating sponsored results” loading animation

Google is testing a mobile loading state labelled “Evaluating sponsored results”, accompanied by Google and Gemini branding and placeholder bars. Google told reporters that Gemini is not selecting or loading the ads and that the visual is only signalling status to the user.

SourceSERountable
First ContributorSachin Patel

Google Merchant Center

StrategyNewsletter archive1 min

Google tests a 3D animated product view in results

Khushal Bherwani has flagged Google testing a 3D product view that animates the product and returns it to its original position as the user scrolls. It adds motion to the product presentation in the results.

SourceX
First ContributorKhushal Bherwani