Google Stops New Smart Campaign Creation via API, Pushes Performance Max

Google announced that starting August 3 2026, developers will no longer be able to create new Smart Campaigns through the Google Ads API. Existing Smart Campaigns remain unaffected and can still be updated or managed via the API. The change specifically blocks campaign creation operations where advertising_channel_type is SMART and advertising_channel_sub_type is SMART_CAMPAIGN. In API version 24, attempts to create a new Smart Campaign will return a SmartCampaignError.CREATION_FAILED error, while in version 23 and earlier the error will be OperationAccessDeniedError.CREATE_OPERATION_NOT_PERMITTED. Google recommends migrating to newer AI‑driven campaign types such as Performance Max, Search, or Demand Gen. The move reflects a broader consolidation toward automated, AI‑powered formats that automate bidding, targeting, and creative optimization across Google’s inventory. Agencies, software providers, and advertisers that rely on API‑based campaign creation must review and update their workflows before the August deadline to avoid disruptions. The policy does not affect existing Smart Campaigns, but it signals a strategic shift away from legacy automation products.

The article highlights that developers can identify affected requests by inspecting the advertising_channel_type and advertising_channel_sub_type fields. It also notes that Performance Max is the primary alternative, with Search and Demand Gen as additional options.

In summary, the API change forces a migration to newer automated campaign types and requires developers to adjust their integration before the August 2026 cut‑off.