How many people use Google Shopping?

Google Shopping is one of the largest product discovery platforms available today.

Many people turn to it when they start looking for items or comparing prices. But how many users actually rely on it? It isn’t always straightforward to find exact user numbers, but looking at search behavior and advertising data can give a solid picture of Google Shopping’s reach.

In this post, you’ll see statistics, trends, and user habits that show just how widely used the service has become. Below, you’ll find background info on how Google Shopping works, how people interact with it on different devices, why businesses favor it, and how it compares to other shopping channels.

Overview Of Google Shopping’s Reach

Anyone who googles a product name has likely spotted the carousel of product images and prices at the top of the results. These are Google Shopping Ads (also called Product Listing Ads). They appear before organic results, and for many users, they offer a quick preview of items that might meet their needs.

Some people wonder if Google Shopping is just a small corner of the e-commerce market. Data suggests otherwise. Here are a few key findings:

1. More than a third of product searches happen on Google.
2. About 85% of all product searches start either on Amazon or Google.
3. Of those, Google captures around 36% of that initial search traffic.

With so many people checking prices or browsing on Google, the platform clearly attracts a huge audience.

Why Google Shopping Matters For Frequent Online Shoppers

Statistics indicate that a large portion of online buyers begin their search on either Google or a major online retailer. Here’s why that matters:

• Convenience: It’s quicker than sorting through endless text-based ads.
• Visual Appeal: People view product photos before visiting any specific site.
• Pricing Transparency: Shoppers can see prices immediately, saving time hunting for deals.

The visual element is often critical. Consumers with a rough idea of what they want—maybe “running shoes” or “comfortable office chair”—can view several items with brand names, styles, and prices all at once. If something catches their eye, they’re likely to click and learn more.

Estimates On Shopping Ad Usage

Below is an approximate snapshot that highlights how Google Shopping Ads take up a sizable share of retail advertising. These are broad estimates but help illustrate the idea:

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These numbers have changed over time but make clear that a massive volume of clicks and budgets go toward Google Shopping. The platform attracts users who value both convenience and variety when searching.

Growth In Mobile Shopping

As Internet use shifts from desktops to smartphones, it’s no surprise that a large part of Google Shopping clicks come from mobile. Some quick facts:

• Nearly two-thirds of all clicks on paid Google search results come from mobile devices.
• Before buying something in a store, many smartphone users (around 70%) search for information online first.
• Local and location-based search matters—a similar proportion of people prefer sites that adjust information to their area.

When combined, these points show why Google Shopping works well on mobile screens. People use their phones to type a quick query, view product pictures, and decide on purchases within minutes.

The ability to shop on the go along with the easy-to-access interface helps ensure that Google Shopping remains popular with mobile users.

A Short Emphasis On Location

Sometimes a single piece of data shows why local availability is important. Shoppers are around 80% more likely to visit a physical store if they know the item they want is in stock nearby.

Having product listings that confirm local inventory encourages store visits. Being able to check that an item is ready for pickup right from the product listing often makes a big difference.

Ads And Engagement

Marketers often point out that Shopping Ads get more clicks than traditional text ads in many retail areas. From a user perspective, the reason is simple: photos plus pricing are a strong draw, especially for those ready to buy. People can quickly glance at a product’s image and price and then resolve their need in just a few clicks.

Broadening The Funnel With Showcase Shopping Ads

In addition to single-product ads, Google introduced Showcase Shopping Ads. In these ads, retailers can group related products—such as a collection of shoes, coats, or dresses—and display them in a tiled layout.

This setup frequently appears for broader search terms like “women’s dresses” or “best laptop backpacks.” It helps users check out a range of products from a specific brand instead of focusing on just one.

Showcase ads have been capturing a growing share of Shopping traffic over time. This suggests users enjoy browsing a gallery-style listing from a brand, especially when they are in the early stages of deciding what they want.

Voice Assistants And Shopping

Voice search has become more popular. Many users of voice assistants (via phone apps or smart speakers) feel comfortable asking for product recommendations or stock details.

Google Assistant supports that with features called Shopping Actions, which work with various services to create a universal cart. In short, a user can add items to their Google cart using a smart speaker or phone and then finish the purchase without extra steps.

While not everyone uses voice shopping yet, these features widen the potential user group. As more people get used to voice search, Google is likely to see a growing number of shoppers who prefer speaking commands to browsing manually.

Benefits For Businesses (And Why That Reflects Usage)

Businesses big and small are eager to appear in these results because:

1. Shoppers on Google often show clear buying intent.
2. The platform’s visual format means that clicks are more likely to lead to sales.
3. It gives smaller retailers a chance to be noticed by a wide audience.

This business interest mirrors the number of users relying on these ads. If hardly anyone used Google Shopping, brands wouldn’t invest so much in it. But both usage and ad spending are increasing significantly.

Local Inventory Ads

Local Inventory Ads are a variation of Shopping Ads that display products available in nearby stores. If someone searches for “red running shoes near me,” having this listing is an effective way to show which local shops have the exact style and color available.

When people see immediate confirmation, they are much more likely to visit a store and buy. For a physical store competing with fast online shipping, this can be the deciding factor.

Local Inventory Ads can connect to a page for the store that offers hours, directions, or even the option to reserve an item for pickup. This solution brings together the benefits of online browsing and shopping in person.

Competition Between Platforms

Some wonder if Google Shopping is overshadowed by Amazon. It’s true that Amazon captured the larger part of initial product searches for a long time, and many people start right on Amazon’s homepage.

However, with around 36% of product searches happening on Google, there is still a huge audience using the search engine’s method. Many shoppers bounce between both services—comparing prices and reading reviews before they decide.

Businesses also appreciate that customers coming from Shopping Ads can more easily turn into repeat visitors on their own sites. Amazon, by contrast, tends to control the relationship with the buyer, which limits the chance for a brand to interact directly.

This difference is one reason advertisers continue to target Google Shopping; they can build long-term customer connections.

While Amazon’s free shipping and familiar brand name are attractive, many people find Google’s broad search results, image support, and direct links to merchant sites just as appealing. Users feel that they have more control over their purchasing choices when they can compare multiple sellers.

The Ongoing Rise In Ad Spend

It helps to compare how money is being spent across advertising platforms. Year after year, more brands are allotting funds to Shopping Ads, which expands the marketplace even further. Some industry data shows that advertisers have increased their Google Shopping budgets faster than those for text ads, especially in sectors like apparel and electronics.

A rise in ad spend implies a few things:

1. A large number of people are shopping there.
2. Retailers are getting good returns on their investments.
3. Shoppers remain open to those product listings.

This pattern shows that both users and businesses are growing their participation, and that trend is expected to continue.

Different Ad Formats And Their Impact On Usage

Google keeps coming up with new ways to present products. From the original product carousel to formats like Showcase Shopping Ads, Local Inventory Ads, and Shopping Actions, each option attracts different types of searchers. Some users prefer looking at broad product groups, while others want details about local availability. These ad types let Google serve a varied audience, bringing in everyone from casual browsers to buyers who need something urgently.

List of Formats

• Standard Product Listing Ads: Show one product’s image, price, and merchant name.
• Showcase Shopping Ads: Group related products for wider searches.
• Local Inventory Ads: Emphasize products available at nearby physical retail locations.
• Shopping Actions: Integrate a universal shopping cart with a smooth checkout process.

How Many People Use Google Shopping? Estimating The Crowd

The exact number is hard to pinpoint because Google Shopping is part of the main Google search engine. Anyone looking up a product on Google might see those listings.

With more than 8.5 billion searches every day covering all topics, even a small percentage dedicated to products translates into very high numbers. Some estimates suggest that billions of product-related searches occur every month, and many of those trigger Shopping Ads.

Advertisers also report that about 85% of retail ad clicks on Google are on Shopping Ads rather than on text-based ads. When you consider the total number of ad clicks, it seems most people prefer the visual format. This popularity implies that millions—and perhaps hundreds of millions—of individuals worldwide use these listings in one way or another.

Impact On The Shopping Experience

Having so many active users means Google Shopping influences the way people buy products. Many now expect to see quick snapshots of photos, prices, and reviews before visiting a retailer’s site. Because it’s so simple to compare different sellers, shoppers have become more tuned in to getting good prices.

This also pushes businesses to compete not just on product details but also on shipping speed and brand quality.

For many consumers, this means they can:

• Look at a range of stores in one go.
• Narrow down their choices quickly.
• Check whether an item is available nearby or only online.

Why Usage Keeps Rising

Online shopping has grown rapidly over recent years, and Google Shopping’s style fits well with current preferences. Shoppers want to browse easily and get quick confirmations. Many enjoy seeing different options in one place, and the image-based format saves time while checking details.

Google Shopping FAQ

Google Shopping is a powerful product discovery platform where millions of users browse and compare items daily. Here’s what you need to know about its usage, features, and impact.

How many people use Google Shopping?

Exact numbers are difficult to pinpoint, but billions of product searches occur on Google each month, with Shopping Ads capturing a significant portion of retail ad clicks—suggesting hundreds of millions of users globally.

Why do shoppers prefer Google Shopping?

It offers convenience, visual product previews, and instant price comparisons, making it easier for users to find what they need without visiting multiple websites individually.

How does Google Shopping compete with Amazon?

While Amazon attracts more product searches, Google Shopping still captures around 36% of initial search traffic, offering a broader range of merchants and often leading to direct retailer interactions.

Is mobile shopping important for Google Shopping’s growth?

Yes, nearly two-thirds of paid search clicks come from mobile devices, and many users check product details on their phones before purchasing either online or in-store.

How do local stores benefit from Google Shopping?

With Local Inventory Ads, businesses can showcase in-stock products nearby, helping drive foot traffic by confirming item availability before the customer visits the store.

What types of ads are available in Google Shopping?

Formats include standard Product Listing Ads, Showcase Shopping Ads for broader product discovery, Local Inventory Ads for nearby stock visibility, and Shopping Actions for seamless purchases.

How is voice search changing shopping habits?

Google Assistant’s Shopping Actions allow users to add items to a universal shopping cart via voice commands, making hands-free shopping increasingly accessible.

Why do businesses invest heavily in Google Shopping?

With over 75% of retail search ad budgets allocated to Shopping Ads, businesses see strong returns due to high-intent shoppers and the visual format’s effectiveness in driving conversions.

Is Google Shopping’s popularity expected to grow?

Yes, rising mobile usage, improved ad formats, and integration with voice and local search suggest continued expansion, making it a key player in online shopping.