Bonded Bitesize - Your Midweek Roundup

UK OOH starts 2026 with double-digit growth as brands invest in visibility

Out-of-home advertising is proving its resilience, with UK OOH revenues rising 15% year-on-year in Q1 2026. Digital OOH continues to lead the charge, growing by 17.6% and now accounting for 67% of total OOH revenue. Traditional formats also posted strong growth, demonstrating that brands are increasingly looking beyond digital-only channels to build awareness at scale. For marketers, it’s another reminder that omnichannel visibility remains key, especially as audiences become harder to reach through fragmented online environments

Instagram brings teleprompter functionality directly into the app

Creating polished talking-head content on Instagram is about to get easier. Instagram has confirmed that its teleprompter feature, previously exclusive to the Edits app, is being integrated directly into the main camera experience. The tool allows creators to add scrolling scripts while recording, helping them stay on message without repeatedly re-shooting content. As short-form video continues to dominate social feeds, this update lowers the barrier to creating confident, professional-looking Reels for both creators and brands.

Google tests healthcare ads within AI-powered search experiences

Google has begun testing healthcare advertisements inside AI Mode, providing an early glimpse into how paid media could evolve within AI-powered search journeys. The pilot is currently limited to healthcare advertisers in the US and English-language queries, but it signals Google’s intention to integrate advertising more naturally into conversational search experiences. For marketers, the move raises important questions around visibility, targeting and measurement as AI-generated answers become a larger part of the search ecosystem

Google updates Ads Terms of Service to reflect the AI era

Google has rolled out significant updates to its Ads Terms of Service, marking the first major revision in several years. The changes include updates across policy, payment and liability frameworks, with particular attention given to AI-related developments within Google Ads. As AI-generated creative, automation and machine learning become increasingly embedded in campaign management, advertisers should review the new terms carefully to understand how responsibilities and platform usage may evolve moving forward.

Meta explores AI wearables with plans for a smart pendant

Meta’s ambitions in AI hardware appear to be expanding beyond smart glasses. Reports suggest the company is developing an AI-powered pendant designed to act as a personal assistant, with testing expected to begin within the next year. The device forms part of a wider “wearables for work” strategy aimed at bringing AI into everyday productivity tasks. While still in development, the move highlights Meta’s growing focus on creating always-on AI experiences that extend beyond the smartphone and social media platforms.

Bonded Bitesize – Your Midweek Roundup