Google tests publisher payments for content used in AI search answers

Google is running an invitation-only AI Contribution Pilot paying about 100 publishers when their content feeds AI-generated search answers, tracked via Search Console. Payouts range from over $1 million a year for one early participant to under $1,000 for smaller sites.

• Pilot covers about 100 publishers and is tracked through Google Search Console
• One early participant earns over $1 million a year; a newer one about $50,000–$60,000
• Some smaller publishers received less than $1,000 over several months
• Several large publishers declined, seeking bigger licensing deals instead