Google Ads GenerateCreatorInsights by YouTube handle vs Sume search

Google Ads API v25.2 lets ContentCreatorInsightsService.GenerateCreatorInsights search by YouTubeChannels.youtube_channel_handles. That call needs handles you already have; Sume's POST /v1/influencer-search finds candidate creators from a niche, and each result carries a handle you can pass on.

Google facts are from its Ads API release notes; Sume facts from the OpenAPI document behind the API reference, read 2026-10-01.

What changed in the Ads API?

The v25.2 notes say GenerateCreatorInsights now supports searching by YouTube channel handles. Valid handles must start with @, such as @channel_handle. The option is similar to searching by YouTube channel IDs, and the response contains insights on the requested creators.

Where does Sume fit?

Discovery comes first: you have a niche and no list yet. The OpenAPI describes a ranked shortlist from a niche or natural-language query across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, unbilled with no Sume SKU. Filter with follower_min, follower_max and engagement_min, and set platforms to ["yt"].

curl -X POST https://api.sume.com/v1/influencer-search \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $SUME_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "niche": "home fitness",
    "platforms": ["yt"],
    "follower_max": 400000,
    "limit": 12
  }'

Do the handles match what Google expects?

Check each one. Google requires a leading @, and the Sume schema documents handle as a plain string without promising that format, so add or verify the @ in your own code and confirm the channel is the one you mean.

Is one call a replacement for the other?

No. They answer different questions: who might fit, then what Google knows about them. Sume does not call the Ads API. For the YouTube side of partner links, see the brandPartner part.