Check policies and disclosure standards before creating ad images with generative AI in Google Ads

According to Google Ads Help documentation, generative AI image tools are available in Performance Max campaigns, Demand Gen campaigns, and the Asset Library. Advertisers can enter text prompts to generate brand-new assets or modify existing images by swapping backgrounds and expanding aspect ratios.

In what campaigns can you use this feature in your account?

Generative AI image features are not available across every advertising format. They currently operate primarily within the asset group editing interfaces of Performance Max (PMax) and Demand Gen campaigns.

In traditional Search campaigns or standard Display campaigns, direct text-to-image prompt creation menus may not be visible. Check your account Asset Library first to verify whether image generation options are enabled for your shared creative assets.

If your campaign language is set to a non-English language, the rollout timing for specific advanced editing tools may vary. While availability continues to expand across regional accounts, accounts without the feature must await sequential platform rollout.

How are AI disclosures attached to generated images?

Images generated through built-in Google Ads tools automatically receive invisible digital watermarks powered by Google DeepMind SynthID technology. While imperceptible to human viewers, these signals allow search engines and platform monitoring systems to detect synthetic origin.

Transparency details are also provided to users viewing your live ads. When a user clicks the information icon on an ad, the My Ad Center panel shows a disclosure indicating that the creative was produced with AI tools.

This disclosure cannot be manually turned off by advertisers. Because it is managed automatically by the platform, avoid any attempts to alter watermarks or obscure disclosure indicators.

What are the tool features and official review criteria?

The AI image capabilities supported in Google Ads and their verification criteria during account application are outlined below.

Source: Google Ads Help documentation (checked on 2026-10-26).

According to documentation, AI-generated images undergo the exact same editorial review against Google Ads advertising policies as human-designed creatives. Assets containing trademark violations, misleading claims, or inappropriate visual representations will be disapproved.

How should you handle images created with external AI tools?

When uploading assets produced by external tools such as Midjourney or Stable Diffusion, you must comply with synthetic media guidelines. In sensitive categories, such as election-related ads or realistic depictions of real individuals, advertisers may be required to disclose digital alterations explicitly.

For standard commercial product imagery, immediate disclosure tags may not be required if facts are accurately depicted, but ads must strictly adhere to misrepresentation policies. Generating synthetic product photos that distort actual product specifications or capabilities can trigger account penalties.

Official documentation does not provide statistics on expected conversion or click-through rate increases from using AI-generated images. Because the platform does not guarantee performance outcomes, test AI assets alongside your existing studio photography through controlled A/B experiments.

What steps should you take in your account before serving ads?

Before deploying AI-generated assets to live campaigns, complete the following three verification steps in your account.

1. Inspect rendered assets in the Asset Library preview to verify that text, logos, or delicate product details remain clean and undistorted.
2. Review crop variations across Performance Max placements, including YouTube, Google Display, and Discover.
3. Confirm that new assets complete policy review without triggering under-review delays or policy violation alerts.

Avoid increasing campaign budgets based on speculative performance estimates not validated by official documentation. Maintaining disciplined creative standards while conducting measured incremental testing ensures safe and effective campaign operation.