Google Ads tightens Performance Max creative review
Google Ads has rolled out stricter automatic creative review inside Performance Max, flagging low-quality AI images and stretched assets that hurt asset-group ratings — advertisers should refresh creatives.
Google Ads has tightened the automated creative quality checks running inside Performance Max in mid-2026.
What happened?
PMax now flags blurry stock images, AI artefacts and stretched logos at the asset-group level, and lowers the 'Asset Strength' score until they are replaced.
Why it matters for businesses
Asset Strength directly affects how often Google's AI serves your assets in high-intent placements. A weak score means fewer impressions on YouTube and Discover.
How businesses can use this update
Open each PMax asset group, replace any low-rated image, add 4–6 fresh square + portrait creatives, and aim for 'Excellent' Asset Strength on every group.
Pacewalk expert note
We ship monthly creative refreshes for PMax clients — keeping Asset Strength 'Excellent' alone has lifted client ROAS 15–30% in our books.
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Related reading
Original source: Google Ads Blog
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