The Tool Desk
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Prepare images for the placements you want
Choose a supported image media type that matches the image’s intended aspect ratio and use case. Microsoft recommends the flexible GenericImage type at 703 × 368 pixels or above. The API reference also specifies these minimum dimensions for other types:
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| Media type | Aspect ratio | Minimum dimensions |
|---|---|---|
GenericImage |
Varying | 40 × 20 pixels |
Image16x9 |
16:9 | 640 × 360 pixels |
Image15x10 |
1.5:1 | 300 × 200 pixels |
Image4x3 |
4:3 | 100 × 75 pixels |
Image12x10 |
12:10 | Minimum not stated in the Image data object reference |
These are subtype-specific minimums, not a universal recommended export size. The maximum width and height are 2,592 and 2,048 pixels respectively, and the selected supported aspect ratio still needs to be maintained. Microsoft lists GIF, JPEG, and PNG as supported MIME types; animated images are not supported. PNG uploads are converted to JPEG, so Microsoft recommends supplying JPEG directly if the converted image quality is unsatisfactory. The API’s Data field accepts a base64 image string of up to 102,400 characters. See Microsoft’s Image data object reference.
One image is enough to create an image ad extension. For eligibility across all Audience ad placements, Microsoft’s Audience Ads guide calls for four images, each matching one of the supported aspect ratios. That is placement guidance, not a requirement for every image extension.
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Create an image extension with the API
Microsoft’s documented Audience Ads workflow has three stages. The extension and its media are managed in the account library, then linked to the delivery scope where you intend to use them.
- Upload media. Use
AddMediato add one to six images to the account media library. Keep the media IDs returned by the upload; you will need them when creating the extension. - Create the extension. Add an image ad extension to the account’s ad-extension library and reference the uploaded media IDs.
- Associate it with a delivery scope. Link the extension to the account, a campaign, or an ad group using the Campaign Management Service or the documented Bulk Service workflow.
For the request details and sequence, consult Microsoft’s Audience Ads API guide and ad extensions API guide.
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Choose the right management route
The Campaign Management Service is suited to controlled programmatic changes and associations; Microsoft’s general guide describes operations for up to 100 extensions per call. The Bulk Service is documented for higher-volume uploads and downloads. Choose based on whether you are making a limited, targeted change or handling larger account operations.
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Both routes act on extensions and their associations. An extension stored in the shared account library is not automatically attached to every campaign or ad group. Add the association at the scope where it should be eligible to serve.
Manage associations, reviews, and updates
When an image extension is associated with a campaign or ad group, it goes through an initial editorial review. Microsoft’s ad extensions guide describes Campaign Management Service operations to create, retrieve, update, and delete extensions and associations.
Plan updates carefully: Campaign Management updates do not support partial updates. If you send an update that omits optional extension elements, those omitted elements can be deleted. Retrieve the current extension and preserve any optional fields you intend to keep when preparing an update.
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The ImageAdExtension object reference lists limits of up to six image extensions per entity and associations with up to 1,000 campaigns and 1,000 ad groups per account. These are API reference limits, and the page was last updated November 13, 2024; confirm current limits in Microsoft’s documentation before designing a large deployment.
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Microsoft documents reports by ad, by keyword, and extension detail/version. Use the relevant report and reporting period to inspect performance or compare extension versions. The documentation says extensions can improve visibility and may increase clicks, but it does not publish a measured effect size; these reports should be used to assess your own account’s results rather than assume a particular lift.
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