Google Ads vs DV360

Is Google Ads enough
or have you outgrown it?

Tick what your next campaign needs. We’ll show which of those only Display & Video 360 can do.

What does your next campaign need?

Buy beyond Google’s exchangeGoogle Ads: Google Ad Manager exchange onlyRun video outside YouTubeGoogle Ads: Video on YouTube onlyDo direct deals with publishersGoogle Ads: No direct publisher dealsCap frequency across formatsGoogle Ads: No shared frequency cap across formatsAdvanced audience setupGoogle Ads: Standard audience targetingUse non-standard ad formatsGoogle Ads: Standard ad formatsThird-party brand safety verificationGoogle Ads: General brand safety

Source: the AdGeeks comparison of Google Ads and DV360.

Your verdict

3 of 7needs require DV360You’ve outgrown Google AdsDV360 covers 3 needs Google Ads can’t.

Buy beyond Google’s exchangeGoogle Ad Manager plus 76+ third-party exchanges
Run video outside YouTubeYouTube plus video inventory beyond YouTube
Third-party brand safety verificationManaged brand safety with IAS, Adloox and DoubleVerify

Book a DV360 demo See how DV360 works

About DV360

Same Google
much wider reach

Two ways to buy Google ads

Google Ads is built for advertisers who manage their own search, display and YouTube campaigns. Display & Video 360 (DV360) is Google’s demand-side platform for programmatic buying at a larger scale, with more inventory, more control and more measurement options.

What DV360 adds

Google Ad Manager plus 76+ third-party exchanges, instead of Google’s exchange only.
Video beyond YouTube, including connected TV and other video inventory.
A marketplace for direct deals with publishers.
One frequency cap across display, video, Gmail and YouTube (beta).
Advanced audience setup and non-standard ad formats.
Managed brand safety with integrated verifiers: IAS, Adloox and DoubleVerify.

When Google Ads is enough

If you only need search and standard display or YouTube, Google Ads may cover you. Once you need several of the capabilities above, DV360 usually makes more sense, and AdGeeks can give you access without the usual platform minimums.

Read how AdGeeks runs DV360, compare all five platforms in the DSP quiz, or request access.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Google Ads and DV360?

Google Ads buys Google’s own inventory and is built for self-serve advertisers. DV360 is Google’s programmatic DSP, with access to Google Ad Manager plus 76+ third-party exchanges, direct publisher deals and advanced controls.

Can I buy YouTube in DV360?

Yes. DV360 buys YouTube alongside other video and connected TV inventory, so you can plan YouTube and non-YouTube video together.

Do I need DV360 if I already use Google Ads?

Not always. If your campaigns only need search and standard Google inventory, Google Ads may be enough. Tick your needs in the checker to see which ones only DV360 covers.

How do I get access to DV360?

DV360 is usually sold through agencies and partners. AdGeeks offers a self-serve seat or a fully managed team from 5,000 USD a month.

Does DV360 support third-party brand safety?

Yes. DV360 integrates third-party verifiers including IAS, Adloox and DoubleVerify, alongside managed brand safety settings.

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