← All changes · Google changes
New Performance Max campaigns will pull images from your landing pages by default from Dec 4, even if you turned Dynamic images off
What changed
Google's Ads Developer Blog says that starting December 4, 2026, image extraction (GENERATE_IMAGE_EXTRACTION) is switched on by default for every newly created Performance Max campaign, in the Google Ads UI, Google Ads Editor and the API. Google AI scans your landing pages for high-resolution images and uses them in ads across Search, YouTube, Display, Discover, Gmail and Maps. The key change: this campaign-level default applies even when Dynamic images is off at the account level. Until now, campaigns without their own setting inherited the account switch. Existing Performance Max campaigns keep their current setup. Google also reminds advertisers that they must own the rights to every image on their landing pages for advertising use.
What to do
If you turned Dynamic images off because of stock photos, licensed or UGC imagery, or regulated claims, the account switch will no longer protect new PMax campaigns. From Dec 4, set image extraction to Off on each new Performance Max campaign you create. If you use a script or tool to build campaigns, have it send GENERATE_IMAGE_EXTRACTION = OPTED_OUT. When you update an existing campaign through the API, resend the whole asset_automation_settings list, because a partial update wipes the other settings (for example text automation). Check that your landing-page images are licensed for ads.
Source
- Google Ads Developer Blog: Upcoming changes to image extraction in Performance Max campaigns starting December 4, 2026 ↗
- PPC Land: Google turns on PMax image extraction by default from December 4 ↗
One sponsor per platform. Founding rates while we launch.
More from Google All 23 →
- Google says Smart Bidding "Learning" status never lasts more than 7 days, and budget or target changes never trigger it Oct 21
- Gemini gets a small-business hub that connects to Google Ads and Shopify Oct 20
- Google Ads Data Manager stops requiring SHA-256 hashed customer data on Nov 16 and switches to encryption Oct 18
- Google tests ads in AI Mode for people who connect Gmail, Calendar and Photos Oct 16
Monday brief
Get the changes that matter and the deadlines coming up, every Monday.