Google Ads news
QR code TV screens
Anthony Higman discovered this new feature where you can turn a URL into a QR code on tv screens.
Audience size
Thomas Eccel discovered that custom segments can now show the estimated audience size.
Meta wants to automate ads with AI by 2026 fully
According to the WSJ, Meta is building a system where advertisers simply upload a product image and budget and AI handles everything else.
Think:
– Instant asset creation (image, video, copy)
– Automated targeting across Meta platforms
– Real-time personalization per user (even based on geolocation)
– Budget recommendations + performance optimization
– A “goal-based” model: you set the outcome, AI does the restZuckerberg’s vision? Advertisers will no longer need to build campaigns.
They’ll just define goals, and AI will deliver the results.
As someone deep in PPC and automation, this is fascinating and a little unsettling.
Meta is clearly going beyond tools like Advantage+; this is full-stack automation powered by generative AI.
The upside? Almost no cost for management.The risk? Brand safety, creative control, and over-reliance on black-box systems.
Would you trust Meta’s AI to run your entire ad funnel.
YouTube
YouTube has received the Media Rating Council (MRC)’s brand safety accreditation for in-stream ads for the fifth consecutive year.
As the first streaming platform to earn this recognition in 2021, YouTube continues to meet rigorous industry standards.
The accreditation confirms that YouTube’s inventory suitability tiers, Expanded, Standard, and Limited Mode provide brand-safe ad placements aligned with advertiser preferences.
Additional ad technology vendors opt-out
Google is deprecating the “Additional ad technology vendors opt-out” control in AdSense on June 2, and removing it entirely by July 7, 2025.
Why? It’s no longer effective for privacy or brand safety.
Managing vendor behavior now happens through your consent management platform (CMP).No action is required if you’re already using a CMP to handle user consent in regulated regions.
Google is rolling out significant updates across DV360, Campaign Manager 360, and Search Ads 360 this summer
These changes will impact reporting, API usage, and how advertisers structure their campaigns and measurement.
Deprecations
– Removal of Nielsen-related auto-tagging metrics (feature already deprecated in 2021)
– YouTube Audience Attribute (YTAA) metrics and dimensions will be removedCross Campaign Optimization (CCO) ends September 1, 2025, Programmatic
– Guaranteed deals must be isolated to single line items
Label and ID Updates
– Adloox is rebranded to Scope3 throughout UI, API, and reporting
– Several YouTube dimensions in reports will now be labeled more clearly (e.g., “Gender (YouTube)”)
– ID space and criterion ID updates for device, ISP, browser fields (important for Data Transfer v2.0 users)
Reporting Enhancements
– YouTube reports will now align to a Monday
–Sunday weekly format
– The “Country” dimension is being removed from reach reports for more flexible segmentation
– Frequency reports gain new 8+ and 9+ impression buckets
– Floodlight activities will support the Category field for improved reporting structure and consistency across platforms
– Improved logic in Unique Reach and Cross-Media Reach reports for more accurate overlap dataConversion API Upgrade
– A new session_attributes parameter is being introduced to Campaign Manager 360 and Search Ads 360 offline conversion APIs
– This is especially useful when GCLIDs or DCLIDs are unavailable and supports better measurement and bidding accuracy
Most changes will be rolled out between July and September 2025.
GA360 Update
Google Analytics 360 now supports syncing custom dimensions and metrics between source properties and their subproperties via a new Property Syncing feature.
This ensures consistent configuration across properties.
Changes made in the source property automatically update in synced subproperties.
Key points:
– Applies to custom dimensions and metrics.
Syncing is only possible for:
– Newly created subproperties.
– Existing subproperties without any current custom dimensions or metrics.
– Prevents disruption to existing setups.
Deprecating
Google is deprecating de-identified URLs (like xyz.anonymous.google.com) in Display campaigns to comply with Ads.txt transparency requirements.
Publishers can no longer hide their domain names.
You’ll now see the actual URL where your ad was served, even if you targeted anonymous placements.
Only reporting is affected bidding, targeting, and conversion tracking remain unchanged.
Conversion tracking
Arpan Banerjee received an email stating that, starting in 14 days, Google will automatically enable conversion tracking for your free product listings using your existing gTag, provided your Google Ads and Merchant Center accounts are linked.
You don’t need to do anything unless you want to turn this off.
Google has released API V20!
Google Ads API v20 introduces powerful new features for reporting, campaign control, and planning.
Key highlights:
Reporting & Assets
- New lifetime value and conversion-by-date metrics
- Expanded segmentation: ad network type, conversion action, device, and more
Campaigns
- Performance Max now supports campaign-level negative keywords
Conversions
- Cross-account conversion tracking updates now supported
- New user_ip_address field added (with compliance requirements for EEA, UK, and CH)
Demand Gen
- New ad network segments: MAPS, DISCOVER, GMAIL
- Detailed metrics for platform-comparable conversions
Planning & Insights (allowlisted accounts)
- YouTube Select replaces Dynamic Lineups
- Deeper creator insights: engagement, Shorts performance, device breakdowns
- Reach forecasting now includes first-party audience lists
Video Ads
- Pause ads on organic YouTube videos (TV screens) are now included in reporting
This version delivers better data visibility, more control over campaign structure, and smarter planning tools, especially for those working with Performance Max, Demand Gen, or YouTube.
LSA
Anthony Higman discovered that Google Is Now Testing Changing “Google Screened” To “Google Verified”!
YouTube 30-second CTV AD
Thomas Eccel discovered that Google’s YouTube 30-second CTV Ad Format is now in Beta!
YouTube Ads Update: Multi-Format Now Default
YouTube has removed the option to opt out of multi-format video ads in Video View campaigns. Advertisers can still select specific formats (e.g. only skippable in-stream or Shorts), but the old toggle to disable multi-format delivery is gone.
This change means campaigns now default to running multiple formats unless manually adjusted.
Spotted by Ankit Mishra & Hana Kobzová
Learn more about
Google is testing a new label on mobile search ads that reads “Learn more about Sponsored results.” Spotted by Brodie Clark & Barry Schwartz.
New Promotion preview
Felix Mayo just sent me this picture of a promotion preview. With this feature, you can preview promotions very useful!
Q3
AI Max for Search campaigns will be available for all advertisers early Q3!
5k Ad Credit
Wow, Google is now offering 5K Ads Credit! Found by Anthony Higman.
Tag Diagnostics
Google Tag Diagnostics are now integrated into the Google Analytics consent settings hub, offering enhanced tools to diagnose and fix consent-related errors.
This update simplifies the process for website owners to identify and resolve issues with user consent and data collection.
Business email verifications
Thomas Eccel discovered that Google Ads is now showing business email verifications for account access!
Looker Studio
For Looker Studio Pro subscriptions created on or after June 3, 2025, Gemini in Looker is enabled by default. Users with the appropriate permissions can manage this setting via the Gemini in Looker page under User Settings.
Help Center Update
Google has updated its Help Center article on pausing Google Ads accounts.
The clarification states that individual accounts linked to a Manager account violating the Google third-party policy may also be paused.
To resume serving ads, advertisers must unlink their individual account from the violating Manager account.
Affected users will be notified via in-account and email notifications with instructions.
URL inclusion & exclusion?
Natasha Kaurra discovered this new tab in the keywords section.This section let you manually control which URLs your Search ads are allowed or restricted to show for!
Ads at the bottom
Looks like Google is now testing with Ads at the bottom of the map! Discovered by Anthony Higman
Gambeling UAE
Starting June 25, 2025, Google Ads will allow state-run lotteries in the UAE to advertise, but only if they’re licensed by the GCGRA and the advertiser obtains Google certification.
Debt service in Ireland
From July 15, 2025, debt services ads will be allowed in Ireland, but advertisers must complete Google’s Financial Services verification and comply with local laws. Unverified ads won’t be shown.
PMax report insights
Interesting! The channel distribution has these functions, where you can see search terms report and placements reports for YouTube and Display. Discovered by Emirhan Bayutmuş.
Brand Control
It appears that more people are now gaining access to brand control in Merchant Center. This update was discovered by Elmar Aga.
Updates from YouTube
YouTube just made it much easier to promote your content and boost visibility, especially if you’re active on Shorts or managing campaigns on mobile.
What’s new:
The promote feature is now live in the main Android app
No need to go through Google Ads or YouTube Studio, creators can now launch Promote campaigns directly from the watch page in the YouTube app. New Promotions Feed
YouTube added a dedicated feed under the “U” tab for tracking all your campaign performance in one place.
Shorts + Posts integration. Your community posts can now show inside the Shorts feed, helping creators build deeper connections and increase engagement without viewers needing to click away.
Pmax asset reporting
Barry Schwartz & Darcy Burk discovered that Google is rolling out Pmax asset reporting!
New Demand Gen goal
As of June 12, 2025, YouTube follow-on views optimization is now available in Demand Gen campaigns. This feature targets users likely to watch more videos from your YouTube channel after seeing an ad, helping boost organic engagement and retention.
To activate, go to Conversions Summary > Engagements > Edit goal, and set YouTube follow-on views as the Primary action. Leaving it as a Secondary action will track data but not optimize for it.
This update enables deeper channel engagement and improved performance for YouTube-focused advertisers. Looks like Google keeps investing in YouTube & Demand Gen.
New in Google Ads: “Maximized Final URL Assets” Report
This new report shows:
– Auto-generated ad headline
– Final URL- Conversions & value
– No extra columns or Google explanation.
Only assets with conversions seem included. Discovered by Martin Röttgerding.
Data Manager
Lookers like Google are rolling out Data Manager for more users.This was discovered by Felix Mayo!
Data manager is a new centralized hub within Google Ads that simplifies how you import and activate customer data.Instead of managing integrations across multiple tools,
Data Manager lets you:
– Import first-party data from external systems
– Manage linked accounts like GA4, HubSpot, or Salesforce
– Consolidate tagging and data sources
– Activate your data directly in campaigns
AI mode rolling out in the US
Barry Schwartz discovered that AI mode is now rolling out for all users in the US!
New Metrics
This is gold! Boris Beceric ✅ discovered that you can now see more metrics for other search terms:)
Google Analytics update
The GA4 Measurement Protocol now supports device and user_agent fields!
This means better tracking accuracy for server-side and offline events, like CRM syncs, kiosks, or IoT, with full device/browser context.
New Dia Show YouTube Ads
Arpan Banerjee discovered this new dia show for YouTube Ads!
Merchant Center changes
Emmanuel Flossie from FeedArmy Co., Ltd. discovered some big changes in the UI in Merchant Center!
For more information on it, check his video.
AI Max
Emirhan Bayutmuş discovered the new search terms and landing pages from AI Max! Good to see more insights on this new feature:).
Google Ads just changed.
They introduced:
“Conv. value (incl. predicted)”Here’s what that means:
– It includes forecasted revenue
– It can inflate ROAS
Why this matters:
Your campaigns may now look better than they perform.Clients may think they earned money they haven’t.
Discovered by Mitchel Wubben
New Sitelink test
Arpan Banerjee just spotted that Google is testing with scrollable links!
WhatsApp is rolling out ads.
But not where you’d expect.
Meta has confirmed that ads will start appearing in the Updates tab, the section where users post disappearing status updates and follow channels.
Private messages stay untouched (for now). But this marks the first real step toward monetizing WhatsApp at scale.
What’s changing:
– Ads will show in the Status feed alongside regular updates
– Channel promotions and paid subscriptions are being tested
– Targeting is based on basic signals: country, language, channel follows, ad interactions
What’s not changing:
– No ads in 1:1 or group chats
– No phone number or message content used for targeting
– No cross-app data sharing beyond Meta’s existing stack
My take:
Meta is turning WhatsApp into a more traditional ad platform just very slowly. By using the “Updates” tab as the entry point, they preserve the core experience while laying the groundwork for more aggressive monetization later.
For advertisers, this could become an interesting new placement especially in markets where WhatsApp dominates attention but hasn’t yet offered real performance ad inventory.
Thanks for sharing Thomas Eccel!
Feedback on videos
Vojtěch Audy & Hana Kobzová discovered that Google is now asking for feedback on auto-generated videos!
Three major Google updates for nonprofits
Global Expansion: Google for Nonprofits is now available in 100+ additional countries and territories, its largest rollout yet.
AI Features in Workspace: Nonprofits get free access to NotebookLM Audio Overviews and Gemini’s Deep Research to speed up content creation and research.
Ad Grants on Google Maps: Performance Max campaigns can now show free ads on Maps.
Offline conversions
Starting June 17, 2025, Google will change how Performance Max and Smart campaigns attribute and optimize for offline conversions.
The focus will shift away from view-through conversions on Display and YouTube, and instead prioritize high-intent actions like clicks from Search and Google Maps that are more likely to result in actual store visits or sales.
Expected Impact:
– A possible decrease in overall reported conversion volume.
– An increase in cost per conversion, reflecting a stronger focus on higher-quality outcomes.
Recommendations for Performance Max with Store Goals:
– Loosen bidding strategies and adjust conversion values.
– Add more offline conversion goals (such as driving directions or local actions).
– Expand location targeting and consolidate similar campaigns.
– Remove restrictive settings like dayparting or narrow geo-targeting.
– Refresh creative assets with new offers and visuals tailored to local shoppers.
Smart Campaigns Recommendations:
– Broaden campaign reach with more search themes and business locations.
– Update ad creatives with relevant promotions and current content.
– Avoid ad scheduling to ensure continuous visibility.
New Target CPC Bidding
Dario Zannoni discovered this new documentation on Target CPC!Target CPC (tCPC) is an automated bidding strategy designed to get you as many clicks as possible at your target average cost-per-click.
It works similarly to Target CPA, but optimizes for clicks instead of conversions.
How it works:
– Google uses real-time auction signals (like device, time, audience, etc.) to adjust bids per impression.
– Some clicks may cost more or less than your target, but the system will aim to average it out.
– You can set Target CPC at both campaign and ad group levels (ad group settings override campaign-level bids).
Best use cases:
– Campaigns focused on website traffic or awareness, not direct conversions.
– Situations where you want to control CPCs tightly (e.g. limited budgets or precise ROI goals).
– Works well for remarketing audiences or tightly-defined verticals, where clicks are more likely to convert.
Setup tips:
– You must choose “Clicks” as your campaign goal to enable Target CPC.
– Expect daily spend to sometimes reach up to 2x your daily budget, though the monthly limit won’t be exceeded.
– This strategy may not be suitable for performance-driven goals like conversions or ROAS which are better served by Target CPA or Max Conversions.
Google has introduced a new feature for local inventory ads
Emmanuel Flossie discovered that Google has launched Website‑reported Autofeeds enabling near real-time stock updates via Google Tag Manager.
How it works
When a user clicks a “Check availability” button on your site, a GTM tag sends key inventory data (availability, price, product/store ID, etc.) directly to Merchant Center.
No feed file is required.
For more information, check his video.
Google Ads is rolling out a new conversion setup flow
The new process guides you step-by-step:
– Choose your conversion goal (purchase, lead, etc.)
– Select event type: codeless or manual
– Get tailored instructions based on your setup (gtag, GTM, etc.)
– Easy-to-copy tags and cleaner UX
This update is rolling out gradually, so you might not see it in all accounts yet.
Thanks for sharing Barry Schwartz & Saquib Syed!
For all the pictures, check this post.
Colors in the Graphics
GA4 has done it! Brighter colors for the interface graphics.
Spotted by Luuk Fiets & Brais Calvo Vázquez.
GA4 – Measurement Protocol Device Data
Brais Calvo Vázquez discovered that Google has added the possibility of sending or overwriting data related to the device (model, browser, operating system…) through the measurement protocol!
New Google Ads Slider?
Saurabh Singh discovered this new Google Ads slider in his Ads!
New check mark
Anthony Higman discovered that Google is now testing with a blue verified check mark instead of the green screened check mark!
Search Ads 360
Google is enhancing its Commerce Media offerings across Search Ads 360, Display & Video 360, and Google Ads, now available in beta.
These solutions use Google AI to drive performance while maintaining control and transparency for advertisers.
Key updates include:
Retail media network integration: Roundel is the first to enable online, app, and offline sales measurement in Performance Max via Search Ads 360.
Expanded campaign support: Google Ads now allows Commerce Media use in Search, Shopping, and Demand Gen campaigns, beyond Performance Max.
Self-service for retailers: Marketplaces like Shopee, Rakuten, and Flipkart can now share product catalogs directly with brands.
Retail media on YouTube: Through Display & Video 360, brands can scale off-site retail media on YouTube.
Product-level measurement pilot: Enables detailed insights into how media spend impacts product and category sales.
Brands and retailers can contact their Google account team to join the beta.
Looker Studio update
The Assets: search API endpoint now supports bidirectional pagination. A new previousPageToken attribute has been added to the response, allowing users to navigate both forward and backward through result sets.
Google Ads Gambling Policy Update
Brazil (June 2025)Effective June 18, 2025, Google Ads will update its gambling app advertising policy in Brazil to align with local regulations.
Key changes:
Licensed gambling operators in Brazil can promote their apps if they show a clear link between:
– Their valid gambling license
– Their app listing (on App Store or Play Store)
– Their registered website domain
– The operator’s domain must display a prominent, functional link to the app listing.
Certification is required. Advertisers must submit full app details during the application process.
Only specific gambling formats are allowed:
-Lotteries
– Horse racing
– Fixed-odds betting
– Daily fantasy sports
Applications that don’t meet these criteria won’t be approved. The updated policy and application form will go live on June 18, 2025.
New PMAX setting to turn off now
Google is auto-enabling a setting in PMAX that pulls any image from your landing page for ads, overriding your uploads…
Spotted by Anthony Tierney, something to watch out for.
Open Call
At Cannes Lions 2025, YouTube announced Open Call, a new feature within YouTube BrandConnect that helps brands easily collaborate with multiple creators at scale.
Brands can publish a creative brief through the creator partnerships hub, inviting YouTube Partner Program creators to submit campaign video ideas.
Brands can then review, approve, and promote these videos as partnership ads with performance tracking built in.
Open Call enables:
– Scalable discovery and collaboration with YouTube creators
– Easier campaign execution with user-submitted content
– Broader opportunities for creators of all sizes
– Enhanced brand impact through trusted creator voicesCurrently available to select advertisers, with broader rollout details coming soon.
Google Ads Referral
Dario Zannoni discovered this Google Ads Referral program, I did not know that did existed.
Callout reviews
Anthony Higman discovered these new Emoji’s And “Reviews Mention” Callout On Local Services Ads!
Google Ads UI Update
The updated Ad group view now shows ads and keywords side-by-side in a single card! Discovered by Natasha Kaurra.
New label
Google Ads is checking a new background check label!
Discovered by Barry Schwartz and Shameem Adhikarath!
New campaign diagnostics!
Felix Mayo discovered this new campaign diagnostics for PMax!
Return Policy
Arpan Banerjee discovered that Google Merchant seems to have updated its return policy’s product condition, where “slightly used” option is also given.
Auto-updates for shipping info in Merchant Center
Google now auto-updates shipping time estimates using: → Linked partner accounts (order tracking) → Website data (scraped by Google)Opted out by default
U.S. only (intl. opt-in possible) Found under: Products > Automatic ImprovementsThanks for sharing Hana Kobzová!
New report
🛰️ Yoann Ferrand discovered that Google appears to be reintroducing the “product status change” report within Google Merchant Center!
Compact UI Segment
Saquib Syed discovered that Google is testing with this new compact UI for segments.
New signal
Thomas Eccel, Just spotted something new in GA4 that might save your conversion tracking (literally):GA4 now gives you a Consent Signal Rating for each data stream.Yup, it rates how well you’ve implemented Consent Mode.
And here’s why this matters:Google Ads is planning to block conversion tracking if your consent setup isn’t compliant. So if you’re running ads in 2025, this is HUGE.
You can find your rating here:
Admin → Data collection and modification → Consent settingsNeed a solid CMP?
I use Cookiebot Web CMP by Usercentrics myself. Super easy to install and compliant.
Google Launches 1st Order Promotions for Shopping Ads
Google has introduced 1st Order Promotions (New Customer Promotions) for Shopping ads, allowing merchants to automatically offer exclusive discounts to first-time buyers directly within their paid listings.
Why it matters:
– Helps brands stand out in competitive Shopping results.
– Boosts click-through and conversion rates by removing friction for new customers.
– Makes customer acquisition more cost-effective by offering visible, auto-applied promotions.
Key details:
– Discount options: % off or fixed dollar amount.
– No minimum spend allowed.
– Only for paid Shopping ads (not free listings).
– Campaigns must use the New Customer Acquisition Goal.
– Promotions require approval in Google Merchant Center.
– Currently U.S.-only, and limited to allowlisted merchants.
Check Google’s official setup guide for full implementation details.
New label test
Nayan Prakash discovered that Google is testing with one big sponsored results label! No more sponsored labels for seperate ads in this example.
GA4 Update
GA4 has introduced an update that’s bringing new colors and enhanced clarity to your data visualizations!
YouTube Studio Updates Analytics Advanced Mode
Georgi Zayakov posted that YouTube is rolling out improvements to Analytics Advanced Mode in Studio, focusing on better usability and workflow efficiency.
Key changes include:
– New sidebar layout for easier access to breakdowns, metrics, and filters
– Multi-metric selection to select/deselect multiple metrics at onceImproved filtering by title, video duration, and publish date; option to hide charts
– Report saving so users can store and reopen custom report setups
– Enhanced top navigation with saved and built-in reports (e.g., “first 24 hours,” “audience retention”)
– Expanded comparison tools for metrics, content types (videos, playlists, groups), and time periods
– Reusable saved comparisons to streamline repeated analysis
This update is rolling out gradually and is designed to make data exploration faster and more
YouTube Bulk Uploader
Tired of uploading videos to YouTube one by one?The new YouTube Bulk Uploader, an open-source tool built on Google Cloud lets you easily manage and upload large volumes of videos, ideal for video-driven ad campaigns.
For more information, read this article.
Political Ads
Natasha Kaurra discovered that Google Ads has introduced a new required setting when creating campaigns: advertisers must now confirm whether their campaign involves EU political ads. This change aligns with evolving European regulations.
Cost data import GA4
Additional data sources are now supported for cost data import in open beta. With this enhancement, you can import cost data from multiple sources, such as:
– Google Sheets
– Amazon Redshift
– Amazon S3
– BigQuery
– Google Cloud Storage
– HTTPS
– MySQL
– PostgreSQL
– Snowflake
New preview
Zeeshan Ali spotted this new preview interface!
Captcha
Anthony Higman spotted this CAPTCHA in his MCC. I don’t remember seeing this before. Is this meant to stop agents? Oh wait agents can solve CAPTCHAs.
New Video Analysis
Aleksejus Podpruginas discovered this new Video Analysis Feature in Google Ads!
Google is rolling out a new way for publishers to monetize beyond traditional ads: Offerwall in Ad Manager.
After testing with over 1,000 publishers, Offerwall is now live, giving users flexible access to content and publishers new ways to earn.
Here’s how it works:
Visitors can unlock content by choosing from options like watching a short ad, completing a survey, making a micro payment, or signing up for a newsletter.
Publishers can also customize their own access options.
An AI-powered feature called Optimize decides when to show the Offerwall to each visitor, maximizing both engagement and revenue.
It’s designed to support publishers of all sizes, but especially smaller ones that need lightweight, diversified monetization tools.
Imagen 4
Google’s latest text-to-image model, Imagen 4, is now live available via the Gemini API (paid) and Google AI Studio (free tier for prototyping).
Why it matters:
• Much better at rendering text within images
• Higher image fidelity (up to 1024×1024)
• New Ultra version offers even greater control and precision
• Images are watermarked with SynthID for trust and attribution
Access is rolling out in 38 countries (18+).
Imagen 4 is part of Google’s broader Gemini stack and a direct competitor to DALL·E, Midjourney, and Adobe Firefly.
GTM Update
Pause and delete buttons have been merged into the delete functionality, allowing customers to now rollback their Google tag gateway for advertisers setup with Cloudflare.
Healthcare and medicines policy
In July 2025, the country-specifics of the Healthcare and medicines policy will be updated to allow telemedicine providers to promote prescription drug services in the United Kingdom and Singapore.