Google Ads tests compact segment dropdown menu in advertiser console
New interface reduces visual space while maintaining functionality across campaign analytics
Google Ads is testing a redesigned segment dropdown menu within the advertiser console that offers a more compact interface compared to the current version. According to reports from industry professionals, the new design takes up less visual space while displaying more segmentation options simultaneously on screen.
The interface modification was first documented on June 23, 2025, by PPC Growth Strategist Saquib Syed, who posted comparative screenshots demonstrating the differences between the old and new implementations on LinkedIn. According to Syed's analysis, "The old UI was wider and offered more visual breathing room. While the new UI is noticeably more compact, taking up less space and looking more minimal."
The compact segment dropdown appears in the main Google Ads interface where advertisers analyze campaign performance data. The dropdown menu provides access to various segmentation options including Time, Click type, Conversions, Device, Network settings, Top vs. other placements, Ad destination, and Ad format categories. While the core functionality remains unchanged, the visual presentation has been condensed to accommodate more options within a smaller interface footprint.
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Summary
Who: Google Ads is testing the interface modification for advertisers using the platform, with PPC Growth Strategist Saquib Syed serving as the primary documenter of the change.
What: Google is testing a compact version of the segment dropdown menu that reduces visual space usage while maintaining identical functionality for campaign performance analysis.
When: The test was first documented on June 23, 2025, with the interface appearing in select advertiser accounts during this period.
Where: The modification appears within the Google Ads advertiser console interface, specifically in the segment dropdown menu used for campaign analytics and performance segmentation.
Why: The compact design aims to improve screen real estate efficiency and align with Google's broader interface streamlining initiatives, potentially supporting more complex data visualization features in future platform updates.
Technical specifications of the new design show measurable differences in screen real estate usage. Side-by-side comparisons reveal the updated version displays identical segmentation categories while occupying approximately 20-30% less horizontal space. The condensed layout maintains all existing dropdown arrows and expandable menu options that allow users to drill down into specific performance metrics.
The timing of this interface test coincides with broader platform updates across Google's advertising ecosystem. The company completed a comprehensive design rollout in August 2024 that reorganized the main navigation structure into five high-level categories: Campaigns, Assets, Audiences, Demographics, and Extensions. The new segment dropdown design aligns with this minimalist approach to interface elements.
Google's approach to user interface testing typically involves gradual rollouts to select advertiser accounts before broader implementation. The segment dropdown modification follows this pattern, with the compact version appearing for certain users while others continue accessing the original design. According to Search Engine Roundtable's coverage of the test, this selective deployment allows Google to gather user feedback and performance data before making platform-wide changes.
The segmentation functionality serves as a critical component for campaign optimization within Google Ads. Advertisers use these tools to analyze performance metrics across different dimensions, identifying trends in user behavior, device preferences, and conversion patterns. The compact design maintains access to all segmentation categories while potentially allowing users to view more data points without scrolling or expanding interface elements.
From a technical perspective, the interface modification demonstrates Google's ongoing focus on screen efficiency and user experience optimization. The condensed dropdown design could be particularly beneficial for users operating on smaller screen sizes or those managing multiple browser windows simultaneously. However, some users may prefer the additional visual breathing room provided by the original design.
Industry observers note that interface modifications often precede more substantial platform updates. Google's recent focus on AI-powered advertising innovations and enhanced measurement capabilities suggests that interface streamlining could support more complex data visualization features in future releases.
The compact segment dropdown test represents part of a broader pattern of interface refinements across Google's advertising products. Recent policy updates have addressed emerging advertising surfaces including Connected TV and gaming console environments, requiring more sophisticated interface elements to manage increasingly complex campaign types.
User feedback regarding the compact design has been mixed, according to early reports from advertising professionals who have encountered the test version. Some users appreciate the space-saving design and increased information density, while others express preference for the visual clarity provided by the original layout. The feedback collection process forms part of Google's standard testing methodology for interface modifications.
For advertisers currently using Google Ads, the segment dropdown modification requires no immediate action. The functionality remains identical regardless of which interface version appears in individual accounts. Users experiencing the compact design can continue using all existing segmentation features through the same navigation patterns established in the original interface.
The test also raises questions about adaptive interface design based on user behavior or screen resolution. Some industry speculation suggests that Google may be developing dynamic interface elements that adjust based on browser window size or user preferences. However, no official confirmation of such capabilities has been provided by Google.
Marketing professionals should monitor their account interfaces for the appearance of the compact segment dropdown design. While the change is primarily cosmetic, users may want to familiarize themselves with the condensed layout to maintain efficiency in campaign analysis workflows. The transition period between interface versions typically lasts several weeks before standardization across all accounts.
The segment dropdown modification reflects broader trends in digital advertising platform design, where screen real estate optimization becomes increasingly important as campaign management interfaces grow more complex. Google's integration of AI-powered insights and automated recommendations requires additional interface space, making compact design elements more valuable for overall user experience.
According to Google's typical testing timeline, interface modifications undergo several weeks of user feedback collection before final implementation decisions. The compact segment dropdown test began appearing in select accounts in mid-June 2025, suggesting that broader rollout decisions may occur within the next 30-60 days based on user response and performance metrics.
The redesigned dropdown also demonstrates Google's attention to interface consistency across its advertising product suite. Recent updates to AdMob, Display & Video 360, and other platforms have emphasized streamlined navigation and compact design elements. The segment dropdown modification continues this design philosophy within the core Google Ads interface.
For advertising agencies managing multiple client accounts, the interface modification could impact workflow efficiency depending on which version appears across different accounts during the testing period. Agencies may need to train staff on both interface versions until standardization occurs. However, the underlying functionality remains consistent regardless of visual presentation.
The compact segment dropdown test provides insight into Google's product development priorities and approach to user interface optimization. As advertising platforms become more feature-rich and data-dense, efficient use of screen space becomes increasingly critical for user productivity and platform adoption.
Timeline
June 23, 2025: Saquib Syed documents compact segment dropdown interface test on LinkedIn with comparative screenshots
June 23, 2025: Search Engine Roundtable reports on the Google Ads interface modification
August 30, 2024: Google Ads completes major design rollout with new navigation structure
June 9, 2024: Google releases Ads API v17 with interface-related enhancements
May 21-22, 2025: Google Marketing Live 2025 showcases AI-powered advertising innovations
February 16, 2025: Google implements updated platform policies affecting interface requirements