Google Ad Manager Interface Has Changed! Here’s How to Navigate Around It

This post was most recently updated on August 7th, 2020

Google Ad Manager (GAM) just had a facelift! The new interface looks a lot cleaner but can be a bit confusing at first. Some sections remained the same, and below, we breakdown the ones that changed and could impact your ad trafficking and ad optimization experience.

Admin

Enabling API and adding a Service Account User

For GAM to be able to communicate with another server or software, API access (Application Programming Interface) should be enabled. This is now required before you can add a Service Account User (A Google account user that can access Ad Manager data programmatically with applications.)

Some agencies, like those providing reports or dashboards, require to be authorized as a Service Account User for more accurate data or reporting.

Linked accounts

This used to be under Global Settings > Network Settings. To run AdSense or Ad Exchange as backfill or on Dynamic Allocation, this is where you start the linking process: Admin > Linked Accounts > Click the appropriate tab.

Ad Exchange account settings

There’s now a dedicated tab for your Ad Exchange account settings under Global Settings. This is where you can find your Pub ID and other things related to your Ad Exchange account.

Make sure Average Revenue Share is enabled, so Ad Exchange ad requests pay a contracted revenue share, which is based on an average throughout the billing period. If disabled, each Ad Exchange ad requests from this network will pay the least contracted revenue share, which reduces your Ad Exchange yield.

Delivery

Order

The new interface now automatically saves a new Order as soon as you add your first Line Item. It has a completely revamped look and a bunch of new optional fields that can aid in trafficking and reporting.

Line item

The first screen you’ll see when creating a new Line Item allows you to choose the ad type: Display or Video.

The interface for Video has been made easier to navigate around. You can enter more than one size. You can also indicate who will host the creative.

Creatives

Uploading creatives will start by first choosing the size you’d like to upload a creative for. In some cases, you can re-use a pre-existing creative:

The Creative Types page has leveled up. It has widgets and provides more information, which makes more sense.

Inventory

Key-Value Pairs

The Key is now automatically saved when you click to add new Values. You won’t be able to edit your Key name afterward, so make sure you have everything correct before clicking the ‘New Values’ button.

Conclusion

Setting up Google Ad Manager can be a lot of work. Let the ad ops experts handle Google Ad Manager for you. We’ll optimize your ads and help you maximize your ad revenue. Sign up today!

Kean Graham

Kean Graham is the CEO and founder of MonetizeMore & a pioneer in the Adtech Industry. He is the resident expert in Ad Optimization, covering areas like Adsense Optimization,GAM Management, and third-party ad network partnerships. Kean believes in the supremacy of direct publisher deals and holistic optimization as keys to effective and consistent ad revenue increases.