Google AdSense Update: Shopping Anchors Lab

"You have been auto-enrolled in AdSense Shopping Anchors Optimization Lab." Have you ever received this email from Google Adsense?

If you are a Google AdSense publisher,  you have most likely received this message.

What's new with the Shopping Anchors Lab?

​Shopping Links and Shopping Anchors have been divided into two independent lab tests by AdSense in order to give publishers more freedom and control over their shopping ad forms. Now, you can decide whether to display both formats or just one on sites that are eligible and mention compatible goods.

Image from Google Adsense

​These anchors were reportedly a part of the AdSense Shopping Links Lab that you subscribed to, according to Google Adsense. Since you have both shopping links and auto-ads enabled, they have been active for you.

What does this mean for a Google Adsense publisher?

Nothing on your website will change, according to Google Adsense. On pages that qualify, Adsense will keep displaying Shopping Anchors for a portion of visitors. Your currently enabled Anchor ads are unaffected by the Shopping Anchors Lab. You can choose not to participate in the Shopping Anchors Lab at any moment by going to the Labs section of the AdSense Optimization tab in your account.

Do I still need to opt in to both Shopping Labs?

Yes, as Google Adsense said, Shopping Anchors do not conflict with other formats and perform best when used alongside Shopping Links.