Bonded Bitesize – Your Midweek Roundup

Google Provides Timeline To Improve Publishers’ Search Visibility

Google has committed to improving how independent publishers appear in search results by December 31. This follows an exchange on X between Google’s Search Liaison, Danny Sullivan, and concerned publishers. Jonathan Jones shared that Google recognises the need to ‘reward sites better’ and support smaller publishers. Notably, publisher Nate Hake pressed for a deadline, leading Google to confirm the end-of-year target, though without guarantees of restoring past rankings. The discussion highlighted long-standing frustrations with publishers criticising Google’s vague guidance and favouring of larger platforms like Reddit and Quora. Hake accused Google of reducing independent visibility despite previous discussions, while others called for clearer search ranking models to help smaller sites succeed.

Meta spotted testing AI-generated comments on Instagram

Meta is testing AI-generated comments on Instagram, aiming to help users interact with friends by suggesting responses to posts. Social media tester Jonah Manzano spotted a ‘Write with Meta AI’ feature, which analyses photos and generates three comment suggestions, with an option to refresh for more. For example, a photo of someone smiling with a thumbs-up might prompt AI-generated comments like ‘Cute living room setup’ or ‘Love the cozy atmosphere’. While Meta says the feature enhances user experience, many may see it as inauthentic and unnecessary, preferring genuine interactions. Meta previously tested AI-generated comments on Facebook, but it’s unclear if or when this Instagram feature will roll out widely.

TikTok to start pushing Amber Alerts to users’ For You feeds

TikTok is partnering with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) to bring real-time Amber Alerts to users’ For You feeds in the U.S. If an alert is activated in a search area, users identified via their IP address will see key details such as the missing child’s photo, description, and last known location. A Texas pilot saw Amber Alerts viewed over 20 million times, leading to 2.5 million visits to NCMEC’s site. TikTok is also donating ad credits to support NCMEC’s messaging. With its large teen user base, TikTok aims to increase awareness and engagement. Other platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, have previously integrated Amber Alerts.

Microsoft Tests 9 Ads & Only One Free Search Results On Same Page

Microsoft has been testing an excessive number of ads on Bing’s search results page, with some users seeing nine ads and only two organic results for queries like ‘garage door repair’. Red Leaf Web Design first spotted the issue on X, and others confirmed it across different regions and browsers. Microsoft has previously been criticised for making ad labels difficult to spot, raising concerns about transparency. While it could be a bug, the overwhelming presence of ads has sparked frustration among users.

Google testing channel reporting for Performance Max campaigns

Google is reportedly testing channel reporting for Performance Max campaigns, addressing long-standing advertiser concerns over transparency. Kirk Williams and Arjan Schoorl highlighted the development, with a screenshot from a Google event in Amsterdam showing potential channel breakdowns. Christopher Bell noted that a major advertiser has already gained access. Since its 2021 launch, Performance Max has been criticised for its ‘black box’ approach, providing little visibility into budget allocation across Google’s channels. If widely implemented, this feature could improve optimisation and accountability. Google Ads Liaison Ginny Marvin has not yet commented, suggesting the company is not ready for a full announcement.

Snap introduces AI Video Lenses powered by its in-house generative model

Snapchat has introduced its first generative AI video Lenses, available exclusively to Snapchat Platinum subscribers for $15.99/month. Powered by Snap’s in-house generative video model, the initial three Lenses include ‘Raccoon’ and ‘Fox’, which animate cuddly animals, and ‘Spring Flowers’, which creates a zoom-out effect revealing the user holding a bouquet. New AI Video Lenses will be added weekly, enhancing Snapchat’s long-standing AR expertise. This launch aligns with Snap’s broader AI strategy, as the company shifts toward developing its own models to power features while reducing reliance on external AI providers like OpenAI and Google.

YouTube gives brands and creators new linking tools

YouTube is enhancing brand-creator collaboration with new features that streamline the process of linking sponsored content to ad campaigns. Eligible creators can now send direct linking requests to brands for published sponsored videos, while a new Video Linking API enables brands to automate the process across multiple creator partnerships. These updates aim to reduce administrative friction, making it easier to scale influencer marketing. As consumer trust in creator recommendations grows, YouTube’s improvements position it as a key platform for brands looking to formalise and measure influencer-driven campaigns.

Reddit Allows Users To Block Specific Advertisers

Reddit is introducing a new ad-blocking feature that allows users to hide ads from specific advertisers, preventing future ads from those brands for at least a year. This update, rolling out across iOS, Android, and web, is in response to user feedback requesting more control over the ads they see. While this move may improve user experience, it could concern brands hesitant to invest in Reddit ads if a significant number of users opt to block them. Reddit is limiting the number of advertisers a single user can block daily, but no other major social platform has implemented a similar tool due to potential ad revenue losses.

WhatsApp will soon limit number of broadcast messages users and businesses can send

WhatsApp is testing new limits on broadcast messages to reduce spam, with plans to restrict the number of messages users and businesses can send each month. The test will cap individual users at around 30 messages per month, while businesses will soon face paid options for sending broadcast messages, including new tools for product updates or sales. Additionally, businesses can schedule messages, with 250 free customised broadcasts offered during the pilot. WhatsApp’s efforts aim to give users occasional messages without overwhelming them, while generating revenue through paid features for businesses, expanding its WhatsApp Business offerings.

Facebook now lets creators get paid for views on stories

Facebook is rolling out a new monetisation feature for creators, allowing them to earn money from views on public stories. This option is available to creators in the Facebook Content Monetisation program, enabling them to earn revenue from both everyday story content and snippets of larger videos, like recipes or reels. Story payouts are performance-based, with no minimum view threshold required to start earning. This move is part of Facebook’s effort to provide creators with additional revenue streams and attract more content creators, including those from TikTok. The feature follows a series of successful monetisation efforts, with creators earning over $2 billion in 2024.