Let’s dive into the answer — and explore how many RSAs you should have, best practices, tips to improve performance, and mistakes to avoid.
So, How Many Responsive Search Ads Can You Actually Have?
Google allows you to three create up to Responsive Search Ads per ad group. Yup, just three. That’s the current limit as per Google’s official documentation. At first glance, this might seem limiting — especially if you’re coming from a background where you’d create multiple variations of ETAs to test performance. But there is a reason behind this cap: RSAs are designed to do a lot of the testing for you. With up to 15 headlines and 4 description lines per ad, a single RSA can Generate solids of potential ad combinations, which Google Ads then tests in real-time based on search queries, user behavior, and performance metrics.
Why Google Limits RSAs to Three Per Ad Group?
Google’s limit isn’t just random — it’s part of a broader shift toward automation and machine learning. Here’s why that 3-RSA limit actually makes sense: RSAs are dynamic by nature. You don’t need 10 separate ads to test variations — just a few RSAs with multiple headline and description combinations can do the job. Simplify Account Management. Instead of Juggling Dozens of ad versions, You focus on feeding Google’s machine with high-quality inputs (your headlines and descriptions), and there were two heavy lifting in the letter. Improves performance. Google uses AI to serve the Best performing combinations to different Search queries and user segments, boosting CTR and conversions.
How Many Responsive Search Ads Should You Have?
While Google allows you to create up to three RSAs per ad group, you might be wondering: Do I really need all three? Or is one enough?
Here’s what the experts —& data — suggest:
1 RSA: Minimum Viable Setup
You can technically run your campaign with just one well-structured RSA, and Google will optimize combinations for you. This might work fine for simple campaigns with Titghtlay Themed ad groups.
2–3 RSAs: Ideal for Testing & Optimization
Creating 2 to 3 RSAs per ad group gives you room to:
- Test different messaging styles
- Try new CTAs (calls to action)
- Emphasize different value propositions
This setup gives Google more material to work with while still keeping things respectable for you.
Pro Tip: Don’t reuse the same title for every RSA. Every ad must have distinct value to be worth existing.
Best practices for building responsive search ads
Now that you know how many RSAs you can build, Let’s discuss how to make them useful. Here are some best practices that will assist you in making the most of the your RSAs.
1. Diversity your titles
Use all 15 titles slots if possible, and make sure they’re different. Mix in:
- Brand terms
- Unique selling points (e.g., “Free Shipping”)
- Emotional hooks (e.g., “Limited Time Offer”)
- Keywords from your ad group
2. Use Keyword Insertion Wisely
Dynamic Keyword Insertion (DKI) can boost relevance — but don’t overdo it. Blend it with unique messaging for the best results.
3. Pin Strategically
If you’d like a particular message to always show up in a particular place (such as your company name in headline 1), you can employ the use of the “pin” feature. But remember — pinning lessens Google’s ability to optimize combinations.
4. Monitor Ad Strength
Google provides an “Ad Strength” rating when creating RSAs. Aim for “Good” or “Excellent” status by using varied headlines, keywords, and clear descriptions.
5. Test Continuously
Even with automated optimization, testing still matters. Keep a close eye on performance data and rotate underperforming RSAs every few weeks.
What Happens if You Go Over the Limit?
If you try to create more than 3 RSAs in an ad group, Google will stop you. You’ll see a message saying you’ve hit the maximum limit.
That doesn’t mean you can’t test new ideas — you’ll just need to pause or remove an existing RSA to make room.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few things to steer clear of when working with RSAs:
- Copy-pasting the same headlines across multiple RSAs – This limits the value of creating multiple ads.
- Not using all available headline/description slots – The more inputs Google has, the better your performance will be.
- Forgetting about landing page alignment – Make sure your RSA messaging matches the content and CTA on your landing page.
- Ignoring performance data – Even though Google automates a lot, human input is still crucial for long-term success.
Final Thoughts
So, to answer the main question clearly one last time:
You can have up to 3 Responsive Search Ads per ad group in Google Ads.
But the real magic of RSAs isn’t just how many you can have — it’s how well you use them. Crafting strong, diverse headlines and compelling descriptions, staying aligned with your keywords, and continuously testing will give you the edge in a competitive search landscape. As Google continues to lean into automation, RSAs are only going to become more important. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a digital marketer, or an agency managing client accounts, mastering RSAs is non-negotiable for success in modern PPC.