Google AdWords Now With Images: Image Ad Extensions

Google announced they are testing a new ad extension to allow advertisers within the AdWords product to add images to their text ads.

This should not surprise anyone anymore. The search engine that prided themselves over never having image ads or banner ads in their search results, keeps stepping closer and closer to that.

Of course, Google has had product ads with image products in the search results for a long time, even dating back to 2008. But now, any ad has the ability of showing images above the ad.

Here is a picture of how it may look:

Google's product manager, Awaneesh Verma, said:

Today we're announcing the beta launch of image extensions, which will allow you to add new visual elements to your search ads.

As the web evolves, Google users expect richer and more diverse content. More than one in six searches on Google today provide results with visual content. Image extensions will show in some cases when we determine that a search is likely for visual content.

Image ads are only currently available for English ads, but available globally. To sign up to participate in this test, use this form.

Forum discussion at Google+.