Google to Bring Paid Search Results to Google Play Apps

Google is bringing one familiar feature of Web search to its Google Play store: Paid search results. The company said it will begin testing what it calls “sponsored” search results within its app store. The move is intended to help developers better promote their apps in a store that boasts more than a million choices. Of course, it will also generate more revenue for Google.

“We are always looking for new ways to help you get your apps in front of potential new users,” Google Play product manager Michael Siliski wrote. “That’s why, in the next few weeks, we will begin piloting sponsored search results on Google Play, bringing our unique expertise in search ads to the store.” A user who searches for, say, travel apps, would see paid results (clearly labeled) before all other relevant apps are displayed. The pilot program will initially be limited to a group of advertisers who are already running Google search ads for their apps.