"Google is testing shading the background color behind the search ads, sponsored results, and the local pack in the Google Search results."
"I do like that Google is testing differentiating the organic/free listings with the search ads/sponsored listings."
"I cannot replicate this but Darren Shaw spotted this and posted these screenshots on LinkedIn:"
"Do you see this? Thomas Eccel also noticed this."
Google is testing shaded background colors behind search ads, sponsored results, and the local pack in Search results. The shading creates a visual separation between paid placements and organic/free listings. The experiment appears intended to make ad placements more distinguishable from organic results, though the precise intent is unclear. Attempts to replicate the appearance by others were unsuccessful. Screenshots of the shaded results were posted on LinkedIn, and additional observers reported noticing the same UI change. Conversation about the test circulated on LinkedIn.
Read at Search Engine Roundtable
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