Several digital media outlets are receiving payments from Google for the use of their content in AI-generated search results. Roughly 100 publishers are being compensated based on how much their material contributes to Gemini, AI Overviews and AI Mode. However, some small and midsize blogs testing the program say the payouts amount to less than 0.1% of their advertising revenue, which they claim is insufficient to offset losses in search traffic.

The company has previously resisted paying publishers when AI chat formats cite their work. While the current program represents a change in strategy, participants argue the economics remain shaky as AI-powered answers continue to divert visitors away from original sources.