This is a quick way to leverage AI-driven Google Ads and video commerce in 2025

The digital economy in Southeast Asia (SEA) is experiencing unprecedented growth, with profits expected to rise by 24% and gross merchandise value (GMV) reaching $263 billion in 2024. A key driver of this expansion is the rapid adoption of AI-powered marketing tools and video commerce, which now accounts for 20% of the e-commerce sector’s GMV—a fourfold increase since 2022. As businesses navigate this evolving landscape, leveraging AI-driven Google Ads strategies and immersive video content has become essential for capturing digitally fluent consumers.

This article explores how AI is transforming Google Ads services automation, the rise of video commerce in SEA, and the best practices for brands to maximize engagement in a privacy-first era. Whether you're an advertiser looking to optimize Performance Max campaigns or a marketer exploring YouTube’s shoppertainment potential, these insights will help you stay ahead in 2025.

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Ⅰ. AI-Driven Optimization in Google Ads for 2025

Artificial intelligence is transforming digital marketing by enabling brands to achieve superior results with reduced manual effort while leveraging first-party data for precision targeting. Google’s AI-powered tools, including Performance Max, Smart Bidding, and the Gemini model, automate campaign optimization while preserving control over critical metrics. Performance Max dynamically allocates budgets across Google’s network, ensuring ads reach high-intent audiences, while the Gemini model generates tailored creatives from basic inputs like product images—similar to how Subaru integrated its first-party data with Google Ads to enhance ad relevance. Subaru’s data unification under "SUBARU ID" enabled a 360-degree view of customer behavior, from website browsing to dealership visits, which, when combined with Google’s AI, improved conversion measurement and bidding accuracy. For instance, after implementing Customer Match and optimized targeting in 2023, Subaru saw a 20% reduction in cost per conversion and a 14.5% increase in catalog requests for a specific model, demonstrating AI’s role in refining audience targeting.

Predictive AI further refines keyword matching, enabling broad-match strategies to capture long-tail queries, which have grown 1.8X in SEA since 2020. The integration of generative AI also elevates personalization, aligning with evolving consumer behaviors—80% of Google advertisers now use AI-assisted search products. Smart Bidding adapts bids in real-time using signals like location and conversion data, proving essential in volatile markets. Subaru’s success highlights the importance of first-party data, as emphasized by Google’s Privacy Sandbox API, which aligns with privacy-centric innovations.

Ⅱ. Video Commerce Strategies for SEA’s $263B Market

Video commerce is transforming Southeast Asia’s digital economy, now accounting for 20% of the e-commerce sector’s GMV—a fourfold increase since 2022. With the region’s digital economy projected to grow by 15% to $263 billion in 2024, brands must align with the behaviors of digitally fluent consumers, 65% of whom actively participate in the digital economy. These shoppers make 27–32 e-commerce orders annually, up from just 3–4 in 2012, signaling a shift toward frequent, lower-basket purchases. Google Ads integrating Demand Gen with Performance Max have seen a 14% average lift in conversions, similar to how Santalucía Seguros achieved a 64% higher return on investment by shifting from volume-based to value-based lead generation strategies powered by AI and real-time data integration.

Localized creator collaborations are critical, as 88% of SEA creators produce content in native languages, resonating with consumers who prioritize locally relevant searches. For example, brands like GrowPlus+ and Aqua achieved millions of views by partnering with creators for tutorial-style Shorts and hashtag challenges, respectively. To compete, brands must prioritize full-funnel video strategies, combining broad-reach keywords with lower-funnel terms to capture shoppers exploring categories before brand selection. This mirrors Santalucía’s approach of dynamically adjusting Smart Bidding bids based on product profitability, ensuring campaigns target high-margin conversions while optimizing customer lifetime value. The success of video commerce hinges on integrating offline and online data, much like Santalucía’s call center optimization, where real-time lead qualification and AI-driven automation increased useful leads by 2.4x and online sales by 3.2x.

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Ⅲ. Debunking Automation Myths in Google Ads

One common myth is that automation reduces campaign control. In reality, tools like Performance Max Explanations provide detailed insights into performance variations, allowing advertisers to refine strategies effectively. Another misconception is that automation delivers uniform results for all businesses. However, success depends on input quality—such as first-party data and cross-team alignment—which ensures tailored outcomes.

Automation also excels in adapting to market fluctuations. This aligns with Topkee‘s Google Ads services , where we leverage Smart Bidding alongside comprehensive keyword research to optimize campaigns. Our approach includes analyzing competitor keywords and expanding core keyword lists to enhance ad relevance and reach. Additionally, our TTO initialization settings enable automated conversion tracking and data synchronization, ensuring campaigns remain responsive to performance metrics.

By embracing automation, marketers can focus on strategic decisions while AI handles routine optimizations like bid adjustments and audience targeting. Our remarketing strategies further demonstrate automation’s precision, using TTO attribution tools to segment users and deliver personalized ads based on behavioral triggers. Automation doesn’t replace human expertise—it enhances it, as seen in our data-driven solutions that combine AI-powered creative production with performance analysis to maximize ROI.

Ⅳ. Privacy-First Advertising in a Cookie-Less Era

Google’s transition to first-party data and Privacy Sandbox APIs ensures compliance while maintaining ad relevance. AI plays a crucial role in this shift, enabling precise targeting even with limited data. Advertisers must prioritize first-party data collection and adopt privacy-safe measurement solutions to thrive in this new landscape.

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Conclusion

The digital marketing landscape in 2024 is defined by AI-driven optimization, video commerce dominance, and privacy-centric strategies. Businesses that leverage Google Ads strategies automation, YouTube’s creator collaborations, and first-party data will gain a competitive edge in SEA’s booming digital economy.

For brands seeking expert guidance, consulting a Google Ads specialist can unlock tailored solutions for maximum ROI. The future of digital marketing is here—embrace AI, engage through video, and build trust with privacy-safe practices.