Google Expands Ads In AI Overviews To More Countries

12/22/25
Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of Google Expands AI Overviews Ads to More Countries with Sensitive Content Restrictions

Google has broadened its AI Overviews ad support to 12 countries beyond the US, including Australia, India, and Canada. However, ads are still excluded from sensitive verticals like adult content, alcohol, gambling, finance, healthcare, and politics. This update reflects Google’s cautious approach to ad placements within AI-generated summaries across diverse markets.

Optimixed’s Overview: Google’s Expanded AI Overviews Ads Reach and Sensitivity Controls

Expanded Geographic Reach for AI Overview Ads

Google has quietly updated its documentation to confirm that AI Overviews ads are now supported in 12 countries, including:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Kenya
  • Malaysia
  • New Zealand
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • United States

This marks a significant expansion from the previous US-only availability, signaling Google’s intent to scale AI Overview ads globally, especially in English-speaking and emerging markets.

Ad Restrictions on Sensitive Verticals

Despite the wider rollout, Google maintains strict restrictions on showing ads within AI Overviews for sensitive verticals. These include:

  • Adult content
  • Alcohol
  • Gambling
  • Finance
  • Healthcare
  • Politics
  • Other sensitive categories

This cautious approach helps Google manage user trust and regulatory compliance while leveraging AI to enhance advertising opportunities.

Implications for Advertisers and SEO

Advertisers targeting the newly supported countries can now explore AI Overview placements as part of their paid search strategies. However, campaigns related to restricted verticals should not expect visibility in these AI-driven summaries.

SEO and marketing professionals should monitor these updates closely as Google continues to refine AI ad integration and geographic reach, impacting how ads blend with AI-generated content in search experiences.