1. Google search update aims to show more diverse results from different domain names
Google announced that it has updated its search results to show a more diverse set of search results. That means Google will aim to show no more than two results from the same domain for a particular query in the top results. [Source: Search Engine Land]
2. Instagram advertisers can now convert organic influencer posts into ads
Instagram is rolling out branded content ads to all advertisers, making it possible for brands to create ads using organic posts from the influencers they have relationships with. [Source: Marketing Land]
3. Amazon Replicates Pinterest Lens with ‘StyleSnap’ Feature
Amazon has announced a new in-app tool called ‘StyleSnap’, which will enable users to take a photo or upload a screenshot of any item of clothing and the system will find similar product matches, based on image recognition. [Source: Social Media Today]
4. Google to buy unified data platform Looker for $2.6 billion to strengthen Cloud analytics
Google announced plans to acquire unified data and analytics platform Looker for $2.6 billion in an all-cash transaction. Once the deal is complete later this year, Looker will join Google Cloud. [Source: MARTECH TOAY]
5. Local Inventory ads rolling out of beta in Microsoft Advertising
Local Inventory ads (LIAs) will be coming out of beta in Microsoft Advertising accounts early this month. The ads have been in testing for about a year. [Source: Search Engine Land]
6. LinkedIn Announces New Ad Research and Insights Series to Help Marketers
LinkedIn has this week announced two new initiatives designed to help LinkedIn marketers make the most of their on-platform promotion efforts. These include ‘LinkedIn Ad Review’ and ‘Research and Insights’ program. [Source: Social Media Today]
7. YouTube Announces New Partnership with AXS to Facilitate Concert Ticket Purchases from Videos
Given the popularity of music videos on YouTube, it makes sense for the platform to add in more ways for users to purchase concert tickets direct from those clips. [Source: Social Media Today]
8. IAB releases Augmented Reality for Marketing playbook
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) released Augmented Reality for Marketing, an IAB Playbook — a resource for marketers considering integrating AR into their marketing strategies. The playbook provides a framework, explores different options and dives into specific use cases with real examples from several major brands. [Source: MARTECH TODAY]
9. TikTok is Reportedly Testing New Ad Targeting Options to Lure Marketers
TikTok has reportedly been pitching advertisers on a new interest-based ad targeting option, which would enable brands to reach specific subsets of the platform’s young audience in order to maximize the performance of their promotions. [Source: Social Media Today]
10. Facebook Publishes New Report on Emerging Gaming Behaviors and Opportunities [Infographic]
Facebook has released a new set of insights from a recent survey it conducted into emerging cultural shifts in gaming – which, not coincidentally, highlight the rising importance of the social elements in gaming engagement. [Source: Social Media Today]
