In Industry News on
Starting October 7th, 2025, Google is introducing a major change in RSoC reporting.
The update affects a system stability issue that arose when advertisers combined “Custom Channels” and “Search Styles” in the same report.
From now on, it will no longer be compatible in both the AdSense UI and API. The update will be in effect starting from October 10th, 2025.
This move aims to create a more stable and safer reporting for all partners, but it also creates some difficulties for advertisers who rely on granular performance insights.
Advertisers and publishers could compare segment data by both Custom Channels and Search Styles.
This combination helped marketers identify the best-performing ad formats for each section of their site.
Google has disabled this combination entirely:
Google has two key reasons for this update:
Advertisers can no longer see how specific ad styles perform within individual channels in a single report.
This reduces visibility into micro-level performance patterns.
Without combined reporting, testing and optimization will take more time.
You’ll likely need to run multiple separate reports, compare datasets manually, or use external analytics tools.
Since detailed segmentation is harder to measure, some publishers will consolidate their custom channels, like merging small sections into broader groups, and search styles – choosing one “universal” style instead of many.
This consolidation can improve data stability but may slightly reduce precision in revenue optimization.
Advertisers who previously micromanaged ad placements might now rely more on Google’s optimization systems, like Auto Ads and machine learning–driven style selection.
That could simplify operations but limit manual control.
Even though combined reporting is gone, advertisers can still extract valuable insights using a few smart options:
Generate two separate reports: one segmented by Custom Channel and one by Search Style. Upon that compare them manually.
Use Filters Instead of Dimensions – In the AdSense UI, apply one as a filter and use the other as a dimension.
By linking AdSense to GA4, you can analyze user behavior alongside ad revenue, even if AdSense itself no longer combines the data.
GA4 can help identify which content drives the best engagement and monetization.
Assign different search styles to specific sections or time periods.
You’ll get clear before/after comparisons without relying on combined reporting.
If you have many small custom channels or styles that don’t hit the 10-click threshold, merge or retire them.
Focus your analysis on high-performing and statistically significant segments.
This update is part of a broader trend in digital advertising, a shift toward privacy importance.
Google continues to tighten data exposure to align with GDPR and CCPA standards. Expect more summarized data across all ad products.
As Google reduces reporting, advertisers are turning to analytics tools to regain deeper insight.
Some advertisers may reach out to direct search feed providers offering more flexible analytics.
Others will double down on AdSense while building stronger in-house data pipelines.
By removing small, unstable data points, Google ensures more consistent reporting accuracy, forcing advertisers to focus on important metrics.
This change may feel restrictive, but it aligns with Google’s direction toward stable, safe, and quality-focused monetization.
Here’s how to stay ahead:
The RSoC reporting fix means Google is prioritizing data integrity and compliance over flexibility. Advertisers who adapt early and focus on reliable data sources will improve performance.
Yes, optimization will require a few more steps.
But by embracing smarter segmentation, you’ll continue to make data-driven decisions in a rapidly evolving ecosystem.
In short:
👉 Less raw data.
👉 More meaningful insights.
👉 A stronger, more compliant monetization future.
So, get ready for the upcoming changes, and make the most out of it!
