Google Ads API launches AI budget recommendations for campaign optimization

Google announced a significant update to its Google Ads API (v18) on October 23, 2024, introducing machine learning-powered budget recommendations for Performance Max and Search campaigns. The new feature, accessible through the Recommendations.GenerateRecommendations method, enables advertisers to receive optimized budget suggestions during campaign creation.

The system leverages Google's machine learning models to analyze multiple data points provided during campaign setup. According to the announcement made on the Google Ads Developer Blog, advertisers must supply specific inputs, including:

• Final URL of the campaign
• Bidding strategy type
• Country code (for Search campaigns)
• Language code (for Search campaigns)
• Location targeting information
• Keywords (for Search campaigns)

The budget recommendation feature operates through the RecommendationService's GenerateRecommendations method. The system requires specific data fields based on campaign types:

• For Performance Max campaigns:
  • Final URL
  • Bidding strategy type
  • Asset group information
  • Budget information
• For Search campaigns (additional requirements):
  • Country code
  • Language code
  • Positive or negative location IDs
  • Ad group information with keywords

The recommendation system provides detailed impact metrics for each budget suggestion, including:

• Projected impressions
• Expected clicks
• Estimated cost in micros
• Projected conversions
• All conversions metrics
• Anticipated video views

The budget recommendation feature integrates with Google's broader recommendation system, which includes:

• Automatic application capabilities through RecommendationSubscriptionService
• Campaign optimization scoring
• Performance tracking metrics
• Customizable application parameters

The new budget recommendation system fits into the following workflow:

1. Advertisers initiate campaign creation
2. Required information is submitted through the API
3. System generates budget recommendations based on provided data
4. Recommendations include performance projections
5. Advertisers can choose to implement or modify suggested budgets

The budget recommendation feature requires:

• Google Ads API v18 or higher
• Valid API access credentials
• Proper implementation of required data fields
• Compliance with Google Ads API usage guidelines

Key Facts

• Release Date: October 23, 2024
• API Version: v18
• Supported Campaign Types: Search and Performance Max
• Required Integration: Google Ads API
• Implementation Method: RecommendationService.GenerateRecommendations

Summary Points

• Released as part of Google Ads API v18
• Provides AI-powered budget recommendations
• Supports both Search and Performance Max campaigns
• Requires specific campaign data inputs
• Delivers detailed performance projections
• Integrates with existing recommendation systems
• Offers automatic application capabilities
• Provides impact metrics for budget suggestions
• Functions during campaign creation process
• Requires valid API access credentials