Behind the Numbers: an EMARKETER Podcast artwork

AI’s Real Impact on Search So Far—What’s Coming Next, and Can Google Keep Pace? | Behind the Numbers

Behind the Numbers: an EMARKETER Podcast · with Nate Elliot and Jacob Bourne · December 5, 2025 · 29 min

Summary

This episode cuts through the hype to analyze the tangible impact of AI on search, particularly on Google. It provides a clear view of how AI is currently reshaping search queries, results, and user behavior. For ecommerce operators, this discussion is crucial for understanding upcoming shifts in discoverability and advertising, offering forward-looking insights into how to adapt SEO and paid strategies to stay competitive in an AI-driven search landscape.

Key takeaways

Themes

ai & automationorganic & seopaid acquisition

Topics covered

ai in searchgoogle ai strategyconversational searchsearch generative experienceai search advertisingseo in the age of ai

Episode description

On today’s podcast episode, we discuss how AI has already changed search, whether Google is in a better or worse position today because of AI’s rapid rise, and how AI will transform search in the next 6–12 months. Join Senior Director of Podcasts and host Marcus Johnson, along with Principal Analyst Nate Elliot and Analyst Jacob Bourne. Listen everywhere, and watch on YouTube and Spotify. To learn more about our research and get access to PRO+, go to EMARKETER.com Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/emarketer/ For sponsorship opportunities, contact us: advertising@emarketer.com For more information, visit: https://www.emarketer.com/advertise/ Have questions or just want to say hi? Drop us a line at podcast@emarketer.com For a transcript of this episode, click here: https://www.emarketer.com/content/podcast-ai-s-real-impact-on-search-far-what-s-coming-next-google-keep-pace-behind-numbers © 2025 EMARKETER Campaigns take flight with Viasat Ads. Unlock access to over 250 million passengers annually across leading global airlines, with high-engagement ad formats and real-time delivery. Viasat Ads provides access to a verified audience in a captive environment, so your message reaches passengers when they are ready to engage. Join their journey with Viasat Ads.

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Frequently asked about this episode

What does this episode say about ai & automation?
Google's competitive landscape is being reshaped by AI advancements from competitors like Microsoft/Bing with OpenAI, demanding a re-evaluation of your search visibility strategy.
What does this episode say about organic & seo?
AI is influencing user expectations and engagement with search results; businesses must adapt content and SEO to align with conversational search and AI-generated summaries.
What does this episode say about paid acquisition?
Traditional search advertising models and ad placements are likely to shift due to AI. Marketers should anticipate changes in campaign effectiveness and explore new ad formats to reach engaged audiences.
What does this episode say about ai & automation?
SEO strategies require immediate adaptation to AI-driven search results, focusing on understanding how AI interprets and presents information, and adjusting content relevance accordingly.

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