> Quick answer: Google auto-generates videos in Performance Max, builds 6- or 15-second clips in the Video Creation Tool, and is rolling out image-to-video with Veo. All three methods work best when you start with high-quality images and sharp copy already prepared.
Google has three ways to generate video ads with AI. Each works differently. The right choice depends on your campaign type, creative control, and how fast you need to move.
How Google Generates Video Ads with AI
Google's AI turns static assets into video. Images, logos, and text are the raw material. Feed it quality inputs and the output reflects that. Feed it low-res images and generic copy, and the video shows it too.
Option 1: Auto-Generated Videos in Performance Max Campaigns
What Performance Max auto-generation does
Performance Max campaigns create videos automatically if you skip the upload step. Google's AI assembles your images, logos, and text from the asset group into a short video ad. No editing software. No timeline work. It just runs.
Asset requirements for Google's AI to work
Per Google's Ads Help Center, uploaded video assets for Performance Max should be a minimum of 10 seconds and HD quality in either MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 format. For auto-generated videos, the AI pulls from whatever images and copy you've added to your asset group. Strong images and clear headlines produce stronger videos. Weak inputs drag the whole ad down.
Video formats and orientations generated
Google auto-generates horizontal, vertical, and square versions from a single asset group. One setup covers YouTube pre-roll, YouTube Shorts, and Display Network placements at once.
Option 2: Google Ads Video Creation Tool
Finding the tool in Asset Library
Open Google Ads and navigate to Asset Library. The Video Creation Tool is there. No third-party accounts. No extra logins needed.
Using templates for 6 or 15-second videos
Select a template in either 6. or 15-second format. Upload images, add your logo, and insert text with simple animation. The tool assembles the video from those pieces. Per Think with Google research, 6-15 seconds is the recommended length for Awareness campaigns. Action campaigns perform best at 15 seconds. Consideration campaigns can run 1-3 minutes.
Adding custom voiceover (15+ languages)
The Video Creation Tool supports voiceover in more than 15 languages. This is worth doing. Data shows voiceover drives 81% more conversions than video without it. Pick your language, type or record your script, and the tool layers it into the video.
Adapting videos for horizontal, square, and vertical
Templates come in all three orientations. Build a separate version for each placement. Make sure your logo appears prominently in the first 5 seconds. Google recommends front-loading brand identity in every video format.
Option 3: Image-to-Video with Veo (Coming Soon)
What image-to-video does
Veo is Google's image-to-video model. You supply product images. It returns video. No camera. No editing suite. Just inputs and output.
How Veo expands creative possibilities
Veo also supports AI outpainting, which extends video frames beyond their original borders. That means one image can become multiple aspect ratios without any reshooting. Google's Asset Studio will eventually consolidate these tools inside Google Ads in a single location.
Timeline and availability
Veo-powered image-to-video is live now in Merchant Center. The rollout to core Google Ads is planned but not yet complete as of the May 2025 announcement. Check your Google Ads account for updates before assuming the feature is available to you.
The Best Way: Prepare Assets Before Google's AI Takes Over
Start with high-quality images and copy via AI generation
Google's AI multiplies the quality of what you give it. Start with polished product images and tight, on-brand copy. Generate both before you open Google Ads. That preparation step is where most advertisers fall short, and where the gap between good ads and forgettable ones begins.
Let Google's AI handle scaling and format adaptation
Once your assets are ready, hand the scaling work to Google. Auto-generation and the Video Creation Tool handle format matching, orientation, and placement targeting. Your job is to prepare the best possible raw material and let the automation do the rest.
Edit and optimize with Google's tools or external editors
Review every generated video before it goes live. Swap weak images. Sharpen underperforming headlines. Adjust voiceover scripts where the message isn't landing. Small edits compound into meaningfully better performance over time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Performance Max always auto-generate a video if I don't upload one?
Yes. Per Google's Ads Help Center, Performance Max will auto-generate one or more videos from your asset group if no video is uploaded. Quality depends heavily on the images, logos, and copy you provide. High-quality inputs produce stronger auto-generated ads.
Can I use Veo image-to-video inside Google Ads right now?
Not yet in core Google Ads. As of May 2025, Veo-powered image-to-video is available in Merchant Center and is planned for rollout to Google Ads, but a specific launch date has not been announced. Check your Google Ads account for updates.
What video length should I use for Google video ads?
Google recommends 6-15 seconds for Awareness campaigns, 15 seconds for Action campaigns, and 1-3 minutes for Consideration campaigns. For Performance Max, uploaded video assets should be a minimum of 10 seconds in HD quality.