Google pushes Gemini Live with podcast ads

Google is working hard to get more people using its Gemini app in 2025, calling it their “top goal” for the year. Lately, they’ve been running ads on podcasts to encourage more downloads. In the past week, listeners have spotted “Google Gemini” ads popping up in various podcasts. For example, I heard them on two shows that talk about Apple products.

These ads spotlight Gemini Live, showing off what it can do. One ad even featured a fun chat between the podcast host and Gemini Live. The slogan? “A tool to boost human creativity.” The ads always say “Google” before “Gemini,” and the show notes link to gemini.google.com.

Last year, Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai shared that growing Gemini’s use among everyday people is a major plan for 2025. The company aims to make Gemini its next big app with 500 million monthly users. Google already has 15 apps at that level, including seven with 2 billion users.

It’s neat that Google is advertising on Apple-focused podcasts, especially since the Gemini app launched for iPhone in November. This new app took over from accessing Gemini in the Google Search app, and Gemini Live made its iOS debut too. It’s doing well, with a 4.8 rating from 141,800 reviews and a #4 spot in the Productivity section.

Just this week, the iOS version of Gemini got a fresh homescreen look and now opens the keyboard right away for quick use. Since November, Google has been promoting it big-time in the iOS App Store. There’s also buzz that Gemini might soon tie into Apple Intelligence, which could bring even more downloads. Google’s podcast ads and app updates show they’re serious about making Gemini a hit in 2025!