Google Continues to Thrive – Even with Economic Uncertainty 

While the broader economy wrestles with tariffs, budget caution, and AI disruption, Google isn’t slowing down. If anything, it’s gaining momentum. 

From double-digit growth in core segments to a 50 percent spike in advertisers adopting generative AI tools, Google’s Q2 numbers are a clear signal: advertisers are staying active, and Google is staying ahead. 

Search Is Still the Engine 

Google’s “Search and Other” category pulled in $54.2 billion in Q2, up nearly 12 percent from the same time last year. That includes growth across every vertical, with retail and financial services leading the way. So even as headlines buzz with economic concern, real businesses are still spending, especially where search intent is strong. 

Search continues to be one of the most efficient ways to capture high-intent buyers. For dealerships and retailers alike, that’s fuel worth investing in. 

AI Tools Are Driving Adoption 

Google’s rollout of AI-powered ad tools is catching fire. Over 2 million advertisers are now using features like AI Max for Search, Smart Bidding Exploration, Demand Gen, and Asset Studio. That’s a 50 percent increase over last year, and these tools are performing. 

Executives say AI Max alone delivers 14 percent more conversions on average. In an environment where teams are stretched and results matter more than ever, automation is gaining serious traction. 

YouTube Keeps Climbing 

YouTube has grown beyond its roots as a video site and is now making a serious impact in connected TV and sports streaming. In Q2, YouTube ad revenue jumped 13 percent year-over-year, hitting $9.8 billion. Shorts are generating over 200 billion daily views and now earn as much per hour watched as traditional YouTube content. 

Google is also leaning into sports, with over 40 billion hours of YouTube sports content watched annually. And this fall, YouTube will broadcast its first exclusive NFL game, further boosting its connected TV strategy. 

For advertisers, this means more high-engagement, premium inventory to tap into, especially as Gen Z and Gen Alpha grow up streaming, not channel surfing. 

Why Google Still Works (Even in Weird Times) 

Google’s success comes down to three things: intent, adaptability, and scale. Its products meet people where they are, whether they’re searching for a service, watching a how-to video, or streaming a football game. 

And as AI reshapes digital behavior, Google is blending automation with performance in a way few platforms can match. Economic uncertainty may shift strategies, but it isn’t stopping progress. 

Strong Automotive Helps You Stay Ahead 

At Strong Automotive, we help dealers and marketers make sense of opportunities like this. We know where your customers are looking, how they’re searching, and what messaging works. 

Whether you want to launch smarter AI-powered campaigns, optimize your Google spend, or break into YouTube’s growing ad space, we’ll build a plan that matches your goals and market.