AI Max for Google Search Ads

The Romanian market and why AI Max matters Romania is a highly competitive e-commerce market, with a relatively small number of digitally active consumers but a high density of online stores competing in the same segments. Unlike large markets, where you can stand out with massive budgets, in Romania the key to success is extremely efficient campaign optimization and adopting emerging technologies as early as possible. AI Max, launched by Google in May 2025, is a smart extension for Search campaigns that combines: machine learning, semantic matching, automatic generation of relevant assets, and real-time optimization based on user intent. In practice, it's a smart upgrade to Search Ads, without completely giving up keyword control. AI MAX vs Performance MAX .comparison-cards { display: flex; flex-direction: column; gap: 1.5rem; } .comparison-card { background: #fff; border-radius: 16px; padding: 20px; border: 2px solid #efefef; } .comparison-header { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 12px; } .comparison-row { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; padding: 8px 0; border-top: 1px solid #efefef; font-size: 14px; color: #1f2937; } .comparison-label { font-size: 14px; width: 30%; } .comparison-value { width: 65%; text-align: right; } @media (max-width: 600px) { .comparison-row { flex-direction: column; align-items: flex-start; } .comparison-value { text-align: left; margin-top: 4px; } } Feature Channel AI Max Google Search only PMax All Google channels Feature Targeting AI Max Based on keyword logic and semantic matching PMax Based on audience and behavior signals Feature Assets AI Max Text, generated and optimized automatically PMax Visual + text, uploaded manually Feature Control AI Max High (by query, brand, location, assets) PMax Limited, focused on overall results Feature Best for AI Max Search-heavy e-commerce PMax Mixed full-funnel campaigns Feature Reporting AI Max Granular, by queries, assets and pages PMax…