Can I create Video campaigns using the Google Ads API (e.g., non-skippable 15s ad)?

[Lok Lam]

Hi everyone,

I'm trying to create a Video campaign in Google Ads, specifically one that runs non-skippable in-stream ads (15 seconds), using the Google Ads API.

After reviewing the documentation, I’m a bit confused:

• It seems that the API does not support creating Video campaigns in the same way the Google Ads UI does.

• I’ve tried to create a VIDEO campaign with the VIDEO_NON_SKIPPABLE_IN_STREAM ad group type and a manual CPM bidding strategy—but I haven’t been successful.

My questions:

1. Is it true that the Google Ads API currently does NOT support full creation of "Video" campaigns, especially for non-skippable in-stream formats?

2. If that's the case, is there any other way to programmatically create a video campaign—for example:

   • Using another API?

   • Using a campaign template system(not in the UI)?

   • Via Google Ads Scripts or bulk upload(not in the UI)?

3.  If it is possible using the API, what are the required fields/configuration to make a valid non-skippable in-stream campaign work?

Any guidance or examples (JSON structure, client library references, etc.) would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks in advance 

[Google Ads API and AdWords API Forum]

Hi,

Thank you for reaching out to the Google Ads API support team. 

The Google Ads API does not support all campaign types found in the Google Ads UI, for example, Video Campaigns are not fully supported for modification. While video campaign metrics can be retrieved via the API, actions that alter video campaigns, including pausing, enabling, organizing, changing criteria, or adding ad groups, are not supported. These unsupported actions apply to both basic and complex operations. However, you can use Demand Gen and Performance Max for image and video ad placements on YouTube.

Since this feature is still not supported in the Google Ads API, please be assured that our team is actively working on it. However, we do not have a specific time frame for the availability of this feature at the moment. For future updates, refer to our Release Notes and Blog Post.