Google has quietly launched an invitation-only AI contribution pilot that pays roughly 100 mostly small and mid-sized publishers for content used in AI-generated search answers. Participants can track earnings through a widget in Google Search Console, but Google has not disclosed how payments are calculated. Reported payouts range from less than $1,000 over several months for some publishers to more than $1 million annually for at least one specialized anime and gaming publisher; some participants have received $50,000 to $60,000 over a few months. For many, payments represent less than 0.1% of advertising revenue. The pilot follows the decline in referral traffic associated with AI Overviews, which provide synthesized answers directly in search results, and reflects pressure on Google to compensate publishers as regulators in the EU, Australia and elsewhere consider similar requirements. OpenAI’s direct licensing agreements with major publishers provide a competing model that participants view as more transparent and lucrative. The initiative also marks a shift from Google’s longstanding position that search traffic was sufficient compensation, a stance that has faced complaints and lawsuits from publishers.