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Where Do Google Ads Appear? All Placements Explained

February 7, 2026

Where Do Google Ads Appear?

Many advertisers ask, “Where do Google Ads appear?”
Google Ads can appear across multiple platforms owned and partnered with Google, helping businesses reach users at different stages of their buying journey.

Understanding where Google Ads appear helps you choose the right campaign type and maximize results.

Google Ads Appear on Google Search Results

The most common placement for Google Ads is the Google Search Network.

Where Ads Show on Search

At the top of Google search results
At the bottom of search results
Marked as “Sponsored” or “Ad”

These ads appear when users search for keywords related to your business, making Google Ads highly intent-driven.

Google Ads Appear on Google Display Network

The Google Display Network (GDN) includes millions of websites, apps, and blogs.

Display Ad Placements

News websites
Blogs
Mobile apps
Content platforms

Google Ads on the Display Network appear as:

Image ads
Banner ads
Responsive display ads

This placement is ideal for brand awareness and remarketing.

Ads Appear on YouTube

YouTube is one of the largest ad platforms under Google Ads.

YouTube Ad Placements

Before videos (skippable & non-skippable ads)
Mid-roll ads
In-feed video ads
YouTube Shorts ads

Video ads help businesses build awareness, engagement, and trust.

Ads Appear in Gmail

Google Ads can appear inside Gmail inboxes.

Gmail Ad Locations

Promotions tab
Social tab

These ads expand like emails and are useful for:

Promotions
Offers
Remarketing campaigns

Gmail ads help brands connect with users in a more personalized format.

Ads Appear in Mobile Apps

Google Ads also appear in apps through the Display Network.

App Placement Examples

Gaming apps
Utility apps
News and entertainment apps

Mobile app placements help businesses reach users on smartphones, especially in India where mobile usage is high.

Ads Appear on Google Shopping

For eCommerce businesses, Google Ads appear on Google Shopping.

Shopping Ad Placements

Top of Google search results
Google Shopping tab
Image-based product listings

Shopping ads show:

Product image
Price
Store name

These ads attract users ready to buy.

Ads Appear on Google Maps

Local businesses benefit from Google Ads on Google Maps.

Maps Ad Placements

Top of local search results
Promoted pins on the map

These ads help drive:

Store visits
Calls
Direction requests

Google Ads on Maps are powerful for local visibility.

Ads Appear on Partner Websites

Google partners with thousands of websites.

Partner Network Includes

News publishers
Blogs
Content platforms

Ads appear contextually based on user interests and behavior.

How Google Decides Where Ads Appear

Google Ads placement depends on several factors.

Key Factors

Campaign type
Targeting settings
Keywords and audiences
Budget and bids
Ad relevance and Quality Score

Advertisers can control placements through campaign settings.

Choosing the Right Ads Placement

Not every placement suits every business.

Best Placement by Goal

Lead generation → Search Network
Brand awareness → Display & YouTube
eCommerce → Shopping Ads
Local business → Search + Maps
Remarketing → Display & Gmail

Choosing the right placement improves Ads performance.

Ads Placements for Indian Businesses

In India, Google Ads perform well across Search, YouTube, and mobile apps due to high smartphone usage. Local targeting and mobile-friendly ads are especially effective.

Need Help Choosing the Right Google Ads Placements?

Selecting the right Ads placements can save budget and improve ROI. Expert planning ensures your ads appear in the right place at the right time.

Contact our Google Ads experts

Conclusion

Ads appear on Google Search, Display Network, YouTube, Gmail, mobile apps, Shopping results, and Google Maps. Each placement serves a different purpose. By choosing the right platforms, businesses can reach their target audience effectively and maximize Google Ads success.