Find an ad ID from a Google ad

Sometimes referred to as a click string or click tag, the ad identifier (ad ID) is part of the ad URL. Ad identifiers contain encoded information for the ad that gets displayed.

This article provides instructions for capturing ad IDs for Google ads. These ad identifiers are helpful when either reporting ads or troubleshooting ad delivery issues.

Capture the ad or listing link from a Google ad

For the purposes of troubleshooting ad delivery issues for Google ads, you can copy the ad or listing link. To do this, you need to open your “About this ad” or "My Ad Center" from where the ad appears and begin the process to report an ad.

Ad IDs help you to report ads or troubleshoot ad delivery issues. However, It's important to note that you should not follow the steps to report the ad. These steps allow you to reveal the ad ID only. 

For YouTube

1. Click the  button shown at the bottom of the ad to open the "My Ad Center" panel.
2. In the "My Ad Center" panel, clickReport ad to open the "Report an ad" troubleshooter.
3. In the "Report an ad" troubleshooter, select It violates Google policies...
4. Copy all of the text shown in the "Ad or listing link..." field.

For ads on Google Search, Play Store or Discover

1. Click the more informationicon shown at the bottom of the ad to open the "My Ad Center" panel.
2. In the "My Ad Center" panel, click Report ad  to open the "Report an ad" troubleshooter.
3. In the "Report an ad" troubleshooter, select It violates Google policies...
4. Copy all of the text shown in the "Ad or listing link..." field.

For display ads (on sites and apps that partner with Google)

1. On the ad, click the AdChoices icon then Why this ad?, and then Report ad.
2. In the "Report an ad" troubleshooter, select It violates Google policies...
3. Copy all of the text shown in the "Ad or listing link..." field.