Google Ads / Google Discovery Ads
What Are Google Discovery Ads?
Google Discovery Ads are image-focused ads.
They show up in places where people browse every day. That includes the YouTube app, the Gmail inbox, and the Google app.
These ads don’t wait for people to search. Instead, they appear based on what users like, watch, and click.
The ads use Google’s AI to learn from past actions. Then they target users likely to buy.
That means your product or offer gets seen by people before they even start looking. It’s a smart way to catch attention early.
Why Google Discovery Ads Work
People don’t search all day, but they do scroll all day. Over 3 billion users visit Google’s platforms monthly.
Discovery campaigns in Google Ads let you tap into that.
They focus on intent. Not search keywords. Your brand gets in front of users based on their habits, interests, and past activity.
That’s why many brands see better results than with regular display ads. And it works across many devices, so reach is massive.
Where Your Ads Show Up
Your ads appear on YouTube, Gmail, and the Google app where users already scroll.
- YouTube Feed & Watch Next Your ad shows next to videos where users are already engaged.
- Gmail Promotions & Social Tabs Your ad appears like an email, blending in with their inbox.
This is prime real estate. Your offer meets people where they spend time, not where they search.
How They’re Different from Other Ads
Google Discovery Ads don’t need keywords. Instead, they use audience signals.
That means your ad shows based on behavior, not on what someone types.
For example, if someone watches shoe videos, visits running blogs, or browses sneakers, your ad for new running shoes may show up even before they search.
That gives you a head start.
These ads also support carousels. You can show many images in one swipeable ad. Great for products or steps in a service.
Better Results, Smarter Spend
Discovery campaigns in Google Ads use machine learning. That means your ads go to the best users, not any user.
You spend less to get more clicks.
You also get more control over who sees your ads.
You can target past visitors, email lists, or lookalike audiences. This leads to more sales and a better return on ad spend.
Why Use Google Discovery Ads?
They reach the right people with eye-catching visuals before they even search.
- Lower cost-per-click than search ads
- More reach than Display or YouTube alone
- Visual-first format grabs attention
- Cross-platform exposure with one campaign
- Higher engagement due to personalized targeting
These are real advantages. That’s why brands shift budgets toward discovery campaigns in Google Ads.
Who Should Use Discovery Campaigns?
- eCommerce brands: Show products to users ready to buy
- Service providers: Reach people looking for help
- B2B businesses: Build early brand awareness If you want attention and action, these ads work.
What the Numbers Say
- 59% of users use Google to find new products
- 88% say YouTube ads helped them find new brands
- 2.9x better CTR than display ads (on average)
These are not guesses. They’re real results from discovery campaigns Google Ads runs.
And the best part? You don’t need big budgets. Even small brands can win with the right setup.
Best Practices for Discovery Campaigns
- Use high-quality visuals Bad photos stop good ads. Clear, sharp images get more clicks.
- Write simple, bold headlines No fluff. Clear offers and actions.
- Match message to audience Talk to what users care about. Make it personal.
- Add strong CTAs Tell users what to do. “Shop now.” “Book today.”
- Keep testing Google lets you run many versions. Use that power.
- Skip text-heavy images Too much text turns users away. Let the photo do the work.
- Let Google optimize Trust its machine learning. It works better with more data.
Follow these, and you’ll be ahead of most brands.
Discovery Campaign Setup Checklist
- Define your goal (leads, sales, views)
- Set your daily budget
- Upload images (single and carousel)
- Add multiple headlines (up to 5)
- Add 1–5 descriptions
- Choose audience targeting
- Launch and track every week
It’s simple to set up. But setup done right makes a big difference.
Easy to Start, Easy to Scale
No long setup. No complex ad groups.
Google Discovery Ads work off your existing creative and goals. As results improve, scaling becomes simple.
See the Results Yourself
This is not a theory.
Our clients have grown sales and dropped ad costs using discovery campaigns in Google Ads.
Real Growth, Real Fast
One client saw 3x more leads in 30 days.
Another saved 45% on cost-per-click. All from Google Discovery Ads.
What We Do for You
- Build custom discovery campaigns
- Research your ideal audience
- Write all ad copy
- Choose top visuals
- Track weekly results
- A/B test ads
- Optimize constantly
We do the hard part so you see results.
Let’s Build a Campaign That Works
We’ll set up your Google Discovery Ads from scratch. Or audit what you’ve got and make it better.
Free Discovery Campaign Review
Send us your current setup. We’ll spot what’s working and what’s not—at no cost.
Get Started Now
Fill out a quick form. We’ll reply within one business day.
One Simple Goal More Sales
Everything we do points to results. Google Discovery Ads help you sell more. That’s it.