A Google campaign type that placed visual ads across YouTube, Gmail, and Discover feeds using machine learning to find audiences likely to engage. Google has since retired the name. Every Discovery campaign was upgraded to Demand Gen by early 2024, which runs on the same feeds plus YouTube Shorts. You provide the creative assets. The algorithm decides placement. Reporting gives you conversion data but limited placement transparency. It fits somewhere between display prospecting and Performance Max. Like most Google automated campaign types, the controls are limited by design.
Ad tech glossary
Discovery Campaigns
Technical definition
Google's former visual ad campaign type for YouTube, Gmail and Discover feeds. Google upgraded all Discovery campaigns to Demand Gen campaigns between late 2023 and March 2024.
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Related terms
- Ad Rank
- Broad Match Modifier (RIP)
- FLEDGE (First Locally-Executed Decision over Groups Experiment)
- FLoC (Federated Learning of Cohorts)
- Local Service Ads
- Match Types
- Maximize Conversion Value
- Negative Keywords
- Performance Max
- PRAM (Partnership for Responsible Addressable Media)
- Privacy Sandbox
- Project Rearc
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