Google Ads Logo

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.

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.

Unlock new relevant traffic on Performance Max with search themes

Introduced
Oct 26, 2023

Impact Rating
Low

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

Introduced
Sep 28, 2023

Impact Rating
Medium

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

Introduced
Sep 20, 2023

Impact Rating
Medium

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

Introduced
Sep 07, 2023

Impact Rating
Low

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

Introduced
Aug 31, 2023

Impact Rating
Low

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

Introduced
Aug 24, 2023

Impact Rating
Medium

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

Introduced
Aug 15, 2023

Impact Rating
Medium

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

Introduced
Aug 08, 2023

Impact Rating
Medium

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

Introduced
Aug 02, 2023

Impact Rating
Medium

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

Introduced
Aug 01, 2023

Impact Rating
Medium

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

Introduced
Jul 25, 2023

Impact Rating
High

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

Introduced
Jul 05, 2023

Impact Rating
Low

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

Introduced
Jun 29, 2023

Impact Rating
Medium

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

Introduced
Jun 21, 2023

Impact Rating
Low

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

Introduced
Jun 20, 2023

Impact Rating
Medium

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

Introduced
Jun 15, 2023

Impact Rating
Low

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

Introduced
Jun 13, 2023

Impact Rating
Low

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

Introduced
May 23, 2023

Impact Rating
Medium

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:

Google Marketing Live 2023: Google AI-enhanced YouTube campaigns

Introduced
May 23, 2023

Impact Rating
Medium

Google Marketing Live 2023 introduced AI-powered tools and suitability solutions for YouTube campaigns. These updates enhance creative assets, optimize video campaigns across various formats, and provide insights into the impact of suitability settings, helping advertisers improve campaign performance and engagement. More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:

Google Marketing Live 2023: Multiply your results with Search and Performance Max campaigns

Introduced
May 23, 2023

Impact Rating
High

Google Marketing Live 2023 showcased AI-powered features for Search and Performance Max campaigns, enhancing campaign creation, ad relevance, and performance insights. These updates help advertisers drive better results, optimize ad placements, and gain deeper understanding of campaign performance.

More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know

Google Marketing Live 2023: Increase sales with innovations designed specifically for retailers

Introduced
May 23, 2023

Impact Rating
Medium

Google Marketing Live 2023 unveiled AI-powered innovations for retailers, including enhanced Search and Shopping ads, omnichannel solutions with Performance Max, advanced insights tools, and full-funnel video solutions on YouTube. These updates help retailers optimize campaigns, drive growth, and improve profitability.

More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:

Google Marketing Live 2023: Improve your measurement foundation to drive better business outcomes

Introduced
May 23, 2023

Impact Rating
Medium

Google Marketing Live 2023 on May 23, 2023, showcased updates to improve measurement foundations using first-party data, advanced conversion tracking, and GA4 audience integration. These enhancements help businesses achieve better accuracy, optimize campaign performance, and prepare for a privacy-centric future. More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:

Google Marketing Live 2023: Accelerate growth with your app

Introduced
May 23, 2023

Impact Rating
Medium

Google Marketing Live 2023 (May 23, 2023) introduced updates to accelerate app growth, including shoppable app ads, seamless web-to-app experiences, and improved iOS campaign measurement. These enhancements help increase user engagement, drive higher conversions, and optimize app performance, boosting overall profitability and customer loyalty. More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:

Google Marketing Live 2023: Activate new features in Display & Video 360

Introduced
May 23, 2023

Impact Rating
Medium

Google Marketing Live 2023 from May 23, 2023, introduced new features for Display & Video 360, including optimized targeting, first-party data engagement through PAIR, and enhanced CTV measurement tools. These updates help businesses connect with valuable customers, maintain privacy standards, and gain deeper insights into campaign performance. More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know:

Google I/O: Making AI helpful for everyone

Introduced
May 10, 2023

Impact Rating
Medium

Google I/O 2023 highlighted AI advancements in search, productivity, and global accessibility while emphasizing responsible AI practices. New features in generative AI, Workspace Duet AI, Vertex AI, and Bard aim to improve user experience, creativity, and ethical AI deployment.

More about the Google Ads update and what you need to know: