Four Line Ads?

I just saw a 4 line adword ad...is this something new?

[corbing]

I just did a search on google.com and saw a bunch of regular title + 2 line ads but in the middle of that was one ad with title plus four lines of text. Is this something new? How did they do that?

I'm not sure if this is allowed so feel free to edit, but my search term was "adwords api" and the four line ad was the second from the top on the right.

[netmeg]

I heard a rumor that there was some beta testing of longer (Overture style) Adwords ads, but it was just a rumor.

[Robino]

I'm not seeing it.

Google is constantly testing new layouts and formats, so this wouldn't surprise me.

<edit>

Yes, I do see it now. I opened IE and did the search and sure enough...four lines.

Seems strange that they would contact that site to test something like this though.

[Murdoch]

I see it too. That's too bad I was just getting good at maximizing 35 characters per line. I suppose it will still be 35 characters except we get 4 to fill in, which makes sites with multiple exclusive benefits and specials that much happier (I'm sure I will be when/if it's released.)

You think the fact that the minimum bid update's impact on eliminating small-time sponsors has something to do with increasing the amount of ad space, considering there will be less people advertising. If so it will be REALLY important to be in the top 5 sponsors now.

[jotafk]

So this means:

1 line more for each advertiser = less number of advertisers seen on a page = more competition = higher bids = more money for google = less money for advertiser (maybe?)

[corbing]

Actually it's two additional lines. You can do a whole lot with two more lines. Also, it's amazing out much the four line ad stood out against all the two liners. It really caught my eye.

You're right, if this does get implemented it probably will cut the number of advertisers per page by half.