Google is reportedly testing blue dotted underlines on sitelinks that appear inside sponsored Search listings. The June 10, 2026 report comes from third-party observations of live result pages and social posts, not from a Google announcement. A separate report the following day described dotted-underlined and shaded URLs in organic snippets; that is a different test involving different result elements.
What the reported sponsored-results test shows
Search Engine Roundtable Executive Editor Barry Schwartz reported on June 10, 2026, that Google was testing a new treatment for sitelinks in sponsored search listings. In observed examples, the smaller links beneath an advertisement used blue dotted underlines rather than the conventional solid underline or plain text presentation.
The report cited observations from Gagan Ghotra, Khushal Bherwani and SERP Alert. Khushal Bherwani described the display as “Google sponsored ads site link extension with doted underline formate,” preserving the original spelling. SERP Alert wrote that Google was “now testing a blue dotted underline for the smaller version of ad sitelinks on mobile.” Those are observers’ descriptions, not Google’s official terminology.
Why you may be seeing it
Google frequently exposes interface variants to subsets of users while it evaluates proposed changes. Seeing dotted underlines can therefore mean that your account, device, location or query has been included in an experiment. It does not establish that the design is available to everyone or that it will become the permanent appearance.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The available reports do not identify the test’s markets, participant count, duration or assignment method. They also do not establish whether the treatment changes advertisement recognition, accessibility, click behavior or advertiser performance.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Do not confuse it with the organic-results observation
On June 11, Search Engine Roundtable reported another set of Search interface variants: dotted-underlined URLs and shaded URLs in organic result snippets. Those treatments concern the URL area of unpaid results, whereas the June 10 report concerned sitelinks inside paid listings.
| Observation | Placement | Reported styling | Evidence status |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 10 report | Sitelinks within sponsored listings | Blue dotted underlines, including a smaller mobile sitelink presentation | Third-party observations reported by Search Engine Roundtable |
| June 11 report | URLs in organic snippets | Dotted underlines and shaded URL variants, alongside the normal appearance | Separate third-party report of test variants |
The two reports may reflect Google’s broader experimentation with link styling, but the evidence does not show one unified feature, a simultaneous rollout or a shared objective.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro XL; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
Google’s confirmed sponsored-results changes are separate
Google announced a different Search advertising redesign on October 13, 2025. In that official announcement, text ads were to be grouped beneath a single “Sponsored results” label, with a “Hide sponsored results” control. Google said the larger label would remain visible while users scrolled, the ad size would stay the same, and the design would roll out globally on desktop and mobile.
Omkar Muralidharan, Google’s vice president of product management and data science, said of that 2025 design: “In our testing, we found that the new design helps people navigate the top of the page more easily.” The statement refers to grouped sponsored-results labeling and the hide control—not to the 2026 dotted-underlined sitelinks.
What Google’s testing process tells us—and what it does not
Google’s general Search testing documentation says proposed changes are evaluated through live-traffic experiments that compare an experiment group with a control group and measure user-interaction signals. Google’s published 2023 figures include 16,871 live traffic experiments, 4,781 launches and 719,326 search quality tests. The same page summarizes more than 700,000 experiments and over 4,000 improvements during 2023.
Those figures describe Search-wide testing, not the dotted-underline experiment. They provide context for why a visual change can appear temporarily, but they offer no evidence about this test’s sample size, results or rollout decision.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
Has Google confirmed or launched the dotted-underlined design?
Not in the reports available for this story. No Google statement has been shown confirming the specific sponsored-sitelink test, explaining its purpose or reporting user-response data. There is also no established permanent launch date.
For now, the most accurate description is “reported test” or “observed test.” The appearance may disappear, change, or remain limited to a subset of searches. Until Google documents a rollout, screenshots and social posts demonstrate observation—not final product status.
What advertisers and search users should do
- Search users: Treat the dots as a presentation change, not as proof that a result is paid or organic. Use the “Sponsored results” labeling and the result’s placement to identify advertising.
- Advertisers: Do not infer a performance impact from the styling alone. The available reporting includes no click-through, conversion, accessibility or engagement measurements.
- Publishers and analysts: Record the device, query, location and date when documenting the appearance, because Google can serve different variants to different users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the blue dotted underlines a permanent Google Search feature?
No permanent rollout has been established. The June 2026 reports describe an observed test, and Google has not been shown to confirm this specific change.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 10 is the everyday phone unlike anything else; it has Google Tensor G5, Pixel’s most powerful chip, an incredible camera, and advanced AI - Gemini built in[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- The upgraded triple rear camera system has a new 5x telephoto lens - up to 20x Super Res Zoom for stunning detail from far away; Night Sight takes crisp, clear photos in low-light settings; and Camera Coach helps you snap your best pics[3]
- Pixel 10 is designed - scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and has an IP68 rating for water and dust protection[21]; plus, the Actua display - 3,000-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[4]
Rank #3
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
Are sponsored sitelinks and dotted-underlined organic URLs the same experiment?
They are separate reported observations: one concerns sitelinks in sponsored listings, while the other concerns URL treatments in organic snippets.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
