Google is testing out new pay per click ads that promote music listening services when a Google search is performed for well known bands or artists. In the knowledge graph for artists on the right side of the page, the ads appear underneath the artist photos and name.
Because it appears above the biography, these ads are very prominent within the knowledge graph. They also appear above the individual songs in the knowledge graph, however the songs in the knowledge graph still display in the traditional song/album knowledge graph when clicked, and do not go to any music service.
It is interesting is that Google did get other music services on board with this pay per click model, it isn’t simply a way for Google to promote its own music service Google Play. It appears that in addition to Google Play, there are promotions for Spotify, iTunes, Rhapsody and Beats Music.
The listings are also tagged with a yellow “Ads” marking with “Listen Now”.
In every example I searched for, Google Play was always the top result for those knowledge graphs that had music results. However, not every well known artist has results with music results, even if music results are available on the various platforms. For example, Bob Marley showed no music ad results in the knowledge graph, while Jack Johnson had only a Google Play result.
But some artists, such as Raffi the children’s performer, had full music results.
Google confirmed to Apple Insider that these new ads are pay per click and are performing well.
As noted by the publication, music sellers have been able to purchase ad space, but Google’s unified grouping and labeling of services in line with track and artist information is new. The publication cites a person familiar with the mater as saying the ads are performing well, and Google said music services pay on a per-click basis.
“We’re happy to help users quickly find legitimate sources for their favorite movies, music and more via Google search,” said a Google spokesperson.
The new pay per click ads seem to be only available in the US at this time.
Jennifer Slegg
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[…] Play – and other music providers – in the search results. This summer, Google began testing a “Listen Now” advertising feature in a sidebar knowledge graph for many […]