Google Ads no longer pre-selects its Display Network when setting up a search campaign. The box is now unchecked by default, showing only a “Recommended” tag, according to Jyll Saskin Gales.
In August 2024, the Display Network was both pre-selected and marked as recommended, making it easier for inexperienced advertisers to leave it enabled by default.
Not confirmed across all accounts yet. It could be a test or tied to the new UI.
If it rolls out globally, this small change could save advertisers a significant amount of wasted spend, as they often miss that checkbox.