Microsoft Ads Auction Insights Not Showing Data? Here’s Why

Quick answer

Microsoft Ads auction insights shows no data when the selected campaign, ad group or keyword hasn’t reached a minimum level of activity. New campaigns, low-impression keywords and short date ranges are the usual causes. Widen the date range, run the report at campaign level and remember data is kept for 180 days only.

What auction insights is for

The auction insights report shows how your ads compete with other advertisers’ ads in the same auctions. It lists competitor domains and metrics such as impression share, overlap rate and how often they ranked above you. It’s one of the few ways to see competitive pressure directly in Microsoft Advertising.

Why the report is empty

• Too few impressions. Microsoft doesn’t generate auction insights for new campaigns or items with too few impressions.
• Date range too short. A few days of data may not reach the threshold, especially in low-volume accounts.
• Too granular. A single low-volume keyword may have nothing, while its campaign has plenty.
• Outside retention. Data older than 180 days isn’t available.
• Manager account limit. You can’t run the report across more than 300 accounts at once. Filter to fewer.
• Wrong campaign type. The report is built for search auctions, so audience traffic won’t appear.

How to get data

1. Open Campaigns, Ad groups or Keywords in the account.
2. Select Auction insights.
3. Choose a wider date range, such as the last 30 or 90 days.
4. Start at campaign level, then drill down to ad groups or keywords with volume.
5. At manager account level, use filters to stay under 300 accounts.
6. Download the report and segment by device or time to find patterns.

How to read the report

The report doesn’t show competitors’ bids, budgets or keywords. Use it to spot new competitors, changes in pressure over time, and campaigns where you’re losing visibility.

Why Google and Microsoft data differ

Google and Microsoft run separate auctions with different advertisers and traffic volumes. A competitor that dominates Google may barely appear on Microsoft, and the reverse. Lower volume on Microsoft can also mean thresholds aren’t reached as quickly, so use wider date ranges than you would on Google.

Why reporting questions need a partner

Reading competitor data well takes context about the account and the market. Microsoft supports all advertisers through one central desk and gives small and mid-sized businesses hands-on help through its Partner Program channel partners.

FAQ

Why does Google show auction insights but Microsoft doesn’t?

Each platform has its own thresholds and traffic levels. Lower volume on Microsoft can mean the threshold isn’t reached.

Where is auction insights in the Microsoft Ads interface?

Under the campaign pages (Campaigns, Ad groups or Keywords), and in the Competition section.

Can I see auction insights for Audience Network traffic?

The report is built for search auctions. Use placement reports for Audience Network data.

How far back can I look?

Up to 180 days.

Get competitor insights that make sense

Adcore reviews auction data and helps you act on it, as part of free Elite partner support. Get free Microsoft Ads support.