TL;DR Summary:
Google Tests Video Ads: Immersive map view videos now appear directly in local search results alongside business listings for more engaging previews.Easy Setup Revealed: Toggle video ads in Google Ads shared library under Location Manager settings, prepared for select advertisers.Businesses Must Adapt: Prepare short, location-specific videos to stand out in high-intent local searches as format expands.Are Google Local Video Ads showing up in map search results?
Yes, Google is testing video ads directly in local search results. This new format is called “immersive map view videos” and appears alongside regular business listings in the local pack.
Anthony Higman spotted this test and shared it on LinkedIn. He explained that Google is working video ads into their PPC platform through a setting he found months earlier in Location Manager.
What Google Local Video Ads look like in search results
The new format shows video content right where you normally see static business listings. Instead of just photos and text, businesses can now display moving video content when people search for local services.
These videos appear integrated with the map interface. They give searchers a more engaging preview of what businesses offer before they click through to learn more.
The test appears limited right now. Google hasn’t announced any timeline for wider rollout or shared performance data compared to traditional local ads.
How to configure Google Local Video Ads in your account
You can set up these video ads through your Google Ads account. Higman shared screenshots showing exactly where to find the controls.
Navigate to the shared library section of your Google Ads account. Look for Location Manager, then go into settings. The video ad option appears as a pre-configured setting you can toggle on.
This suggests Google has been preparing this feature for some time. The fact that it shows up as a pre-opted setting means they’ve built the infrastructure and are now testing it with select advertisers.
Why Google is adding video to local search advertising
This change fits Google’s broader push toward more visual search experiences in 2026. They’re making search results more conversational and video-driven across their entire platform.
Local searches have high commercial intent. People searching for nearby businesses are often ready to visit or buy something. Adding video gives businesses a chance to stand out in these valuable moments.
The immersive map view format also aligns with how people expect to browse locations. Video content feels natural when you’re exploring what’s around you geographically.
What businesses need to prepare for Google Local Video Ads
If this format expands, you’ll need video content ready for your local advertising campaigns. That means creating videos that showcase your storefront, products, or services in a way that works within the map interface.
The videos will likely need to be short and engaging since people are browsing multiple local options quickly. You’ll want content that immediately communicates what makes your business worth visiting.
Businesses with multiple locations will face the challenge of creating location-specific video content at scale. Generic corporate videos probably won’t work as well as content tailored to each specific area you serve.
This new Google Local Video Ads format creates both opportunity and pressure for local businesses. Those who adapt quickly to video content will stand out while competitors stick with static listings. However, creating multiple video variations and location-specific content takes significant time and resources that many small businesses don’t have. Skaler addresses exactly this challenge by using AI to generate dozens of video variations from your existing content, helping you create professional local advertising videos without hiring agencies or learning complex video production. You can explore how Skaler streamlines video creation for local advertising campaigns.
