gads-transparency-mcp
Allows research of competitor ads, advertiser profiles, and ad presence comparison across regions using the Google Ads Transparency Center.
Click on "Deploy Server".
Wait a few minutes for the server to deploy. Once ready, it will show a "Started" state.
In the chat, type
@followed by the MCP server name and your instructions, e.g., "@gads-transparency-mcpWhat ads is Nike running in the US?"
That's it! The server will respond to your query, and you can continue using it as needed.
Here is a step-by-step guide with screenshots.
Google Ads Transparency MCP Server
A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that gives AI assistants like Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, and any MCP client access to the Google Ads Transparency Center. Research competitor ads, analyze advertiser profiles, and compare ad presence across 42 regions — all through natural language.
100% Free. No API keys. Uses publicly available Google Ads Transparency data. No Google account or API key required.
What Can You Do?
Ask Claude questions like:
"What ads is Nike running in the US right now?"
"Search for advertisers in the fitness industry"
"Compare Shopify's ad presence in the US vs UK vs India"
"Show me the advertiser profile for amazon.com"
"Get details on this specific ad creative"
Related MCP server: google-ads-transparency-mcp
Quick Start
npx gads-transparency-mcpOr install globally:
npm install -g gads-transparency-mcpRequirements: Node.js >= 18. Puppeteer downloads Chromium automatically on first install.
Claude Desktop Configuration
Add to your Claude Desktop config (~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json on macOS):
{
"mcpServers": {
"gads-transparency": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "gads-transparency-mcp"]
}
}
}Restart Claude Desktop. Done — Google Ads Transparency data is now available in Claude.
Use with Other MCP Clients
Works with any MCP-compatible client including Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code + Cline, and more:
npx gads-transparency-mcpAvailable Tools (5 Competitive Intelligence Tools)
Tool | Description |
| Search for advertisers by website domain or brand name |
| Get all ads currently running for a specific advertiser (filter by format: text, image, video) |
| Get detailed information about a specific ad creative |
| Get an advertiser's profile, verification status, and ad activity summary |
| Compare an advertiser's ad presence across multiple regions |
Examples
Example 1: Research competitor ads
User prompt: "Show me all ads currently running by Nike in the US"
Expected behavior:
Calls
search_advertiserwith query "nike.com" and region "US" to find Nike's advertiser IDThen calls
get_advertiser_adswith the advertiser ID and region "US"Returns a list of Nike's currently running ads with headlines, descriptions, ad format (text/image/video), and thumbnails
Example 2: Get an advertiser's profile and verification status
User prompt: "Show me the advertiser profile for amazon.com"
Expected behavior:
Calls
search_advertiserwith query "amazon.com" to find Amazon's advertiser IDThen calls
get_advertiser_profilewith the advertiser IDReturns Amazon's advertiser name, Google verification status, total ad count, ad format distribution (text/image/video), and platform presence
Example 3: Compare ad presence across regions
User prompt: "Compare Shopify's ad presence in the US, UK, and India"
Expected behavior:
Calls
search_advertiserwith query "shopify.com" to find Shopify's advertiser IDThen calls
compare_ad_presencewith the advertiser ID and regions ["US", "GB", "IN"]Returns ad counts and format distribution for each region, highlighting where Shopify is most and least active
Use Cases
Competitor Ad Research — See what ads your competitors are running right now
Ad Creative Inspiration — Browse ad creatives by advertiser, format, and region
Market Intelligence — Understand advertiser activity across different markets
Brand Safety — Monitor who's advertising alongside your brand
Regional Strategy — Compare ad presence across 42 countries to plan international campaigns
Advertiser Verification — Check if an advertiser is verified by Google
PPC Research — Research ad strategies without expensive competitive intelligence tools
Supported Regions (42 Countries)
Region | Code | Region | Code | Region | Code |
United States | US | United Kingdom | GB | India | IN |
Canada | CA | Australia | AU | Germany | DE |
France | FR | Japan | JP | Brazil | BR |
Mexico | MX | Italy | IT | Spain | ES |
Netherlands | NL | Sweden | SE | Norway | NO |
Denmark | DK | Finland | FI | Poland | PL |
Austria | AT | Switzerland | CH | Belgium | BE |
Ireland | IE | Portugal | PT | New Zealand | NZ |
Singapore | SG | Hong Kong | HK | Taiwan | TW |
South Korea | KR | Philippines | PH | Malaysia | MY |
Thailand | TH | Indonesia | ID | Vietnam | VN |
South Africa | ZA | UAE | AE | Saudi Arabia | SA |
Egypt | EG | Nigeria | NG | Kenya | KE |
Argentina | AR | Chile | CL | Colombia | CO |
Peru | PE |
Features
Built-in Rate Limiting — 2s between requests, max 30/min, with random delays
Response Caching — 1hr TTL, up to 1000 entries, reduces redundant scraping
Anti-Detection — Rotating user agents, viewport randomization, stealth plugin
Automatic Retries — Exponential backoff (5s-30s) on failures, up to 3 attempts
Graceful Shutdown — Proper cleanup of browser instances on exit
Limitations
Rate Limited: ~30 requests/minute to avoid blocking
No Historical Data: Only currently running ads are visible
Regional: Must specify region for each request
May Break: Google can change the Transparency Center at any time
No Spend Data: Ad spend info only available for political ads
Requirements
Node.js >= 18
Chrome/Chromium — Puppeteer downloads it automatically on install
No API keys, no authentication, no Google account needed
Related
Google Ads Transparency Center — The data source
Model Context Protocol — The open standard for AI-tool integration
Claude Desktop — Anthropic's desktop AI assistant
MCP Server Registry — Curated list of MCP servers
Privacy Policy
See PRIVACY.md for our complete privacy policy.
TL;DR: This extension runs locally on your machine. It accesses only publicly available data from the Google Ads Transparency Center — the same data anyone can view in a browser. No data is collected, stored, or transmitted to any third party by this MCP server. No API keys or authentication required.
License
MIT
Available Tools
5 toolscompare_ad_presenceARead-onlyIdempotent
Compare an advertiser's ad presence across multiple geographic regions.
Use this tool to:
See where a competitor is most active geographically
Compare ad volumes and formats across markets
Identify regional advertising strategies
Find markets where a brand isn't advertising yet
Returns ad counts and format distribution per region.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| advertiserId | Yes | Advertiser ID from Google Ads Transparency | |
| regions | Yes | Array of region codes to compare (e.g., ["US", "GB", "IN"]). Max 10 regions. |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, so the description's safety implications are already covered. The description adds value by specifying the return data (ad counts and format distribution per region), which goes beyond the annotations and helps the agent understand expected output.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is remarkably concise: a single introductory sentence, a bulleted list of use cases, and a closing sentence about return values. Every sentence adds value, with no redundancy or filler.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The tool has 2 required parameters and no output schema, but the description explains the return format (ad counts and format distribution per region). While the exact structure is unspecified, the description provides sufficient context for a simple comparison tool, and annotations (readOnlyHint, idempotentHint) further inform behavior.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so both 'advertiserId' and 'regions' are already well-documented in the input schema. The description mentions 'regions' but does not add new semantic details beyond what the schema provides (e.g., maxItems constraint is already present).
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool compares ad presence across multiple geographic regions, with a specific verb ('Compare') and resource ('ad presence'). It lists concrete use cases that distinguish it from sibling tools like get_ad_details or search_advertiser, which are not comparative.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides explicit 'Use this tool to:' bullet points outlining contexts for use (e.g., competitor activity, market identification). It does not explicitly mention when not to use or alternative tools, but the listed scenarios are clear and differentiated from siblings.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_ad_detailsARead-onlyIdempotent
Get complete information about a specific ad creative from Google Ads Transparency Center.
Use this tool to:
Get full ad copy and media URLs
See targeting information (when available)
Get impression/spend ranges for political ads
Deep dive into a specific ad creative
Returns full content, media URLs, targeting info, and run dates.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| advertiserId | Yes | Advertiser ID from Google Ads Transparency | |
| creativeId | Yes | Creative/Ad ID from get_advertiser_ads results | |
| region | No | Region code (e.g., "US", "IN", "GB"). Defaults to US. | US |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and destructiveHint=false, so safety is clear. The description adds context such as targeting info being 'when available' and impression/spend ranges specific to political ads, which is useful beyond the annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is concise with a front-loaded main purpose and a bullet-like list of use cases. Every sentence adds value, and there is no redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the rich annotations and full schema coverage, the description adequately explains the return values (full content, media URLs, targeting info, run dates). No output schema exists, so the description fills that gap well.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for all three parameters. The description adds minor value by noting creativeId comes from get_advertiser_ads results, but does not elaborate further. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'get' and resource 'ad creative' from Google Ads Transparency Center, with specific use cases listed. It distinguishes from siblings like get_advertiser_ads and get_advertiser_profile by focusing on a single ad's details.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides explicit scenarios for using the tool (e.g., get full ad copy, targeting info, political ad ranges). It does not explicitly state when not to use it, but the context implies it's for deep dives after obtaining a creative ID from get_advertiser_ads.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_advertiser_adsARead-onlyIdempotent
Retrieve all ads currently running for a specific advertiser from Google Ads Transparency Center.
Use this tool to:
Analyze competitor ad creatives and messaging
See what types of ads (text/image/video) a brand is running
Research ad copy and visual strategies
Track ad activity across different platforms
Returns ad creatives with headlines, descriptions, thumbnails, and run dates.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| advertiserId | Yes | Advertiser ID from Google Ads Transparency (e.g., "AR07034216898162065409") | |
| region | No | Region code (e.g., "US", "IN", "GB"). Defaults to US. | US |
| format | No | Filter by ad format. Options: text, image, video, all | all |
| limit | No | Maximum number of ads to return. Returns all if not specified. |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, destructiveHint=false, idempotentHint=true, openWorldHint=true. The description adds the return content (headlines, descriptions, etc.) which is useful but not critical beyond annotations. No contradictions.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is concise: two paragraphs, front-loaded with purpose, and bullet points for use cases. Every sentence adds value without redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
With no output schema, the description adequately explains return values ('ad creatives with headlines, descriptions, thumbnails, and run dates'). Combined with full parameter documentation and annotations, it is complete for this straightforward list tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, with all parameters documented in the schema. The description adds no additional parameter details, so baseline score 3 applies.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states 'Retrieve all ads currently running for a specific advertiser', using a specific verb and resource. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like compare_ad_presence, get_ad_details, etc., by focusing on listing ads for one advertiser.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides explicit use cases (analyze competitors, see ad types, research ad copy, track activity), offering clear context for when to use the tool. It does not explicitly mention when not to use or compare with alternatives, but the context is sufficient.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_advertiser_profileARead-onlyIdempotent
Get a summary profile of an advertiser's ad activity on Google Ads Transparency Center.
Use this tool to:
Get an overview of a brand's advertising presence
See verification status and total ad counts
Understand ad format distribution (text/image/video)
Identify which platforms they advertise on
Returns name, verification status, ad count by format, and platforms.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| advertiserId | Yes | Advertiser ID from Google Ads Transparency | |
| region | No | Region code (e.g., "US", "IN", "GB"). Defaults to US. | US |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, destructiveHint, idempotentHint, and openWorldHint. Description adds behavioral context by specifying the return fields (name, verification status, ad counts by format, platforms), which helps the agent understand what data to expect.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Description is concise with four sentences and bullet points. It front-loads the core purpose and then lists specific uses, making it easy to parse quickly.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the simple two-parameter tool with no output schema, the description fully covers what the tool returns and its overall behavior. The annotations further reinforce safety, leaving no gaps for an AI to misunderstand.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for both parameters (advertiserId and region). The description does not add extra meaning beyond the schema, as it does not elaborate on parameter usage or constraints.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states verb 'Get' and resource 'summary profile of an advertiser's ad activity'. The bullet points detail specific outputs (verification status, ad counts, format distribution, platforms), effectively distinguishing it from siblings like get_advertiser_ads (which returns ad list) and search_advertiser.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Description explicitly lists four usage scenarios with bullet points (e.g., 'Get an overview of a brand's advertising presence'). However, it does not mention when NOT to use this tool or compare it to alternatives among siblings, missing a chance to guide selection.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
search_advertiserARead-onlyIdempotent
Search for an advertiser on Google Ads Transparency Center by domain name or brand name.
Use this tool to:
Find a competitor's advertiser ID by their website domain
Search for brands to analyze their ad activity
Discover related advertisers in a market
Returns advertiser ID, name, verification status, and total ad count.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| query | Yes | Domain name (e.g., "nike.com") or brand name (e.g., "Nike") | |
| region | No | Region code (e.g., "US", "IN", "GB"). Defaults to US. | US |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and openWorldHint=true. The description adds value by specifying the exact return fields (advertiser ID, name, verification status, total ad count), which is not present in annotations or schema. No contradictions.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is succinct, with a clear opening sentence followed by three bullet points that are front-loaded and easy to scan. Every sentence adds value without redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a search tool with no output schema, the description adequately covers return fields. Parameters are fully documented in schema, sibling tools provide context, and annotations declare safety traits. No apparent gaps.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, with clear descriptions for both 'query' and 'region' parameters. The description adds examples ('nike.com', 'Nike') but does not provide new semantic meaning beyond the schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool searches for an advertiser by domain or brand name on Google Ads Transparency Center, and lists specific use cases (finding competitor ID, brand analysis, discovering related advertisers). It distinguishes from sibling tools like get_advertiser_profile and get_advertiser_ads by focusing on search/discovery rather than details or comparison.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides explicit usage scenarios ('Use this tool to:') with three bullet points, guiding when to use it (e.g., find competitor ID, search brands). It does not explicitly mention when not to use or alternative tools, but the context of sibling tools implies differentiation.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Tool Schema Changelog
Recent tool additions, removals, and schema changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
5 tool updates
v1.0.1- First observed
compare_ad_presence - First observed
get_ad_details - First observed
get_advertiser_ads - First observed
get_advertiser_profile - First observed
search_advertiser
TDQS
Scored across 5 tools
Each tool has a clear, distinct purpose: search for advertisers, get profile overview, list all ads, get specific ad details, and compare across regions. There is no overlap or ambiguity.
All tool names follow a consistent verb_noun pattern in snake_case (e.g., compare_ad_presence, get_advertiser_profile). The verbs are predictable (search, get, compare) and the nouns precisely indicate the resource.
With 5 tools, the set is well-scoped for the domain of Google Ads Transparency. Each tool covers a discrete aspect of the workflow without being overly granular or sparse.
The tools cover the essential operations: search, profile, ads list, ad details, and regional comparison. Minor gaps exist, such as lacking a tool to filter ads by region (the compare tool returns counts only) or to retrieve ads by date range, but the core functionality is solid.
Maintenance
Related MCP Connectors
Competitive ad intelligence for AI agents: portfolios, ad/content search, analytics, discovery.
Google Ads MCP server — manage campaigns, keywords, and metrics.
MCP server for building and testing AI agents with multi-model experimentation and insights.
Marketing intelligence API for AI agents. Real campaign data, not LLM guesses.
Related MCP Servers
- AlicenseNot gradedqualityDmaintenanceModel Context Protocol server that enables AI assistants to perform keyword research, SEO analysis, and content planning through natural language queries against kwrds.ai's SEO tools.7Apache 2.0
- AlicenseAqualityAmaintenanceAn MCP server that lets AI assistants look up any advertiser's Google ads. Search by domain or company name, retrieve ad creatives, and decode text ad content from Google's Ads Transparency Center.8347 PyPI7MIT
- FlicenseAqualityDmaintenanceAn MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that gives AI agents live, structured ad intelligence across Facebook, Google, and Instagram — data that no base model can produce from training alone. Powered by Apify actors. Works with any MCP-compatible client: Cursor, Claude, etc.11-
- AlicenseCqualityDmaintenanceA comprehensive Google Ads API integration for AI assistants through the Model Context Protocol. This server enables Claude AI and other MCP-compatible clients to manage Google Ads campaigns, analyze performance, and execute GAQL queries with natural language commands.76MIT