Will Google Start Charging Its Users? What to Know
TimeMAR 2024
Google Considers Charging for Premium Search Engine
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The Spin
Narrative A
If Google goes through with a plan to charge a subscription fee for using AI search, it'll risk alienating its users. If people don't think AI search is that much of an improvement on regular search, they won't want to pay. Google would be better off finding new ways to monetize AI search, whether it's through different forms of ads or a referral fee from brands.
Narrative B
Google is wise to consider every revenue stream possible when it comes to its AI search, which will come with increased costs to the company. Although it has yet to see its market share decrease during the uptick in the AI bonanza, Google knows it can't be complacent and just rely on its name and/or the current revenue model to keep it on top.