Google released Google Ads API version 26.2 on November 11, 2026, adding new controls for Demand Gen video ads and seasonal bidding. According to Google’s official Google Ads API release notes, the update gives advertisers and developers more options for managing campaigns through the API.

One of the main additions is a new video text overlay feature for Demand Gen ads. This allows Google to automatically place existing ad text, such as headlines, over video content. The goal is to make advertising messages more visible without requiring marketers to manually edit every video.

The feature applies to Demand Gen video responsive ads and uses text already provided by advertisers. For new ads created through Google Ads API v26, video text overlays are enabled by default, while new ads created through earlier API versions default to opted out. Developers can manage this option at the ad level using Google’s asset automation settings.

Automated overlays could reduce the time spent preparing video ads, but advertisers still need to check that the text is readable and fits their brand. Similar questions about balancing automation and brand control are also relevant to Adobe’s GenStudio campaign planning and brand tools.

Google has also introduced beta support for seasonality adjustments in Demand Gen campaigns. This feature allows advertisers to provide temporary bidding signals when they expect a significant change in conversion rates during a specific period.

For example, an online store running a three-day sale may expect a temporary increase in purchases. A seasonality adjustment tells Google’s automated bidding system about the expected change in conversion rate during that period. Google’s seasonality adjustment guidance recommends using this tool for short events lasting one to seven days, rather than relying on it for extended periods.

The beta supports seasonality adjustments for selected Demand Gen campaigns or the Demand Gen advertising channel as a whole. According to Google, these adjustments can apply to YouTube, Display, Gmail, and Maps inventory, but they do not affect Discover. Advertisers should check where their campaigns run before using this setting.

For digital marketing agencies, these changes offer more options when managing advertising through automated tools and custom systems. Teams can use the new capabilities to support video creative management and prepare bidding strategies for important sales periods.

These new controls do not guarantee better advertising results. Businesses should monitor conversions, cost per conversion, and return on ad spend when evaluating campaign changes. For a simple performance-review routine, ImiliCorp’s guide to weekly marketing performance metrics offers related reading for business owners.

For businesses using Demand Gen campaigns to generate leads, reliable conversion tracking is equally important. Reviewing GA4 form abandonment tracking can help teams identify where potential customers leave a form before submitting their details.

Google Ads API 26.2 is a minor release with no breaking changes. The new controls are especially relevant to developers and agencies managing campaigns through API integrations. Teams should confirm that their tools support the updated settings before making changes, rather than assuming every new API option is available as a separate control in the Google Ads interface.

The release highlights Google’s continued focus on advertising automation and campaign flexibility. As businesses prepare for competitive shopping periods, these improvements could help marketing teams manage Demand Gen campaigns with greater control over creative presentation and seasonal bidding.