We've seen Google legitimately test two ads in the local pack but what Iampk spotted on Twitter and some were able to replicate seems like Google placing an ad unit spot twice in the local pack. Like this is some bug where Google decided to not show two ads, but ads two ad features to the local pack - it is a subtle difference that will catch a savvy marketer's eye.
Update: This is not a bug, Google explained to me that these are two ad units on the Maps that are triggering as intended. The banner on the top of the Google search ad "High Speed Plumbing Inc" in the example, features a creative "In Your Area" which is why the banner treatment is applied. Subsequently, the other ad in your example does not have a creative attached and renders differently - both are clearly labeled as coming from an advertiser and feature our black 'Ad' label. So this is not a bug but working as intended.
Iampk shared this screenshot on Twitter the other day and said "I am seeing ads get double placement while ad is removed next to listing as you can see from Universal Heating and Air." "Also, stars are removed for anything under 5 reviews," Iampk added:
Here is another example:
Don’t ask Canadians. I am able to replicate it. pic.twitter.com/3u87Wsnl45
— Jason Brown Meta Spam Fighter (@keyserholiday) February 7, 2022
So this seems like a bug, not a test - at least that is how I see it.
Forum discussion at Twitter.
