Google announces October changes to Display & Video 360 API

Google is making three unversioned changes to the Display & Video 360 API and Structured Data Files in October, including removing some content exclusion options and introducing new requirements for YouTube responsive ads.

Because the changes are unversioned, developers with existing integrations may need to make adjustments rather than waiting until they migrate to a newer API version.

What’s changing. Starting Oct. 1 st, advertisers will no longer be able to use targeting to exclude specific digital content labels through the Display & Video 360 API.

The change affects available TARGETING_TYPE_DIGITAL_CONTENT_LABEL_EXCLUSION targeting options as well as valid values in the Digital Content Labels - Exclude column within Line Item Structured Data Files.

Sensitive category exclusions. Google is also removing the ability to exclude the majority of sensitive categories using targeting from Oct. 1.

That change affects TARGETING_TYPE_SENSITIVE_CATEGORY_EXCLUSION options in the API and the Brand Safety Sensitivity Setting and Brand Safety Custom Settings columns in Line Item Structured Data Files.

YouTube ads get new requirements. A separate change takes effect Oct. 12, when Google will require a business name and logo when developers create or update YouTube responsive ads. The requirement applies when default business name and logo values haven’t already been assigned to the parent advertiser.

It will also affect advertisers and developers uploading ads through Ad Structured Data Files.

Why we care. The removal of content label and sensitive category exclusion options could require advertisers and platforms relying on those targeting controls to review their existing brand-safety workflows. Meanwhile, integrations that create or update YouTube responsive ads will need to ensure the required business identity assets are available before Oct. 12 to avoid problems with their workflows.

What developers should do. Google is advising developers who believe their integrations will be affected to follow the recommended actions outlined within its individual deprecation descriptions.

That makes it worth auditing integrations ahead of October, particularly those that manage content exclusions or automate YouTube responsive ad creation through the API or Structured Data Files.

Key dates. The targeting changes take effect Oct. 1, removing specific digital content label exclusions and most sensitive category exclusions. The new business name and logo requirement for YouTube responsive ads follows on Oct. 12.

Bottom line. Display & Video 360 integrations have two October deadlines to prepare for, with Google reducing some targeting-based exclusion controls while adding mandatory business identity requirements for YouTube responsive ads.