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Knowledge Center

What is the difference between DV360 and Google Ads?

The main differences include:

  • Inventory: DV360 has access to more ad inventory across multiple exchanges, while Google Ads primarily uses Google's own network.

  • Targeting: DV360 offers more advanced audience targeting options, including first-party data integration.

  • Features: DV360 provides more sophisticated tools for campaign management, reporting, and optimization.

  • 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…

  • Wider reach across multiple ad exchanges

  • More advanced targeting capabilities

  • Better integration with other Google Marketing Platform tools

  • Access to premium inventory and formats

  • Enhanced reporting and optimization features

 

How can DV360 differ from Performance Max campaigns?

Some clarity on the inventory differences between Pmax & DV360,

  • 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.

  • DV360 inventory (green rectangle) includes the Google Network, but also has access to:

    • A large range of ad exchanges across the full programmatic and CTV ecosystem

    • Access to incremental media channels (DOOH, Audio, Native)

    • Exclusive access to YouTube TV

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DV360 Features vs Google Ads Features

Inventory Access

  • DV360 provides access to a much broader range of ad inventory across multiple ad exchanges and premium publishers.

  • Google Ads is limited primarily to Google's own ad network inventory.

Targeting Capabilities

  • DV360 offers more advanced audience targeting options, including integration with third-party data providers.

  • Google Ads has more limited targeting options, mainly using Google's first-party data.

Programmatic Capabilities

  • DV360 is a specialized programmatic platform with advanced real-time bidding and optimization features.

  • Google Ads has some programmatic capabilities but is not as sophisticated as DV360 in this area.

Reporting and Analytics

  • DV360 provides more granular reporting and analytics options.

  • Google Ads offers standard reporting but with less depth than DV360.

 

CM360 vs Google Ads

Ad Serving and Management

  • CM360 is primarily an ad server and campaign management tool for large advertisers.

  • Google Ads is an all-in-one platform for ad buying and management, but with less specialized features than CM360.

Cross-Channel Tracking

  • CM360 allows for centralized tracking and attribution across multiple channels and platforms.

  • Google Ads tracking is more limited to its own ecosystem.

Integration with Other Platforms

  • CM360 integrates seamlessly with other Google Marketing Platform products like DV360.

  • Google Ads has more limited integration capabilities.

 

DV360/CM360 vs Google Ads PMax

Campaign Control

  • DV360 and CM360 offer more granular control over campaign settings and optimizations.

  • PMax campaigns use automated, AI-driven optimization with less manual control.

Inventory Reach

  • DV360 can access a wider range of inventory across multiple exchanges.

  • PMax campaigns are limited to Google's owned and operated properties and partner networks.

Reporting Depth

  • DV360 and CM360 provide more detailed, customizable reporting options.

  • PMax offers simplified reporting with less granularity.

 

Audience Targeting

  • DV360 allows for more sophisticated audience targeting and segmentation.

  • PMax relies more heavily on Google's AI for audience targeting.

 

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