Use this action to add selected keywords from your discovery results or saved lists as negative keywords at the campaign or ad group level.
This article explains both negative keyword flows. If you want to add keywords as targeted keywords instead, see Add keywords to an ad group.
Before you start
Keep the following in mind:
- You can add up to 30 keywords in a single operation.
- You can target up to 5 campaigns or 5 ad groups in a single operation.
- Only search results campaigns are supported. Search tab, Today tab, and product page campaigns are not eligible.
- Automated ad groups cannot receive negative keywords.
- You can only work with campaigns and ad groups that belong to the Campaign Group currently selected in the top-right corner of AI Keyword Planner.
Add negative keywords to campaigns
Step 1: Select campaigns
- Select the keywords you want to add from the Keyword List or the Saved Keywords table.
3. In the modal, select Campaign as the target level.
4. Select up to 5 campaigns. Only search results campaigns are shown as active.
5. Click Continue.
Step 2: Configure keyword settings
Select a match type for each keyword. Available options are Broad Match and Exact Match. If you do not select a match type, the system assigns Broad Match by default.
Review your match type selections and click Continue.
Step 3: Review and confirm
The Review screen shows all selected keywords across each selected campaign. The system checks whether a keyword with the selected match type already exists as a negative keyword in each campaign.
If a conflict is found, the keyword is shown with a warning badge for that campaign. You can remove it from a specific campaign using the inline remove action. The same keyword can be valid for one campaign and flagged for another, and the review handles them separately.
- Review the keyword list across all selected campaigns.
- Remove any conflicting keywords if needed.
- Click Save to execute the action.
Add negative keywords to ad groups
Step 1: Select ad groups
- Select the keywords you want to add from the Keyword List or the Saved Keywords table.
- Click Add as Negative Keyword in the bulk action bar.
- In the modal, select Ad Group as the target level.
4. Select the campaigns whose ad groups you want to target. The ad groups for those campaigns appear on the right side of the modal.
5. Select up to 5 ad groups. Once 5 are selected, the remaining checkboxes are disabled.
6. Click Continue.
Step 2: Configure keyword settings
Select a match type for each keyword. If you do not select a match type, the system assigns Broad Match by default.
Review your settings and click Continue.
Step 3: Review and confirm
The Review screen shows all selected keywords across each selected ad group. The system checks for conflicts within each ad group scope. A keyword can be valid in one ad group and flagged in another.
- Review the keyword list.
- Click Save to execute the action.
What you see on the Activity screen
When the Add to Ad Group or Add as Negative Keyword action finishes, a confirmation screen appears showing the result for each keyword. This screen is shown once at the end of the operation and is not accessible again after you navigate away.
- Success: The keyword was added as a negative keyword.
- Failed: The keyword could not be added. The reason is shown next to the keyword.
A keyword can show mixed results, for example, successfully added to one campaign but failed for another. The Activity screen shows the outcome per target, so you have a complete view.
From the Activity screen, you can click Go to Ads Manager to continue managing your campaigns, or Back to Keyword Planner to return to the recommendation table. Your previously selected keywords remain selected when you return.
Related links
Requirements and limits for AI Keyword Planner
Need more help?
If you have further questions, contact your dedicated Customer Success Manager or reach the support team via live chat.