PPC

Google tests “App Labs” hub for early ad features

Google is quietly testing a new “App Labs” beta inside Google Ads, giving app advertisers early access to experimental campaign features before wider rollout.

What’s new. A dedicated tab within the App advertising hub where advertisers can try limited-time experiments, provide feedback, and explore tools still in development.

Google App Laps

Why we care. Google is giving early access to experimental features in Google Ads before they roll out widely. That means a chance to test, learn, and optimize ahead of competitors. Those who adopt early can gain a performance edge and adapt faster as new tools become standard.

Zoom in. Features in App Labs are not guaranteed to launch permanently. Instead, they function as short-term tests, giving Google real-world input while offering advertisers a first-mover advantage.

Between the lines. This is effectively a sandbox for app campaigns — and a signal that Google wants more advertiser input earlier in the product cycle.

What to watch. Early adopters may gain performance advantages by testing and adapting to features before competitors even see them.

First seen. This update was first spotted by Google Ads expert – Thomas Eccel who shared spotting the update on LinkedIn.

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Google Ads Google Mobile app Online advertising Software testing Beta test LinkedIn Thomas Eccel
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About the author

Anu Adegbola

Paid Media News Editor, Search Engine Land

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, AdWorld Experience (Bologna, IT) and more.