> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://data-foundation.rockerbox.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Google Ads

> Learn how to set up Google Ads integration with Rockerbox for Search, Shopping, Performance Max, Demand Gen, Display and Video campaigns

## Overview

Rockerbox can automatically append tracking parameters to most Google Ads campaigns through the Google Ads API, including Search, Shopping, Performance Max, Demand Gen, Display, and Video. This is the recommended setup method. All existing UTMs and custom parameters remain in place.

If your ads do not meet the requirements below, see [Google Ads Manual Tracking](/supported-integrations/marketing/paid-search/google-ads-manual) for instructions on applying tracking manually.

## Setup Process

1. Authenticate your Google Ads account on the [Advertising Platforms](https://app.rockerbox.com/v3/data/marketing/advertising_platforms/connect) page. This allows Rockerbox to ingest daily spend and apply tracking parameters automatically
2. Contact [support@rockerbox.com](mailto:support@rockerbox.com) with the launch date and the [tier structure](https://help.rockerbox.com/article/obce43haen-1-hierarchy-mappings) you'd like applied
3. The day after launch, confirm tracking is applied on the [Advertising Platforms](https://app.rockerbox.com/v3/data/marketing/advertising_platforms/main) page
4. If tracking is missing from specific campaigns, review the requirements below. If ads are still missing tracking, use [manual tracking](/supported-integrations/marketing/paid-search/google-ads-manual)

<Warning>Authenticating and enabling auto-append will cause ads to enter a re-learning phase. If this is a concern, schedule a call with your Rockerbox representative to authenticate live and ensure auto parameters are disabled before your ads run.</Warning>

## Auto-Append Requirements

Manual tracking is required when any of the following apply:

* Final URL Suffix field is used at keyword or sitelink level
* SA360 or similar platforms overwrite the Final URL Suffix
* Video or express campaigns use the Final URL Suffix field
* DCM internal redirect tags exist in the Tracking URL Template
* Tracking URL templates contain `{lpurl}` tokens

### Parameter Application Hierarchy

* **Account Level:** Supports "smart" campaigns
* **Campaign Level:** Adds parameters plus inherited account-level UTMs
* **Ad Group Level:** Only applies if existing parameters are present

## View-Based Tracking

### Google Display Network (GDN)

Pixel-based impression tracking is available for GDN campaigns. See the [GDN](/supported-integrations/marketing/display/gdn) page for pixel implementation details.

### YouTube

Rockerbox uses probabilistic synthetic events for YouTube video views. Only `YOUTUBE_WATCH` events are captured.

<Info>View-based tracking is not supported for Performance Max, Demand Gen, or Discovery campaigns.</Info>

## Manager Accounts

If sub-accounts show as "(unauthorized)" in Rockerbox Settings:

1. Click the sub-account name in Google Ads
2. Go to **Tools and Settings > Access and Security > Users** tab
3. Invite the authenticating user with **Standard** access
4. Accept invitations one at a time (Google Ads limitation)

## Spend

Spend is ingested automatically via API after authentication. Spend data refreshes daily.

**Note:** Google's API does not report spend from Demand Gen (formerly Discovery) ads with the "Product Feed" subtype. Conversions from these ad types may fall into "Unmapped Events."

## Verification

After setup:

1. Confirm tracking is applied on the [Advertising Platforms](https://app.rockerbox.com/v3/data/marketing/advertising_platforms/main) page
2. Verify spend data appears in Rockerbox dashboard
3. Contact [support@rockerbox.com](mailto:support@rockerbox.com) for QA assistance