🚨 New features, big opportunities: Google Ads and YouTube’s latest July updates

The first half of July has brought exciting changes and updates to Google Ads and YouTube Ads that will impact your campaigns. From new advertising features to enhancements in targeting and compliance, it’s essential to stay informed.

Let’s break down the most significant updates from Google and YouTube to ensure your campaigns stay ahead of the curve.

1. Brand Assets Now Centralized in Performance Max Campaigns 👀

Google has rolled out a key update to PMax campaigns that simplifies how brand assets - like your business name and logo—are managed.

What’s Changing?

• Brand assets now live at the campaign level, not in individual asset groups.

• This means better brand consistency across all asset groups in your campaign.

• The change is live now for all PMax campaigns created through the Google Ads UI.

• For campaigns created via the API, support will be added shortly.

👉 Find out what does this mean for users + more details right here.

2. YouTube ads: Pause Ads now available in vertical and horizontal formats 📱

YouTube has launched a new feature that allows you to run ads when users pause videos. Previously, this feature was only available in specific formats, but it’s now expanded to both vertical and horizontal video ads.

Why it matters: Pause Ads provide a non-intrusive way to engage viewers. Instead of interrupting their content, these ads capture attention during a natural pause in their viewing experience. This can be particularly effective for showcasing product messages or offers in a way that feels less forced. For advertisers, it opens up new possibilities for static ads with clickable links that remain visible during the pause.

👉 Want to read more? Click here to explore the full update.

3. Google Ads Editor version 2.6: What’s new? 📝

The latest update to Google Ads Editor, version 2.6, comes with new features designed to streamline campaign management and improve workflow efficiency.

Notable updates include:

• Batch updates for labels and keywords: This makes it easier to manage large-scale campaigns.

• New data for Performance Max: Additional data points are now available to help optimize PMax campaigns, especially for understanding asset group performance.

• Improved navigation: The updated interface makes it faster and easier to find and manage campaign elements.

👉 For more details, check out the full breakdown.

4. Google launches new advertising measurement community on Discord 💬

Google has introduced a new advertising measurement community on Discord to provide advertisers with a space to collaborate and share insights on performance tracking and optimization.

Why this matters: The community allows advertisers to discuss challenges and best practices regarding Google Ads measurement tools. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between Google Ads professionals and provide better visibility into upcoming changes.

👉 If you want to join the conversation and stay up-to-date, visit the full article.

5. Google Keyword Planner now shows forecasts by city, region, and device 🌍

In a recent update, Google’s Keyword Planner now provides more granular forecasting options, allowing you to see performance estimates by city, region, and device type.

Why this matters: This added layer of granularity makes it easier to tailor campaigns based on specific geographic regions or devices. For businesses targeting local markets or specific demographics, this tool will be invaluable for more accurate budgeting and bid management.

👉 Explore the full update here: Google Keyword Planner forecasts by city and device.

6. Big news for Google Ads AI: Max Match type has arrived 🤖

Google Ads’ new “Max Match” feature has officially launched, allowing for smarter keyword matching. This new AI-powered match type improves the relevance of ads shown to users, ensuring that your ads reach a more targeted audience.

Why it matters: This update enhances the precision of keyword matching by automatically adjusting to variations in search terms. With Max Match, Google’s AI takes into account user intent and context, potentially improving CTR and reducing wasted spend.

👉 Learn more about Max Match here: Max Match type has arrived.

7. New Google ads certification requirement for restricted drug terms 💊

Google has updated its certification requirements for advertisers dealing with restricted drug terms. Advertisers who wish to run ads related to these products must now complete a special certification process.

Why it matters: This update ensures that advertisers in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries are compliant with new regulations. Make sure to review the new requirements if your business falls under this category.

👉 For more details, visit the New certification requirement for drug ads.

8. Google updates dangerous products policy ⚠️

Google has made significant updates to its Dangerous Products Policy, expanding the list of prohibited items and adjusting enforcement procedures.

Why it matters: If your campaigns involve restricted products, you need to be aware of these new guidelines to avoid violations. This includes stricter enforcement for products related to personal safety and well-being.

👉 To ensure your ads comply, read the full policy update here: Dangerous products policy update.

Conclusion

July is off to a strong start with Google Ads and YouTube Ads updates that enhance targeting, improve measurement, and streamline campaign management. Staying on top of these changes will help you adapt quickly and maximize the performance of your campaigns.

Make sure to check out the full details on each of these updates by following the links provided, and feel free to reach out if you need assistance implementing these changes into your campaigns.

Until next time,

The Inceptly Team

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