Information on Google Ads buying behavior on apps
Granular analysis and first look
Effective January 2024, Google Ads is shifting towards real-time bidding auctions for apps, discontinuing support for multicall requests without bidding ad units. This move aims to enhance the value provided to advertisers and ensure fair bidding practices.
Why this matters?
- Improved Ad Value: Real-time bidding provides more accurate and competitive ad placements, ensuring better value for advertisers.
- Fair Bidding Practices: Monitoring and preventing multicall behavior ensures a level playing field for all advertisers.
- Compliance and Enforcement: Google Ads will actively detect and penalize publishers attempting to evade multicall detection, promoting transparency and trust.
Next Steps/Action Items
- Transition to Real-Time Bidding: Publishers should ensure their ad setups include bidding ad units to continue receiving Google Ads traffic.
- Avoid Misrepresentation: Adhere to honest ad unit practices to prevent penalties and maintain Google Ads support.
- Monitor Compliance: Stay updated with Google Ads policies and ensure all ad practices comply with the new regulations to avoid disruptions.
Helpful links for this Google update
Learn more about past Google updates
- Oct 2026 - October 2026 Google Ads Update – Financial Services Verification Expanding to U.S. and Canada
- Oct 2026 - October 2026 Google Ads Update – New Channel Prioritization and Budget Allocation Controls
- Oct 2026 - October 2026 Google Ads Update – Demand Gen Data Strength Improvements
- Oct 2026 - October 2026 Google Ads Update – Demand Gen Changes View-Through Conversion Reporting
- Oct 2026 - October 2026 Google Ads Update – Automated Promotions from Your Website
- Oct 2026 - October 2026 Google Ads Update – Business Name Policy Gets More Flexible
- Sep 2026 - September 2026 Google Ads Update – Demand Gen Adds Faster Paths to Conversion
- Sep 2026 - September 2026 Google Ads Update – AI Max Adds Languages and Journey Reporting
- Sep 2026 - September 2026 Google Ads Update – Agentic Holiday Commerce
- Sep 2026 - September 2026 Google Ads Update – New Measurement Tools
- Aug 2026 - August 2026 Google Ads Update – Demand Gen Adds New Ways to Drive Leads and Sales
- Aug 2026 - August 2026 Google Ads Update – New AI Max Testing Tools
- Aug 2026 - August 2026 Google Ads Update – Demand Gen VTC Bidding Changes
- Aug 2026 - August 2026 Google Ads Update – Language Targeting Simplified
- Aug 2026 - August 2026 Google Ads Update – New AI Tools Turn Insights Into Action
- Jul 2026 - July 2026 Google Ads Update – Holiday Demand Gen Tools
- Jul 2026 - July 2026 Google Ads Update – Video Campaign Group Controls
- Jul 2026 - July 2026 Google Ads Update – Google Expands AI Transparency Across Ads
- Jul 2026 - August 2026 Google Ads Update – Target Bidding Gets More Predictable
- Jun 2026 - June 2026 Google Ads Update – YouTube Brand Campaign Measurement Gets Stronger
- Jun 2026 - June 2026 Google Ads Update – Demand Gen Drop Adds AI Creative Tool
- Jun 2026 - June 2026 Google Ads Update – Financial Verification Expands Across Europe
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