Many people still use the term Google AdWords, even though Google officially rebranded the platform as Google Ads. This often leads to confusion, especially for beginners in digital marketing. Are Google AdWords and Google Ads the same thing? Did anything actually change, or was it just a name update?

The short answer is yes—Google AdWords and Google Ads refer to the same core advertising platform. However, the rebrand was not cosmetic. It reflected a broader shift in how Google wanted advertisers to think about digital advertising: beyond keywords and search, toward a more integrated, multi-channel approach.

This article explains why Google AdWords was renamed Google Ads, what changed with the rebrand, what stayed the same, and why understanding this distinction matters for advertisers today.

What Was Google AdWords?

Google AdWords was launched in 2000 as a keyword-based advertising platform focused primarily on search ads.

Its original purpose was to:

• Show text ads alongside Google search results

• Allow advertisers to bid on keywords

• Charge advertisers on a pay-per-click basis

Over time, AdWords expanded to include display ads, video ads, mobile ads, and app promotion, but the name “AdWords” continued to emphasize text and keywords.

Why the Name “AdWords” Became Limiting

As the platform evolved, the name AdWords no longer accurately described what advertisers could do.

The term “AdWords” suggested:

• Text-only ads

• Keyword-focused campaigns

• Search-based advertising

In reality, advertisers were using the platform for far more than words.

This mismatch between name and function created confusion, especially for new advertisers.

The Official Rebrand to Google Ads

In 2018, Google officially announced that Google AdWords would be renamed Google Ads.

The rebrand reflected three major realities:

1. Advertising had become multi-channel

2. Automation and machine learning were central

3. Advertisers needed simpler, outcome-focused tools

Google Ads better represented the platform’s full capabilities.

What Google Wanted to Communicate With the Rebrand

The name “Google Ads” shifted the emphasis away from mechanics (keywords and bids) and toward outcomes (reach, engagement, conversions).

The rebrand signaled that:

• Advertising was no longer just about search

• Visual, video, and discovery formats mattered

• Users interacted with brands across many touchpoints

Google Ads positioned itself as a holistic advertising solution.

What Stayed the Same After the Rebrand

Despite the name change, many core elements remained unchanged.

These include:

• Pay-per-click pricing

• Keyword targeting

• Ad auctions

• Quality Score

• Campaign structure

From a functional standpoint, Google Ads is a continuation of AdWords.

What Changed With Google Ads

While the foundation remained the same, several important changes accompanied the rebrand.

Expanded Campaign Types

Google Ads placed greater emphasis on non-search campaigns, including:

• YouTube video ads

• Display Network ads

• App promotion campaigns

• Discovery ads

This encouraged advertisers to think beyond search intent alone.

Simplified Interfaces

Google redesigned the interface to be more approachable, especially for small businesses.

New features included:

• Guided campaign setup

• Smart campaign options

• Goal-based recommendations

The goal was to reduce the learning curve.

Automation and Machine Learning

Google Ads integrated automation more deeply than AdWords had.

Automated features include:

• Smart bidding

• Responsive ads

• Automated targeting suggestions

This shifted advertiser roles from manual control to strategic oversight.

Why Google Removed “Words” From the Name

The word “Words” tied the platform too closely to text-based ads.

Google Ads reflects:

• Visual storytelling

• Video engagement

• Interactive formats

The new name better aligned with modern advertising behavior.

Google Ads as a Multi-Touch Platform

Modern consumers interact with brands across multiple moments.

Google Ads supports this by covering:

• Awareness (YouTube, Display)

• Consideration (Search, Discovery)

• Conversion (Search, Shopping)

The rebrand reinforced full-funnel advertising.

How Advertisers Use the Terms Today

Despite the official change, many professionals still say “AdWords.”

This happens because:

• AdWords was dominant for nearly two decades

• Many training materials still reference it

• Industry habit is slow to change

However, in formal contexts, “Google Ads” is the correct term.

Is There Any Technical Difference Between AdWords and Google Ads?

Technically, no.

There is no separate platform called AdWords anymore. All accounts, tools, and campaigns now exist under Google Ads.

If someone says “AdWords,” they are referring to Google Ads—often historically or informally.

Google Ads Account Structure vs. AdWords

The account hierarchy remains consistent:

• Account

• Campaigns

• Ad groups

• Ads and keywords

This continuity made the transition relatively smooth for existing advertisers.

Why the Rebrand Matters for New Advertisers

Understanding the rebrand helps new advertisers:

• Avoid confusion when learning

• Use up-to-date terminology

• Understand platform evolution

It also reinforces the idea that Google Ads is not just about keywords.

Google Ads and Business Strategy

The rebrand aligns Google Ads more closely with business goals.

Campaigns are now framed around objectives such as:

• Website traffic

• Leads

• Sales

• Brand awareness

This shift helps advertisers think strategically rather than tactically.

The Role of Smart Campaigns

Smart campaigns are a direct result of the Google Ads philosophy.

They:

• Automate targeting and bidding

• Require minimal setup

• Focus on outcomes

While not suitable for all advertisers, they reflect Google’s push toward accessibility.

How the Rebrand Affected Agencies and Professionals

For agencies, the rebrand required:

• Updating client education

• Revising documentation

• Reframing service offerings

It also pushed professionals to broaden their skill sets beyond search.

Google Ads Certification and Education

Google updated its certification programs to align with the Google Ads name.

Certifications now emphasize:

• Cross-channel strategy

• Automation literacy

• Measurement and optimization

Education reflects the platform’s expanded scope.

Common Misunderstandings About the Rebrand

Some believe:

• Google Ads is a new platform

• AdWords was discontinued

• Old campaigns no longer work

None of these are true.

Google Ads is the evolution—not replacement—of AdWords.

Why Google Ads Is a Better Name Strategically

From a branding perspective, “Google Ads” is:

• Broader

• Simpler

• More intuitive

It positions Google as an advertising ecosystem rather than a keyword tool.

The Rebrand and the Future of Advertising

The name Google Ads anticipates future changes, including:

• AI-driven personalization

• Voice search advertising

• Augmented reality ads

The platform name is flexible enough to grow with innovation.

Historical Importance of the AdWords Name

While outdated, “AdWords” remains historically important.

It represents:

• The birth of search advertising

• The rise of pay-per-click models

• The democratization of advertising

Understanding AdWords helps understand modern digital marketing.

Using the Right Term in Practice

In practice:

• Use “Google Ads” in professional and educational settings

• Recognize “AdWords” as a legacy term

• Understand both refer to the same system

Clarity improves communication.

How This Rebrand Reflects Industry Trends

The AdWords-to-Google Ads transition mirrors broader advertising trends:

• Multi-channel integration

• Automation

• Outcome-focused marketing

Names follow strategy.

What This Means for Students and Beginners

For learners, the key takeaway is:

• Learn Google Ads, not just search ads

• Understand the platform holistically

• Focus on goals, not just mechanics

This mindset prepares you for modern advertising roles.

The End of AdWords, the Continuation of Its Principles

While the name AdWords is retired, its principles remain:

• Relevance matters

• Intent drives performance

• Measurement enables optimization

Google Ads builds on this foundation.

Conclusion

Google AdWords and Google Ads are not separate platforms. Google Ads is the modern name and expanded evolution of what was once Google AdWords. The rebrand reflects a strategic shift from keyword-focused text ads to a comprehensive, multi-channel advertising ecosystem that spans search, video, display, apps, and discovery.

While the mechanics of AdWords still exist within Google Ads, the name change encourages advertisers to think more broadly about customer journeys, automation, and outcomes. Understanding this transition helps advertisers use the platform more effectively and aligns learning with current industry standards.

In short, AdWords became Google Ads not because it disappeared—but because it grew.