Google Ads is once again reshaping the way businesses advertise online. In a recent update, Google announced that Call-Only Ads and Video Action Campaigns (VACs) are being phased out. For advertisers who relied on phone calls or video-driven conversions, this change raises important questions.

At DigiRahul, we believe every Google Ads update should be understood not feared. In this article, we’ll explain what this update means, how these ad types were used, why Google is removing them, and what advertisers should do next.

What Were Call-Only Ads in Google Ads?

Call-Only Ads were designed for businesses that wanted users to call directly instead of visiting a website. These ads appeared mainly on mobile devices and showed a clickable phone number.

A typical Google Ads call-only campaign worked best for:

• Local service providers
• Emergency services
• Clinics, plumbers, electricians, and consultants
• Businesses focused on inbound phone leads

When users clicked the ad, it triggered a phone call rather than opening a landing page. This made call only Google Ads highly effective for quick, intent-driven leads.

Why Were Call-Only Ads Popular?

The main reason advertisers used Google call only ads was simplicity. They removed extra steps and connected potential customers directly to the business.

Key uses of call-only ads included:

• Generating instant phone calls
• Capturing high-intent mobile users
• Reducing drop-offs from slow websites
• Tracking call-based conversions

Many businesses built entire call only campaign Google Ads strategies around this format, especially in competitive local markets.

Why Is Google Phasing Out Call-Only Ads?

Google is moving away from isolated ad formats and shifting toward flexible, AI-driven campaign structures. Instead of running a separate Google Ads call only campaign, advertisers are now encouraged to use:

• Responsive Search Ads
• Call assets (formerly call extensions)

This allows Google to show ads across more placements and optimize them based on user intent.

Key reasons for the removal include:

• Limited flexibility of call-only formats
• Inconsistent performance across devices
• Better optimization through automated ad combinations
• Improved reporting and attribution

Simply put, Google wants phone calls to be part of a broader campaign strategy rather than a standalone ad type.

What About Video Action Campaigns (VACs)?

Video Action Campaigns (VACs) were created to drive actions like sign-ups, purchases, or website visits through YouTube ads. They focused on performance rather than just views.

Now, Google is replacing VACs with Demand Gen campaigns, which expand reach across:

• YouTube
• Google Discover
• Gmail

This change gives advertisers access to wider inventory and stronger audience targeting powered by machine learning.

What Should Advertisers Do After This Update?

If you were using Google Ads call only ads or VACs, the key is not to panic—but to adapt.

Recommended steps:

• Replace call-only ads with responsive search ads plus call assets
• Ensure call tracking and conversion tracking are properly set up
• Shift VACs into Demand Gen campaigns
• Optimize bidding strategies for calls and conversions

At DigiRahul, we help businesses transition smoothly without losing leads or ad performance.

How DigiRahul Helps Businesses Adapt

Google Ads changes can impact revenue if not handled correctly. That’s why DigiRahul focuses on proactive optimization rather than reactive fixes.

We help you:

• Rebuild call-focused campaigns the right way
• Maintain call volume after call-only ads are removed
• Optimize ads for mobile and high-intent searches
• Improve ROI using Google’s latest ad formats

Our goal is simple: keep your leads coming, no matter how Google evolves.

The phase-out of Call-Only Ads and Video Action Campaigns (VACs) marks a shift toward smarter, more integrated advertising in Google Ads. While traditional call only Google Ads are going away, the ability to generate high-quality phone leads is not.

Businesses that adapt early will benefit the most—and with the right strategy, this update can actually improve performance.

If you need expert help navigating this transition, DigiRahul is here to guide you every step of the way.