Google Instant helps users find information faster by showing relevant results as a query is typed. As users get this immediate feedback, they're able to refine their searches more quickly and find the results that more precisely match what they need. As a result, we expect increased user engagement with our search services, including ads.
How it works
As a user starts to type a search, Google Instant automatically shows results for a popular search that begins with those letters. An algorithm tries to predict what the rest of the query might be based on popular queries typed by other users. The predicted text is shown in light grey in the search box, and search results and ads are automatically shown for that predicted query.
What changes
New predicted query
Although Google Instant won't change the way ads are served, ads and search results will now be shown for a new "predicted query". For example, if someone types "flow" into Google, an algorithm predicts that the user is searching for "flowers" (the predicted query) and therefore displays search listings and ads for flowers. Those results will continue to show unless the next letters that the user types lead to a different predicted query.
How impressions are counted
When someone searches using Google Instant, ad impressions are counted in these situations:
- The user begins to type a query on Google and clicks anywhere on the page (a search result, an ad, a spell correction, a related search).
- The user chooses a particular query by clicking the Search button, pressing Enter or selecting one of the predicted queries.
- The user stops typing, and the results are displayed for a minimum of 3 seconds.
We recommend monitoring your ads' performance the same way you usually do. Google Instant might increase or decrease your overall impression levels. However, Google Instant can improve the quality of your clicks since it helps people search using terms that more directly connect them with the answers they need. Therefore, your overall campaign performance could improve.
