AI Max experiments arrive in Google Ads: Here’s how they work

Google Ads is ditching duplicate campaigns with a built-in experiment tool that fast-tracks AI Max testing using a 50/50 split.

Google Ads rolled out a new AI Max experiment type for Search campaigns, aimed at streamlining how advertisers test AI-powered features – without duplicating campaigns.

Why we care. Traditional experiments require creating campaign copies, adding complexity and delaying results. This new format runs within the original campaign, splitting the budget 50/50 between control and test groups. The goal: faster, statistically valid insights.

How it works:

  • Found under a new Choose a variable to test section, advertisers can now select AI Max for Search campaigns.
  • The experiment auto-enables:
    • Search Term Matching
    • Asset Optimization
  • Advertisers can customize these settings at the campaign or ad group level.
  • By default, results are auto-applied. This can be turned off for more control.
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Zoom out. The new setup is already visible in many accounts. For those looking for more details, Google Ads’ help page on AI Max Experiments breaks it down.

First seen. This update was first surfaced by marketing consultant Dario Zannoni.


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Anu Adegbola

Anu Adegbola has been Paid Media Editor of Search Engine Land since 2024. She covers paid search, paid social, retail media, video and more.

In 2008, Anu started her career delivering digital marketing campaigns (mostly but not exclusively Paid Search) by building strategies, maximising ROI, automating repetitive processes and bringing efficiency from every part of marketing departments through inspiring leadership both on agency, client and marketing tech side. Outside editing Search Engine Land article she is the founder of PPC networking event - PPC Live and host of weekly podcast PPC Live The Podcast.

She is also an international speaker with some of the stages she has presented on being SMX (US, UK, Munich, Berlin), Friends of Search (Amsterdam, NL), brightonSEO, The Marketing Meetup, HeroConf (PPC Hero), SearchLove, BiddableWorld, SESLondon, PPC Chat Live, AdWorld Experience (Bologna, IT) and more.