# Google Demand Gen mixed-media ads: video placement controls go for new ads

> Google is rolling out one Demand Gen ad that mixes images, video and carousels, and removes video creative preference controls for new ads. What to do.
- **Author**: Marxx
- **Published**: 2026-11-07
- **Category**: Google
- **URL**: https://marxx.ai/library-news/google-demand-gen-mixed-media-ads-video-controls-removed

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Google is rolling out a mixed-media ad flow in Demand Gen, reported on **6 November 2026**. One new ad can combine images, video, carousels, a product feed and text, and Google picks the placement. Single-media ads stay available to create until **January 2027**.

## What we know

This comes from [PPC News Feed](https://ppcnewsfeed.com/ppc-news/2026-11/google-demand-gen-combines-ad-formats-automates-controls/), which credits a LinkedIn post by a Google Ads specialist. We found no Google help page yet, so this is reported, not confirmed. The report says:

- **New ads only:** existing ads stay editable.
- **Removed:** the video-level creative preference controls on new ads.
- **Placement:** Google now chooses by video shape. A square or horizontal video can run in YouTube Shorts with a blur above and below it.
- **Still possible:** limit video to certain YouTube surfaces with separate ad groups and channel controls.
- **Action needed:** none, according to the report. It names no countries.

## What it means for your ad account

If you make [vertical video](/guides/youtube-shorts-ad-specs), Shorts will look right. If you only have a 16:9 file, expect the blurred bars in Shorts and a weaker first impression. You also lose the switch that said which video goes where, so one weak video can reach every surface. See how Demand Gen already treats [YouTube Shorts assets](/news/google-demand-gen-promotion-assets-youtube-shorts).

## What to do this week

1. **Open your Demand Gen ads** and note which use single-media creative.
2. **Export a 9:16 version** of every video you plan to run in the sale period.
3. **Split ad groups** by placement if you need video kept off a surface.
4. **Create one test ad** in the new flow before Black Friday, not during it.
5. **Compare results** against your old single-media ad after a full week, using our [festive sale guide](/guides/how-to-plan-a-festive-sale-campaign).

## FAQ

### Do my existing Demand Gen ads change?

The report says no. Mixed media applies to newly created ads, and old ads remain editable.

### Can I still make single-media ads?

Yes, until January 2027, according to the report.

### How do I keep a video off Shorts?

Use separate ad groups and the channel controls, the report says.

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