Google Ads added a new targeting feature to AI Max for Search campaigns: “Locations of Interest.” The rollout appears to be early-stage and not yet widely documented in Google Ads help resources.
How it works.
- Locations of Interest is an optional, ad group-level setting in AI Max for Search.
- It allows advertisers to target users who are searching for, or have expressed interest in, specific geographic areas.
- You can select multiple locations of interest per ad group.
- These work in addition to campaign-level location targeting — and don’t need to match.
Why we care. Advertisers can now go beyond a user’s physical location and reach people based on where they intend to be. That opens up more strategic, intent-based targeting for travel, local services, events, and more.
Zoom out. Location intent has been a staple in Display and YouTube campaigns for years. This update brings that same sophistication to Search, where user behavior often signals high commercial intent.
Bottom line. AI Max for Search just got smarter, giving advertisers more precision to match ads with user intent, not just geography.
First seen. This update was highlighted by Google Ads Specialist Adriaan Dekker who credited Senior Google Ads Specialist Arpan Banerjee for spotting the update.