Google Ads no longer pre-selects the Display Network when setting up a Search campaign — a small tweak that could lead to big savings for advertisers.
What’s new. According to Google Ads Coach Jyll Saskin Gales, the checkbox to include the Display Network is now unselected by default, though it still carries a “Recommended” label. In August 2024, the setting was both pre-checked and labeled recommended, making it easy to overlook.
Why we care. For years, the Display Network was automatically enabled in new Search campaigns, leading many advertisers — especially less experienced ones — to spend budget unintentionally on placements outside of Search results.
This update gives more control over where budget goes — by no longer automatically including the Display Network in Search campaigns, there is less likelihood of accidental spend on lower-performing placements that often yield less qualified traffic.
Yes, but. The update hasn’t been confirmed across all Google Ads accounts and may be part of a limited test or tied to Google’s ongoing UI redesign.
Between the lines. If this change goes global, it could help advertisers avoid accidental spend on lower-intent Display inventory — a common issue among newcomers to the platform.
The bottom line. A quiet but meaningful update that signals Google may be giving advertisers more control — or at least reducing unintended campaign bloat.