> Quick answer: Google carousel ads run inside Demand Gen campaigns. Use 2–10 images at 1200×628, 1200×1200, or 960×1200px. Keep all cards at the same aspect ratio. Add 3–5 headlines (40 chars max) and 1–5 descriptions (90 chars max). Disapproval of one card can affect the entire ad.
Carousel ads let you show multiple products or angles in a single placement. They run through Google's Demand Gen campaigns. Here's exactly what you need to build one.
What is a Google Carousel Ad?
A Google carousel ad is a multi-image format inside Demand Gen campaigns. Viewers swipe through cards. Each card links to its own URL.
Where carousel ads appear
Carousel ads surface on the Discover feed, YouTube homepage, Gmail (Promotions and Social tabs), and the Google home page. That's wide reach across moments when people are actively browsing and open to new products.
Key advantages: multiple products, storytelling, higher engagement
Each card can feature a different product, offer, or perspective. That means more chances to match what a viewer actually wants. Sequential cards also let you tell a story across the format.
Carousel Ad Image and Format Specifications
Per Google's Ads API documentation, carousel ads require strict image specs. Match them exactly or your ad will not serve.
Image dimensions: 1200×628px (landscape), 1200×1200px (square), 960×1200px (portrait)
Use one of these three sizes:
- Landscape: 1200×628px (1.91:1 ratio)
- Square: 1200×1200px (1:1 ratio)
- Portrait: 960×1200px (4:5 ratio)
All cards must use the same aspect ratio
Every card in a single carousel must share one aspect ratio. Mix landscape and square and Google will reject the ad. Test landscape versus square in separate campaigns to find what performs best for your brand.
File size and format (5MB max, JPG/PNG)
Each image must be JPG or PNG. Maximum file size is 5MB per image.
Number of carousel cards (2–10 cards supported)
Include between 2 and 10 carousel cards. Each card supports its own image, title, and destination URL.
Text and Copy Requirements
Headlines: 3–5, max 40 characters each
Add 3–5 headlines. Each headline is capped at 40 characters. Google may mix and match them across placements.
Descriptions: 1–5, max 90 characters each
Add 1–5 descriptions. Each description maxes out at 90 characters.
Business name: max 25 characters
Your business name appears across the ad. Maximum 25 characters.
CTA options (automated or manual, per-card customization)
Google offers automated CTA selection or manual control. You can assign a different CTA to each individual card.
Logo note: Your logo renders as a circular crop. Google crops roughly 5.36% of each corner. Design with that in mind. Minimum logo size is 128×128px. Recommended is 1200×1200px.
Step-by-Step: Create a Google Carousel Ad
Step 1: Set up a Demand Gen campaign
Open Google Ads. Click New Campaign. Select Demand Gen as the campaign type. Set your budget, bidding strategy, and audience. Confirm that sitewide conversion tracking is active before you continue. Google Ads requires it for Demand Gen campaigns.
Step 2: Choose carousel ad format
Inside your ad group, select the carousel ad format. Single-image and video options are also available. Pick carousel.
Step 3: Upload images and set carousel cards
Upload 2–10 images. Assign each card its own destination URL. Add a card-level headline if you want tailored messaging per product.
Step 4: Add text, URLs, and CTA
Enter your headlines (3–5), descriptions (1–5), and business name. Choose your CTA. Set the final URL for the overall ad.
Step 5: Upload logo and finalize
Upload a square logo at 1:1 ratio. Use 1200×1200px for best quality. Check the ad preview and confirm the circular crop works for your logo design.
Step 6: Review and launch
Review every card in the preview panel. Check every URL. Submit. After launch, expect a 2-week learning period. Avoid changing bid strategies during that window.
What Google Will Disapprove
Google's ad policies reject carousel creatives that break these rules:
Misleading CTAs and interactive-looking elements
Images must not contain buttons, input fields, or hyperlinked text. Anything that looks clickable inside the image will trigger disapproval.
Poor image quality, blank backgrounds, graphic illustrations
Blurry images, blank or solid-color backgrounds, and graphic illustrations are not permitted. Google requires authentic, high-quality photography.
Clickbait, misleading products, provocative imagery
Exaggerated claims, misleading product representations, and provocative content all fail review. Selfies are also not permitted in this format.
Lack of context or authenticity
Images must be contextual. Generic stock photos with no connection to your actual product or offer often get flagged.
Card-level rule: If Google disapproves one card, it can affect the entire ad's approval status. Review each card carefully before submitting.
How Coinis Image Ads Can Help You Create Faster
Building 2–10 on-brand carousel images from scratch takes time. Coinis Image Ads generates them from a product URL. Paste the URL, describe the angle, and get ad-ready images in seconds.
Use Brand Profile to lock in your brand colors, fonts, and voice. Every image stays consistent across all cards without manual adjustments.
Coinis publishes directly to Meta today. For Google Ads, export your assets and upload them natively in Demand Gen. You get AI-speed generation without losing control of your campaign setup.
Or let Coinis do it.
From a product URL to a live Meta campaign. AI-generated creatives. On-brand copy. Direct publish to Facebook and Instagram. Real performance reporting. All in one platform.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many images can a Google carousel ad have?
Google carousel ads support between 2 and 10 cards. Each card can have its own image, headline, and destination URL.
Do all carousel cards need to be the same size?
Yes. All cards in a single carousel must use the same aspect ratio. You can choose landscape (1200×628px), square (1200×1200px), or portrait (960×1200px), but you cannot mix ratios within one ad.