Google Performance Max Now Supports Vertical 9:16 Image Ads
▼ Summary
– Google’s Performance Max campaigns now support vertical 9:16 image ads, bringing this mobile-friendly format to their automated campaigns.
– The vertical “Story Image Ads” were first available in Demand Gen campaigns and have now been added to PMax based on specialist observations.
– These vertical ads are designed to fit naturally into mobile-first environments like YouTube Shorts where user attention is high.
– Experts emphasize that this update helps meet users where they consume content, aligning with popular vertical formats like Shorts, Reels, and TikTok.
– Google is expanding into short-form shoppable media, as PMax already monetizes YouTube Shorts through product image displays for remarketing.
A significant enhancement has arrived for Google’s Performance Max campaigns, as they now fully embrace vertical 9:16 image ads. This development integrates the mobile-first format directly into Google’s most automated advertising system, allowing brands to connect with audiences in the environments where they are most engaged.
The change was first identified by Google Ads expert Thomas Eccel, who observed that the “Story Image Ads” format, initially launched within Demand Gen campaigns, is now accessible for Performance Max. For advertisers preparing their creative assets, the technical specifications are straightforward. The minimum required image size is 600 by 1067 pixels, though a resolution of 1080 by 1920 is recommended for optimal quality. All uploaded files must remain under the 5MB size limit. While Google has not provided an official statement on placement specifics, these vertical ads are expected to appear in locations like YouTube Shorts, mirroring their behavior in Demand Gen campaigns.
The strategic importance of this update is substantial. Vertical 9:16 imagery allows Performance Max campaigns to blend seamlessly into mobile-centric platforms where user attention is most concentrated. According to Phil Byrne of Positive Sparks Marketing LTD, the core of this update is about “meeting users where they naturally consume content.” As platforms such as YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikTok continue to dominate mobile screen time, adopting a vertical format is no longer optional for maintaining relevance and capturing viewer interest.
Looking at the broader implications, this move signals Google’s deepening investment in short-form, shoppable media. Mike Ryan, who leads ecommerce insights at Smarter Ecommerce, pointed out that Performance Max is already leveraging YouTube Shorts through features like “GMC Image Shorts.” These features display several product images to support remarketing efforts and personalized shopping experiences, reinforcing the platform’s shift toward immersive, commerce-driven content formats.
(Source: Search Engine Land)
