AI-qualified call conversions launched; call recording turned on by default for US and Canada accounts

Google Ads now uses AI analysis of call recordings, rather than call duration, as the primary signal for counting a phone call as a conversion, with duration and ad interaction as fallbacks. Call recording is enabled by default for most eligible accounts (excluding healthcare and financial services or previously opted-out accounts), and call reports show AI summaries and intent hashtags.

Recording only works when both numbers are in the US or Canada. Callers hear an automated recording notice. Smart Bidding optimizes toward AI-classified qualified calls when recording is on. Google framed the same capability as 'improved click-to-call ads' at Google Marketing Live.