AI is changing everything — not just how we search, but how we advertise. While AI Mode and Search Live mark a new era for Google Search, the paid side is catching up fast: AI Max is Google’s AI-powered upgrade for traditional Search campaigns.
But here’s the thing: AI Max isn’t a new campaign type. It’s a powerful layer of creative and targeting automation you can activate with a single click — right inside your existing Search setup. It expands your keyword coverage, generates relevant ad copy in real time, and helps you reach users you’d otherwise miss: people searching in new, more complex, or previously untapped ways.
Why does that matter? Because search behavior is evolving — fast. It’s no longer just about keywords; it’s about intent, context, and conversation.
If you want to understand where AI Search is headed in 2025, don’t just watch what happens in AI Mode. Take a close look at how AI Max could give your campaigns a serious edge.
In this Article
Using AI Max – SEA campaigns with WEVENTURE
What Is AI Max – and Why Should You Care?
AI Max is Google’s latest feature set for Search campaigns. It’s not a new campaign type — it’s a plug-and-play upgrade you can activate within your existing campaigns. The goal: to bring the full power of Google AI into the classic keyword-driven Search universe, unlocking broader reach, smarter targeting, and better ads.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Rollout: Global beta since May 2025
- Germany: Expected to launch late June / early July
- Activation: Directly in the campaign setup under “Enable AI-powered features”
- Purpose: Performance booster for standard Search campaigns — no new builds needed
First Results: What Google Is Reporting
According to Google’s early beta data:
| Campaign Type | Avg. Uplift with AI Max |
| All Campaigns | +14% conversions or conversion value |
| Exact/Phrase Match Campaigns | +27% conversions or conversion value |
Note: These numbers come from internal tests and case studies — particularly with big brands like L’Oréal and MyConnect (more on that in the next section).
So How Does AI Max Work?
AI Max consists of three core components you can activate individually or together:
1. Search Term Matching (Keywordless + Intent-Based)
- Expands your keyword reach using AI
- Builds on your setup: keywords, landing pages, and creatives
- Uses Broad Match + “Keywordless AI” to surface new, high-intent queries
2. Text Customization (formerly Automatically Created Assets)
- Dynamically generates new headlines & descriptions
- Based on: final URL, existing ads, campaign goals
- Tailored to user intent, including CTAs & USPs
3. Final URL Expansion
- Routes users to the most relevant subpage
- AI adjusts the destination dynamically based on query
- Especially useful for large e-com or category-based sites
💡 Pro tip: Google recommends activating all three components to unlock full potential and synergy.
How to Use AI Max – and Get It Right
AI Max isn’t just a nice add-on. It’s a game-changer for scale, relevance, and performance — especially when all three functions work together.
1. Search Term Matching – Unlock New, High-Intent Queries
Think beyond your keyword list. With Search Term Matching, Google’s AI identifies relevant terms you haven’t added manually — including long-tails and semantic near-matches.
- Based on your current setup: keywords, URLs, ad copy
- Boosts reach and intent-matching
- Ideal for advertisers with solid Search structures
- Google reports up to +27% uplift in conversion value with this feature
2. Text Customization – Ads That Write Themselves
This is the evolution of Automatically Created Assets (ACA). Now: smarter, more tailored, and context-aware ad copy — all generated by AI.
- Headlines, descriptions, and CTAs generated in real time
- Adapts to product variations, seasonal intent, or user goals
- Works alongside your manual assets — you’re still in control
- Perfect for product-heavy campaigns with multiple user intents
3. Final URL Expansion – Smarter Routing, Better Results
Instead of sending all users to a fixed URL, Google’s AI evaluates:
- Which subpage best matches the search intent
- Which page performs better for similar queries
- How your domain structure influences UX and conversion rates
✅ Clean page structure and consistent conversion goals are key. Especially impactful for e-com setups with deep product hierarchies.
How the Features Work Together
| Function | Impact |
| Search Term Matching | More reach through broader, smarter query matching |
| Text Customization | Higher relevance with AI-generated ad content |
| Final URL Expansion | Better UX and conversion flow through smart routing |
✅ Google’s Recommendation: Use all features together to maximize results through combined effects.
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AI Max in Action: What L’Oréal & MyConnect Achieved
AI Max isn’t just a buzzword — it’s already delivering real results. Google shared two early beta use cases on their blog that show just how powerful this feature set can be: L’Oréal and MyConnect. Both brands saw significant performance gains — each in their own way.
L’Oréal Chile: More Conversions, Lower Costs
L’Oréal used AI Max to expand their search reach and increase ad relevance. The outcome?
- 2× higher conversion rate
- 31% lower cost-per-conversion
One key example: By activating Search Term Matching, L’Oréal showed up for queries like “what is the best cream for facial dark spots” — a long-tail search that wouldn’t have been captured with traditional keywords.
MyConnect (Australia): More Leads, Better Quality
MyConnect — a provider for relocation and utility services — was already running Broad Match and tROAS campaigns. Still, AI Max delivered:
- +16% more leads
- −13% lower CPA
- +30% more conversions from brand-new search queries
The big win? Net-new queries — terms that weren’t covered by any keywords or creative assets before.
Takeaway: AI Max shines especially when you’re still relying on Exact or Phrase Match. It unlocks untapped potential — both in search logic and creative execution.
Control Meets Automation: How to Stay in the Driver’s Seat with AI Max
AI Max automates a lot — but it doesn’t mean giving up control. In fact, Google designed it so you can still steer, monitor, and optimize with full transparency.
Here’s how to fine-tune your AI-powered campaigns:
Brand Controls
Decide exactly:
- Which brands you want to be associated with
- Which brands you don’t want to appear next to
Set at the campaign or ad group level — critical for retail or brand-sensitive industries.
Location of Interest Targeting
New with AI Max: You can target users based not only on their physical location — but on the locations they’re interested in.
Example: Someone searching for “buy an apartment in Berlin” while sitting in Hamburg? You can now reach them. Controlled at ad group level — perfect for regional or city-focused campaigns.
Asset Controls = Transparency + Flexibility
AI Max gives you more data and control over the assets it generates:
- Asset-level reports now show impressions, spend, and conversions
- You can remove AI-generated assets that don’t match your tone or brand
- URL settings let you define destination rules — even with Final URL Expansion active
Reporting Updates: Understand the AI’s Decisions
Here’s what’s new or coming soon for AI Max reporting:
| Report / Feature | What It Tells You |
| Search term reports w/ URL & headline | Which combo worked for which user intent |
| Asset performance reports (spend, conv.) | KPI visibility into ad components |
| New URL parameters | Better cross-Match-Type tracking |
These reports roll out in the Google Ads UI first — then to the Editor, Report Editor & API later in 2025.
⚠️ Heads-up: No Pre-Approval for AI-Generated Assets (Yet). Currently, AI-generated ads go live without manual review. You can remove them after the fact — but preview before publishing is not available (yet). If you’re in a highly regulated industry, stay alert and monitor closely.
⚠️ Note on the release of AI-generated assets
Currently, AI-generated ad assets go live immediately without prior manual approval. You can review and remove them afterwards, but previewing them before publication is not (yet) possible. You should remain vigilant here, especially in regulated industries.
AI Max vs. Performance Max vs. DSA: What’s the Right Fit?
One of the top questions: “Do I still need AI Max if I’m already using PMax or DSAs?”
Short answer: It’s not either/or — it’s complementary.
AI Max is not a replacement — it’s a precision tool for the Search layer.
Quick Comparison:
| Campaign Type | Focus | Channels | Control Level | Best Use Case |
| AI Max | AI upgrade for Search | Search only | High (keyword-based) | Boosting traditional Search with AI power |
| Performance Max | Cross-channel performance | Search, Display, YouTube… | Low (black box) | Maximum reach and multi-signal optimization |
| DSA | Dynamic URL-based targeting | Search only | Medium | Big sites with dynamic or frequently updated pages |
When Should You Use AI Max?
Think of AI Max as a Search catalyst — perfect if you:
- Rely heavily on Exact or Phrase Match and want to unlock new queries
- Want to scale without losing control (unlike PMax)
- Prefer to keep your Search setup but make it smarter
- Offer similar products with limited resources for manual copywriting
Strategic Tips for Implementation
- Use Drafts & Experiments to A/B test AI Max vs. your current setup
- Treat AI Max as a discovery engine — to find new keywords and landing pages
- Collaborate with your team on creative templates that play to AI’s strengths (e.g. CTA variations, intent-driven snippets)
🚫 When AI Max Doesn’t Make Sense — and What to Watch Out For
As powerful as AI Max is, it’s not a fit for every scenario. Especially in highly regulated industries or with sensitive brand messaging, automated content creation can be risky.
❌ Scenarios That Require Extra Caution or Customization
- Final URL Expansion might break if your site structure isn’t stable
- Examples: Site relaunches, heavy A/B testing, frequently changing shop URLs
- Recommendation: Use URL Expansion cautiously — or disable it altogether
Regulated Industries (e.g., pharma, finance, legal)
- Auto-generated creatives may cause compliance issues
- No manual review before AI-generated assets go live
- Tip: Actively monitor performance reports and use asset removal where needed
Brands With Strict Messaging & CI Guidelines
- If certain phrases or tones are off-limits, AI may miss the nuance
- No “Asset Pinning” available (unlike in classic RSAs, where you can lock headlines into specific positions)
- Solution: Align closely with your brand & performance teams
Sites With Rapidly Changing URLs or Content
⚠️ Additional Considerations
- In particularly sensitive areas (e.g., political ads, medical claims), AI Max should always be monitored manually.
- User signals and conversion goals must be clearly defined so that the AI logic can work effectively.
- Don’t just “try out” AI Max—use it consciously as a supplement with a clear goal and testing strategy.
AI Max is a powerful tool – but don’t activate it blindly. Those who prepare thoroughly, are aware of its limitations, and check regularly will benefit from it. Those who relinquish control completely, on the other hand, risk mismanagement and lost brand sovereignty.
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Final Takeaway: AI Max Isn’t Just a Feature — It’s Google’s Vision of the Future
AI Max is more than a tool. It’s a clear signal of where Google Ads is headed: more automation, more intelligence — but still with levers to steer.
If you’re running Search campaigns today, AI Max lets you:
- Tap into emerging intent signals
- Create more dynamic, personalized ads
- Expand your reach without losing control
And remember: as Paid evolves, so does Organic. AI Mode isn’t experimental anymore — it’s Google’s prototype of a new search paradigm: AI-driven, conversational, personalized.
Conclusion: AI Max doesn’t replace strategy — it amplifies it. And the earlier you start testing, the more of a head start you’ll have in a world where keywords alone just won’t cut it anymore.
FAQs About AI Max for Google Search
What is Google AI Max?
How do I activate AI Max in Google Ads?
You can activate AI Max with a single click in the settings of your existing search campaign. The feature has been rolled out in global beta since May 2025. It will be officially available in Germany from the end of June/beginning of July. Activate it under “AI-powered features” in the campaign setup. The three core functions (search term matching, text customization, final URL expansion) can be used individually or in combination.
What are the specific benefits of AI Max?
AI Max typically increases conversion rates by 14%—and by up to 27% for exact/phrase campaigns. According to Google Ads data, brands such as L’Oréal and MyConnect have been able to significantly increase their conversion rates while reducing their cost per conversion—with the same or better relevance.
How does AI Max differ from Performance Max?
AI Max is specifically designed for classic search campaigns, while Performance Max works across channels. With AI Max, you retain your keywords and control, but add AI-powered content and targeting in a targeted manner. Performance Max, on the other hand, distributes budget across multiple channels (e.g., YouTube, Display) and is based entirely on automation without keyword control.
When should I not use AI Max?
You should avoid AI Max if you work in highly regulated industries or are subject to strict branding and text requirements. AI-generated assets currently go live without prior approval, which can be problematic if you need legally vetted content or use sensitive claims. Highly dynamic websites without stable page structures can also hinder final URL expansion.
How is AI Max related to AI search in Google (AI Mode)?
AI Max brings AI to your ads, while AI Mode brings AI to organic search—both developments are part of the same strategy. Google is currently building a new, AI-centric search experience. What you test with AI Max today will prepare you for how users will perceive organic content in the future. You can find out more about the search of the future in our article on AI search trends for 2025.
