1. Google launches new algorithm to better understand useful & timely information
Google has launched an update to their search algorithms that keep featured snippets timely, fresh and relevant when the query demands it. This new update aims at making sure that the answers Google gives you for some questions are not just accurate but also timely. [Source: Search Engine Land]
2. Facebook Expands Search Ads Availability to More Businesses
Facebook’s new search ad option appears to have been significantly expanded, with a range of Facebook advertisers reporting that ‘Search’ is now an option within their Ad Placements tools. [Source: Social Media Today]
3. Snapchat’s ‘Instant Create’ fast-tracks ad creation
Snapchat rolled out a new “Instant Create” tool that allows advertisers to quickly build an ad by selecting the ad’s objective (web visits, app installs or app visits), entering the business URL and choosing targeting filters. [Source: Marketing Land]
4. Pinterest Adds New Personalized Recommendations, New Related Product Listings on Pins
Pinterest continues its shift away from social media, and towards eCommerce, with the addition of two new product showcase tools which aim to prompt user purchases based on their on-platform behaviors. There’s a lot of potential for retailers in Pins, and these new tools will further add to that capacity. [Source: Social Media Today]
5. Google App campaigns expand to Discover feeds, AdMob testing ads on app loading screens
Google is announcing new inventory and features for app publishers and advertisers. Some of the new features include Discover inventory, YouTube Search ads inventory, Ads on app loading pages and many more. [Source: Search Engine Land]
6. LinkedIn Provides New Tips on Choosing Ad Campaign Objectives
LinkedIn began initial testing of its objective-based advertising approach, which has been gradually rolling out to all businesses over the last few months. The update aims to make it easier for advertisers to select the right targeting options to maximize their on-platform ad campaigns. [Source: Social Media Today]
7. Facebook’s Working on a New, TV-Connected Streaming and Video Call Device
Facebook has approached Netflix, Disney and other media companies with regards to porting their streaming services onto a new, TV-connected Facebook device. The company has also released an updated version of its connected TV app for Xbox and other devices, which has since been re-branded to Facebook Watch. [Source: Social Media Today]
8. Google extends same-meaning close variants to phrase match, broad match modifiers
Google is further loosening the reins on close variants, this time extending same-meaning close variants to phrase match and broad match modifier. With the changes, Google is also changing its keyword selection preferences to prevent keywords from competing against each other. [Source: Search Engine Land]
9. Microsoft Ads Makes it Easier to Change a Campaign’s Audience Targeting
Microsoft Advertising is rolling out campaign-level associations which will make it easier to apply audience targeting. Now, audience targeting can be applied at the campaign level, which means it will be applied to all ad groups in the campaign. [Source: Search Engine Journal]
10. Opera Ads: Browser announces content-based native advertising platform in India
Opera Limited (Opera), one of the major browser developers, and a known player in AI driven digital content, has announced the launch of its new product, Opera Ads, which serves the needs of digital marketers in India. [Source: ET Brand Equity]
