Google Ads announces AI Max for Search campaigns beta

Google Ads today announced AI Max, a new tool to reach untapped queries and tailor ads with a single click.

Rolling out globally in beta later this month, Google said AI Max integrates its most advanced targeting and creative tools into Search campaigns.

• Smarter matching. Broad match and keywordless tech help advertisers tap into high-performing queries they may have otherwise missed. Google AI learns from existing keywords, creative, and URLs to identify new opportunities.
• Real-time creative adaptation. New “text customization” (formerly “automatically created assets”) creates headlines and descriptions tailored to a user’s query – adapting on the fly to match emerging intent. Final URL expansion sends users to the most relevant landing page.
• Granular controls:
  • Locations of interest let advertisers target users based on geographic intent at the ad group level.
  • Brand controls allow the inclusion or exclusion of specific brands.
  • Enhanced reporting includes clearer data on search terms, headline performance, and asset KPIs like spend and conversions.

By the numbers. Initial tests of AI Max have delivered positive results (especially for large household brands), according to Gooogle data:

• Advertisers using AI Max have seen up to 14% more conversions at a similar cost-per-acquisition. For those still relying mostly on exact and phrase match, the lift can hit 27%.
• L’Oréal reported 2x higher conversion rates and 31% lower costs by tapping into net-new search queries with AI Max.
• Australia-based MyConnect used AI Max to boost leads by 16% while cutting cost-per-action by 13%.

Why we care. AI Max helps go beyond traditional keyword strategies, giving the potential of bidding on untapped group of high-intent searches not being currently reached. It also dynamically customizes ad creative in real time, increasing relevance and conversions without adding complexity. With PPC managers who manage large accounts across several clients, it could serve as a fast, low-effort way to scale results and stay competitive as search behavior evolves.

Bottom line: Google wants advertisers to move beyond traditional keywords, and AI Max is the new on-ramp to that goal, with automation, adaptability, and actionable insights leading the way.

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