Sometimes, you may receive an error message when uploading creatives in Google Ads. The problem can be fixed in most situations by altering your design or ZIP file and re-saving it.
Table of content
Assets referenced outside of the ZIP file
The account doesn't support HTML5
File size error
Google Ads accepts ZIP files of 600KB or smaller. Anything over that limit will return an error on upload.
What can cause this error?
- Large media files were used in the design.
- A complex construction involving a high number of elements and slides.
How can I fix it?
- Reduce the file size of your uploaded assets through compression.
- Reduce the number of elements used in your design.
- Cut down on slides.
- Use our AdServing feature to bypass the limitation.
Unsupported file type
Google ads only supports a limited array of file types such as CSS, JS, HTML, GIF, PNG, JPEG, and SVG. If your ZIP files contain other file extensions, they should be removed.
Follow these steps to remove uncompliant files
- Open the ZIP by double-clicking on it.
- In the resulting folder, locate the file that is not supported and remove it.
- Select all files in the folder to save your updated version, and right-click on Compress.
- If your folder doesn't zip correctly, it might be because you compressed the folder. Make sure that you select each item, not the entire folder.
Assets referenced outside of the ZIP file
Google will only allow you to use files without external reference, blocking uploading uncompliant assets. You can only reference files found in your uploaded ZIP file.
The only allowed external references are the following:
- Google Fonts.
- Google-hosted jQuery.
What can cause this error?
- Using any illustrations from our repository.
- Referencing any files outside of the ZIP file.
- Sourcing content into the design from a server using Javascript or HTML.
The account doesn't support HTML5
If you're looking to update HTML5 designs, your Google account has to meet specific criteria that will unlock the usability of this feature.
You should be able to gain access to HTML5 ads in your Google Ads account once your account has met the following requirements:
- Your account has been open for more than 90 days.
- Account has more than $9,000 in a total lifetime spent.
- The account has a good history of policy compliance.
Just to let you know, meeting the requirements above doesn't always guarantee access to HTML5 ads.
If HTML5 ads are unavailable in your account, once you've met the above criteria, you can apply for access by filling out the HTML5 access form.
Before submitting your application, ensure your account meets the eligibility criteria listed below:
- The account has a good history of policy compliance.
- The account has a good payment history.
- Account has more than $1,000 in a total lifetime spent.
As an alternative to HTML5, you can always use AMP HTML ads or responsive display ads.
Can't find what you're looking for? You can try going through Google's documentation for more troubleshooting steps.