Taboola's DeeperDive becomes AI ad network for LLMs and virtual assistants

Taboola, the content discovery and native advertising platform, announced on June 16, 2026, that it is expanding its DeeperDive generative AI product into a dedicated ad network for large language models (LLMs), chatbots, and virtual assistants. DeeperDive, originally launched as an AI-powered content recommendation tool, now allows third-party AI platforms—such as custom chatbots or virtual assistant services—to integrate Taboola's performance advertising directly into conversational interfaces. This means users chatting with an AI could see native ad placements served contextually within the dialogue, similar to how Taboola currently places sponsored articles on publisher sites. The company describes this move as building an 'economic layer of the AI internet,' positioning itself as the infrastructure for monetizing AI-generated conversations.

By opening up DeeperDive as an ad network, Taboola is targeting a rapidly growing market: generative AI companies seeking revenue streams beyond subscription fees. Instead of charging users directly for every query, these platforms can now offer sponsored recommendations—for example, a travel chatbot suggesting a hotel booking with a Taboola-powered ad. The system is designed to blend seamlessly into the conversational flow, maintaining user experience while generating ad revenue for both Taboola and its AI partners. For advertisers, it creates a new channel to reach engaged audiences within AI interactions. Taboola's existing relationships with thousands of publishers and brands give it a head start, though competition from other ad networks coveting the AI space is expected. The company plans to roll out the network gradually, starting with select LLM partners later this year.