In the ever‑evolving world of search engine advertising, Bing has quietly rolled out a new experiment that could reshape how retailers reach shoppers on its platform. The tech giant is testing a larger, double‑rowed sponsored product carousel in its shopping search results—an upgrade that promises more screen real estate and greater visibility for Microsoft Shopping campaigns.
What Bing Is Trying
During a routine search for cushions on Bing, Digital Marketer Sachin Patel noticed a striking change in the layout of the shopping results. Instead of the familiar single‑row carousel that appears at the top of the page, the new format features a double‑rowed carousel that spans a larger portion of the screen. Beneath this expanded carousel, organic product cards from individual websites appear, creating a layered, visually rich experience for users.
Unlike the current format, which typically occupies a modest amount of space, the double‑rowed carousel pushes the sponsored products into a more prominent position—almost rivaling the visual prominence that Google Shopping already enjoys. The new layout also introduces a more competitive visual hierarchy, giving Microsoft Shopping ads a better chance to capture user attention.
Why It Matters for Advertisers
For retailers running Microsoft Shopping campaigns, the implications are significant. A larger carousel means:
- Increased Visibility – More screen real estate translates to higher chances of being noticed by shoppers.
- Higher Click‑Through Rates – Studies show that ads placed in more prominent positions tend to receive more clicks.
- Competitive Edge – The new layout brings Microsoft Shopping closer in visual appeal to Google Shopping, potentially leveling the playing field.
- Better Brand Exposure – A double‑rowed carousel allows for more product images and richer ad copy, enhancing brand storytelling.
These advantages could lead to a boost in impressions, clicks, and ultimately sales for advertisers who are already investing in Microsoft’s advertising ecosystem.
Current Status and How to Spot It
While the new carousel is a promising development, it is still in the early stages of experimentation. Not every user will see the expanded format. In fact, industry veteran Mordy Oberstein tested the search results on his own account and observed a more compact layout, indicating that Bing is selectively rolling out the experiment.
To determine whether you’re seeing the new carousel, simply perform a shopping search on Bing and look for a double‑rowed sponsored product section at the top of the page. If you only see a single row, you’re likely still in the default layout. Keep an eye on your campaign metrics—if impressions and clicks start to climb, it could be a sign that the new format is expanding beyond the test group.
What to Do If It Rolls Out
Should Bing decide to roll out the double‑rowed carousel more broadly, advertisers can take several proactive steps to capitalize on the opportunity:
- Review Your Creative Assets – Ensure that your product images are high‑resolution and optimized for a larger display. Consider
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