Google Ads API Adds Competitive Benchmarks and PMax Controls

Google has released an update to its Ads API, version 25.2, which includes new features for programmatic media teams. The update adds competitive benchmarks through Google's BenchmarksService, allowing developers to bring percentile-based benchmark metrics into their own reporting and optimization systems.

This feature is particularly useful for teams managing large account portfolios, as it provides context by comparing an account's performance with its peers. However, the update does not make competitive data a substitute for campaign economics; teams still need to evaluate whether closing the gap would improve profitable outcomes.

The API also gains new migration and tracking controls for Performance Max (PMax) campaigns. A new method can generate a PMax draft from an existing Smart campaign, making it easier for agencies and software providers to upgrade campaigns programmatically. Additionally, asset groups in PMax gain tracking templates, custom URL parameters, and final URL suffix controls.

The release also includes creator discovery improvements through the Content Creator Insights service, which can now search for creators using YouTube channel handles instead of requiring channel IDs. This change makes it easier to automate creator discovery in campaign-management platforms.