I got a Google AI subscription for NotebookLM, and keep finding features I didn't know I was paying for

Google is piloting a program that would compensate websites and publishers for their content being used in AI-generated search results, such as AI Overviews. This initiative aims to address the diminishing traffic flow to traditional web sources as AI becomes more prevalent. The "AI contribution pilot" is currently being tested with small and mid-sized publishers and covers a wider range of content than just news publishers.

Publishers participating in the program receive payouts based on the significance of their content in generating AI responses. Google unveiled this program in June 2026, aiming to explore a new partnership model with websites whose content substantially contributes to the accuracy and timeliness of AI-generated results.