Knowledge Center
What is the difference between DV360 and Google Ads?
The main differences include:
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Inventory: DV360 has access to more ad inventory across multiple exchanges, while Google Ads primarily uses Google's own network.
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Targeting: DV360 offers more advanced audience targeting options, including first-party data integration.
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Features: DV360 provides more sophisticated tools for campaign management, reporting, and optimization.
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Pricing: DV360 typically requires higher budgets and has additional fees compared to Google Ads.
Why choose DV360 over Google Ads?
Reasons to choose DV360 include…
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Wider reach across multiple ad exchanges
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More advanced targeting capabilities
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Better integration with other Google Marketing Platform tools
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Access to premium inventory and formats
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Enhanced reporting and optimization features
How can DV360 differ from Performance Max campaigns?
Some clarity on the inventory differences between Pmax & DV360,
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PMax inventory (blue rectangle in the attached image) consists of the Google Network - 2 million+ sites including Google owned and operated properties like Gmail and YouTube (but not YouTube TV), as well as websites that partner with Google.
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DV360 inventory (green rectangle) includes the Google Network, but also has access to:
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A large range of ad exchanges across the full programmatic and CTV ecosystem
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Access to incremental media channels (DOOH, Audio, Native)
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Exclusive access to YouTube TV
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DV360 Features vs Google Ads Features
Inventory Access
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DV360 provides access to a much broader range of ad inventory across multiple ad exchanges and premium publishers.
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Google Ads is limited primarily to Google's own ad network inventory.
Targeting Capabilities
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DV360 offers more advanced audience targeting options, including integration with third-party data providers.
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Google Ads has more limited targeting options, mainly using Google's first-party data.
Programmatic Capabilities
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DV360 is a specialized programmatic platform with advanced real-time bidding and optimization features.
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Google Ads has some programmatic capabilities but is not as sophisticated as DV360 in this area.
Reporting and Analytics
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DV360 provides more granular reporting and analytics options.
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Google Ads offers standard reporting but with less depth than DV360.
CM360 vs Google Ads
Ad Serving and Management
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CM360 is primarily an ad server and campaign management tool for large advertisers.
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Google Ads is an all-in-one platform for ad buying and management, but with less specialized features than CM360.
Cross-Channel Tracking
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CM360 allows for centralized tracking and attribution across multiple channels and platforms.
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Google Ads tracking is more limited to its own ecosystem.
Integration with Other Platforms
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CM360 integrates seamlessly with other Google Marketing Platform products like DV360.
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Google Ads has more limited integration capabilities.
DV360/CM360 vs Google Ads PMax
Campaign Control
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DV360 and CM360 offer more granular control over campaign settings and optimizations.
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PMax campaigns use automated, AI-driven optimization with less manual control.
Inventory Reach
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DV360 can access a wider range of inventory across multiple exchanges.
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PMax campaigns are limited to Google's owned and operated properties and partner networks.
Reporting Depth
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DV360 and CM360 provide more detailed, customizable reporting options.
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PMax offers simplified reporting with less granularity.
Audience Targeting
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DV360 allows for more sophisticated audience targeting and segmentation.
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PMax relies more heavily on Google's AI for audience targeting.