Google announced it will shut down the Content API for Shopping on Aug. 18, 2026, officially making the Merchant API the new standard for managing Merchant Center accounts.
Why we care. For over a decade, advertisers and retailers have relied on the Content API to push product data into Google Shopping. The new Merchant API promises a simpler, more powerful way to control how products appear across both organic and ad surfaces – but it means developers and PPC teams need to start planning migrations now.
Details:
- The Merchant API has been available in beta since May 2024, but is now generally available.
- Google describes it as a “simplified interface” for scaling product feeds and gaining programmatic access to data, insights, and unique capabilities.
- It will serve as the primary tool for product data management, spanning both paid and organic listings.
What’s next. The Content API remains available until August 2026, but Google urges advertisers to migrate sooner.
- Help docs are live to guide developers through the transition.
- Expect growing forum chatter as advertisers share migration challenges and best practices.
Bottom line. If your ecommerce business relies on the Content API, the clock is ticking. Moving to the Merchant API isn’t optional, and early adopters may gain a smoother path to scaling feeds and campaigns.