Google is testing a new program that pays selected publishers when their content makes a significant contribution to AI-generated answers. The pilot covers Google products including AI Mode, AI Overviews, and Gemini.
The program, called AI Contribution, is being offered to a limited group of publishers through Google Search Console. Participants can see an option to join the pilot and earn money based on how their content contributes to responses generated by Google's AI systems.
A sign-up screen seen by some publishers says they can “start earning” when their content contributes significantly to AI-generated responses in participating Google products.
The pilot appears to use Search Console to track qualifying contributions and earnings. Google has not publicly shared detailed information about how payments are calculated or how much publishers can earn.
The program was first spotted earlier this year, but its payment element was not initially clear. Google has now confirmed that the initiative is an early-stage experiment focused on finding ways to reward publishers for providing useful content to its AI products.
According to reports, Google has approached at least dozens of publishers about joining the program. The pilot is not limited to news organizations and has reportedly attracted more interest from small and mid-sized publishers.
Google says the test is intended to explore how high-quality content can be rewarded alongside the traffic and other tools it already provides publishers.
The company has not confirmed whether the program will become widely available. It is also unclear how payment levels will be determined or whether Google plans to expand the pilot to more publishers.
For publishers, the test could mark a new approach to compensation as more Google searches and answers rely on content from websites.
