DIGITAL ROUNDUP

Google unveils Q1 2026 platform updates for CM360 & DV360

Google has released a significant set of updates for CM360/DV360, rolling out throughout Q1 2026. These changes focus on streamlining workflows, retiring legacy infrastructure and preparing for the wider 2026 roadmap on Google's end.

Display & Video 360 (DV360) Updates

• Targeting & Inventory Consolidation: You can no longer set targeting / inventory settings on IO / Campaign level, meaning Partner or Line Item becomes critical. Alternatively, use DV360 Targeting Templates.
• YouTube Video Action (VAC) Sunset: VAC migration to Demand Gen campaigns will fully shift in Q126.
• Programmatic Guaranteed (PG) Deals: No more manual PG builds, all requires API on the SSP end into DV360.
• Audience Data Cleanup: Potentailly the funniest update, Bluekai audiences for Combined audiences will be removed, despite Bluekai no longer existing in several years.
• Reporting Standardisation: Plenty of renamed fields / dimensions on reports / API, specifically on the YouTube end.

Campaign Manager 360 (CM360) Updates

• API v4 Sunset: Migration to API v5 is required for all workflows using this API.
• Natural Search Deprecation: The Natural Search feature has been officially removed from the CM360 UI and API.
• Paid Social Metric Changes: Paid social metrics sourced from Search Ads 360 are being removed from the CM360 "Paid Social" report template, but will remain in SA360 if using this via tools like Smartly.
• Creative Projects Removal: The Creative Projects feature is scheduled for removal from the CM360 UI in April 2026, a feature that was rarely picked up by anyone.
• Third-Party URL Deprecation: If you want to set 3rd party tracking within CM360, event tags is now the only way instead of creative level settings.
• Floodlight Web/App Split: Distinction between Web vs App for any Google Analytics synced events into CM360 as Floodlights.
• YouTube Display Pixel Integration: Quite a big deal but the ability to link CM360 to Google Ads allows automation for 1x1 application, but only if the advertiser is not linked to SA360 already.