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SEM Management

Best Practices for Images and Videos in Google Ads

Cristina Jiménez Gómez
October 30, 2026
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5 min read

Image and video assets are essential in many of today's most critical Google Ads campaigns, such as Performance Max and Demand Gen.

PMax distributes ads across multiple channels, including YouTube, Display, Discover, and Maps. However, video is often the most overlooked asset, and neglecting it can be costly. If you don't upload a video in PMax, Google usually creates an auto-generated video or a low-quality carousel from your images. This does not happen in Demand Gen campaigns unless you choose to advertise on YouTube.

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Below are the main recommendations to achieve strong results in your campaigns:

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🖼️ Images and Formats:

  • Diversity of aspect ratios: Upload content in Landscape (1.91:1), Square (1:1), and Portrait (4:5). Include at least three of each ratio and specify which formats each image is best suited for.
  • Mix styles: Combine clean product photography (neutral backgrounds for Shopping/Display) with lifestyle photos featuring products in real-life contexts for Discover or YouTube.
  • Avoid excessive text: Save offers and promos for the text lines; Google penalizes images cluttered with text.

🎬 Video: The Key Asset:

  • Do not let Google auto-generate videos: If you don't upload your own video, PMax will combine your images and text into a low-quality default template.
  • Multiple formats: You need at least one landscape video (16:9) for standard YouTube and one vertical video (9:16) for YouTube Shorts.
  • The 3-second rule: Hook attention immediately, introduce your brand early, and end with a clear, customized CTA.

With Dolnai, you can monitor asset performance and analyze success patterns to replicate in your future creations. You should also tailor your creative assets to your target audience and their stage in the conversion funnel.

If you edit images using AI—or generate them from scratch—make sure it isn't obvious. AI-generated imagery often triggers user backlash, and Google requires you to declare AI edits.

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Cristina Jiménez Gómez
October 30, 2026
•
5 min read

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