
Google Ads Update Tracker
Google Ads is always changing. We help you stay ahead of the curve so your business never misses a beat with the latest platform updates.

Six most recent Google updates
All Google Ads updates and details
Google Adwords updates and changes used to mean better ads, better targeting, and higher ROI from your PPC campaigns. Now with Google Ads, it seems that 9/10 changes are in favor of Google’s stock price and increasing their massive profit margin. At Granular, we help you navigate each change by helping you understand the risks and opportunities that come with each core change to Google Ads.
Click into each of the Google Ads updates below to learn more about what they mean for your PPC account, but more importantly what they mean for your business.
Drive more performance from AI-powered Search ads with new asset changes
On February 1, 2024, Google announced an update to responsive search ads by now allowing only a single headline, adding campaign-level headlines and descriptions, and using dynamic assets alongside those provided by the advertiser. These updates leverage AI to optimize ad performance, providing flexibility and deeper insights for advertisers.
More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
Adapt to privacy and regulatory changes with consent mode
On January 18, 2024 Google announced a new enhanced EU User Consent Policy enforcement that requires advertisers to send verifiable consent signals and update APIs/SDKs by March 2024. Upgrades to consent mode and partnerships with CMPs help manage compliance and ad performance amid evolving privacy regulations.
More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
A new way to buy reservation ads in Google Ads
As of December 18, 2023, Google Ads now offers self-service buying options for various YouTube ad products, including YouTube Select and TV lineups, masthead ads, and standard reservations. These updates simplify ad setup and management while integrating advanced audience targeting and traditional fixed CPMs. More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
Information on Google Ads buying behavior on apps
On December 14, 2023 Google Ads announced shifts to real-time bidding auctions for apps, discontinuing support for multicall requests without bidding ad units. The change enhances ad value, ensures fair bidding practices, and includes penalties for evading detection systems, effective January 2024. More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
YouTube builds a better streaming experience with fewer ad breaks and expansion of Shorts
As of December 12th, 2023, YouTube’s Video Reach Campaigns now incorporate in-feed and Shorts ads, amplifying reach and efficiency through multiformat ads and Google AI. More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
Maximize your awareness with more formats now available in Video Reach Campaigns
As of December 12, 2023, YouTube’s Video Reach Campaigns now incorporate in-feed and Shorts ads, amplifying reach and efficiency through multiformat ads and Google AI.
More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
Engage with your most valuable audiences without third-party cookies
Google announced on November 9, 2023, that with the deprecation of third-party cookies in 2025, it will emphasize privacy-preserving technologies and AI solutions for audience engagement. Marketers should adopt Privacy Sandbox APIs, leverage AI-powered targeting, and focus on first-party data strategies to sustain performance and build trust. More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
Unlock new relevant traffic on Performance Max with search themes
On October 26, 2023, Google’s “search themes” in Performance Max allow advertisers to guide Google AI for broader ad reach across Google Ads placements. This feature uses business-specific knowledge to enhance ad performance and will replace custom segments based on search activity in early 2024. More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
Maximize views for your budget with Video View Campaigns on YouTube, now globally available
On September 28th, 2023, Google announced the global launch of Video View Campaigns (VVC), offering up to 40% more views and 30% lower cost-per-view by using Google AI to deliver optimized creatives across YouTube’s video formats.
More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
Multiply your creativity with AI-powered tools for Search ads
On September 20th, 2023, Google shared updates on its plans to enhance Search ad relevance with automatically created assets. Automatically created assets are now available in seven additional languages and introduce a conversational AI experience for efficient campaign creation. These tools improve ad strength and streamline the setup process, driving better results for advertisers. More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
More information on Google Ads move to real-time bidding for apps
On September 7th, 2023, Google announced that it will be transitioning to real-time bidding for apps, moving away from multicall waterfalls as early as January 2024. This change improves efficiency, boosts monetization, and requires publishers to implement hybrid setups with bidding ad units. More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
August 2023 Google Ad Update: New Limited Ads Serving policy to build user trust and guide advertisers
On August 31, 2023, Google announced a new Limited Ads Serving policy that limits impressions for unfamiliar or misleading advertisers to build user trust and reduce scam risks. New advertisers must establish a positive track record and complete identity verification to gain full reach, promoting a safer and more transparent ad environment.
More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
Vehicle ads will be upgraded to Performance Max with vehicle feeds
On August 24, 2023, Google announced that vehicle ads created through Smart Shopping campaigns will be upgraded to Performance Max, enhancing reach across multiple channels and optimizing conversions with AI. This transition, starting in September 2023, provides broader visibility, improved conversion rates, and valuable insights for automotive advertisers. More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
Get ready to upgrade your Discovery ads to Demand Gen
On August 15, 2023, Google announced that Discovery Ads will soon be replaced by new Demand Gen Ads. Demand Gen enhances Discovery ads with AI-powered features, various ad formats, and advanced targeting. Starting in October, advertisers can upgrade to Demand Gen, optimizing for conversions and site visits, with all campaigns transitioning by early 2024.
More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
Multiply your holiday performance with new ads and insights features
Google’s updates from August 8, 2023 include Google’s new AI-powered tools and features to enhance holiday marketing by improving engagement, optimizing performance, and providing actionable insights. Advertisers can optimize campaigns for high-value customers, implement omnichannel strategies, and leverage insights to drive profitable sales.
More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
New Google Analytics 4 features for better App campaign performance
Google Analytics 4 updates from August 2, 2023 introduces new features for app marketers, including advanced audience management, performance optimization tools, and comprehensive conversion measurement solutions. These updates enhance user engagement, drive conversions, and ensure accurate tracking for better app campaign performance.
More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
Beginning January 16th, 2024, for Google Ads served on Google AdSense, Ad Manager, AdMob and platforms supporting Google bidding for EEA/UK users, a Google-certified IAB TCF CMP will be required
Starting January 16, 2024, Google Ads will require EEA and UK publisher partners to use Google-certified CMPs for personalized ads, ensuring compliance with the IAB TCF. This will expand to include CTV and Swiss traffic by July 2024, enhancing privacy standards across Europe.
More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
Boost your Search and Display results in Performance Max campaigns
Google’s Performance Max campaign enhancements include tools to upgrade DSA and Display campaigns, advanced AI features for better ad performance, and improved audience insights. These updates unify campaign strategies and optimize results across channels.
More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
Reach Gen Z music lovers across formats & devices with the new Gen Z Music lineup
Google’s Gen Z Music lineup allows advertisers to target Gen Z music fans on YouTube by aligning with trending music across audio, long-form, and Shorts formats. This global ad solution ensures brands stay culturally relevant and effectively engage with the Gen Z audience.
More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
New brand settings in Search and Performance Max campaigns
Google’s new brand settings for Search and Performance Max campaigns include brand restrictions for broad match and brand exclusions, offering advertisers enhanced control over ad placements. These features optimize reach, improve ROI, and ensure campaign relevance.
More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
Timing update: First click, linear, time decay, and position-based attribution models are going away
Google is removing first click, linear, time decay, and position-based attribution models. Starting mid-July, these options will no longer be available for new conversions, with complete removal by September. Advertisers should transition to alternative models to maintain accurate performance measurement.
More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
Store sales reporting and bidding are now available across Performance Max Campaigns
Google Ads now supports store sales reporting and bidding in Performance Max campaigns, allowing advertisers to track and optimize both online and in-store sales. This feature enhances omnichannel marketing by providing comprehensive measurement, optimized bidding, and valuable insights into customer behavior.
More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
Continued improvements to App campaigns
Google’s update for App campaigns from June 15, 2023 enhances App campaigns with expanded reach, new performance insights, and improved ad relevance. Advertisers can leverage new ad formats, actionable insights, and enhanced creative automation to connect with users more effectively and drive better campaign results. More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
We have a winner: announcing the results of our test of new Ads designs
June 13, 2023: Google Ads introduces a new design with a left-hand main menu, organizing pages into Campaigns, Goals, Tools, Billing, and Admin categories. The design improves navigation and efficiency, with the option to switch back to the previous design until 2024, allowing users time to adapt. More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:
Google Marketing Live 2023: Everything you need to know
Google Marketing Live 2023, on May 23, 2023, showcased AI-powered solutions for enhanced campaign performance, retail innovations, improved measurement tools, and new features for app growth and Display & Video 360. These advancements help businesses drive growth, optimize campaigns, and gain better insights. More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know: