Meta ad revenue jumps 26% while Google Search growth slows to 12% in Q3

In the third quarter, Meta's advertising revenue rose 26% year‑over‑year to $63.1 billion, while Google's Search division grew 12% to $63.4 billion. Both companies credit artificial‑intelligence tools for the divergence, with Meta reporting that its AI‑driven ad assistant boosted advertiser conversions by about 5% and attracted nearly 10 million users. Google disclosed capital‑expenditure plans of up to $205 billion for the year, compared with Meta's target of up to $145 billion.

Meta's strong ad growth could support higher earnings and cash flow, whereas Google's slower search growth may pressure its ad margins and has already contributed to a 12% drop in Alphabet's share price. Investors will watch how AI‑enhanced targeting affects future revenue trends for both firms.

  • 1Meta's ad revenue increased 26% YoY to $63.1 billion.
  • 2Google's Search division revenue grew 12% YoY to $63.4 billion.
  • 3Meta's AI business assistant drove almost 5% more conversions for advertisers.
  • 4Almost 10 million advertisers used at least one Meta AI tool in Q3.
  • 5Google projects capital expenditures of up to $205 billion this year.
  • 6Meta expects to spend up to $145 billion on AI and other investments this year.

Sources