PMax Sourced Videos and Image Extraction: Settings to Audit

Sourced videos: what it does

An observed rollout on 22 October 2026, now documented in Google Ads Help, adds Sourced videos to Performance Max. Google can crawl advertiser-approved sources, such as your social channels, landing pages and linked YouTube accounts, and add up to 10 videos per asset group.

Google's documentation says the option is on by default for new campaigns and may have been activated on some existing ones. The rollout is phased, and campaigns need a daily budget above US$5.

Why this can help, and why it can hurt

• Help: more video assets without extra production, which can widen your reach on video inventory.
• Hurt: an old explainer video, a creator video you only licensed for organic use, or a clip with a price or offer that has changed can end up in paid placements.

Image extraction from 4 December

Google announced on 21 October 2026 that from 4 December 2026 new Performance Max campaigns will extract high-resolution images from your landing pages automatically, even if Dynamic Image Extensions are switched off at account level. Existing campaigns keep their current settings. Google can use those images across its advertising inventory.

That is useful for product catalogues. It is a risk for pages that still carry expired sale banners, customer photos without usage rights or images with text that no longer applies.

A 15-minute audit

1. Open the campaign and go to Asset optimization, then Sourced videos. Note whether it is on.
2. Read the approved source URLs. Remove any social profile, landing page or channel you do not want mined.
3. Look at the videos actually serving in the asset reports. Check each for the current offer, brand look and usage rights.
4. Review your landing pages for images. Take down expired banners and anything you do not own the paid-use rights to.
5. Decide per campaign. If your brand controls are strict, switch the feature off and upload approved assets yourself. Otherwise keep it on and check weekly.
6. Before 4 December, make a note to check the image extraction setting on every new PMax campaign you create.

If you work with creators

Many brands use creator or influencer videos organically. Paid use usually needs separate rights. If those videos live on a channel or page Google is allowed to crawl, confirm your contract covers paid use or exclude the source.

The bottom line

Automation can save production time, but it works best when the inputs are clean and the permissions are clear. Our team sets up and audits Performance Max for ecommerce and lead gen brands. See the Google Ads page or ask for a free account review.