Bonded Bitesize – Your Midweek Roundup

Google begins requiring JavaScript for Google Search

Google has started requiring users to enable JavaScript in order to use Google Search. This change aims to improve security by protecting against bots and spam, while also enhancing the search experience. Without JavaScript, some Google Search features may not work properly, and search result quality may be compromised. While JavaScript is widely used across websites, this move could create accessibility challenges for users relying on assistive technologies. Additionally, JavaScript is known for security vulnerabilities, but Google claims only a small fraction of users disable it. The decision may also aim to limit third-party tools that track Google Search performance.

Microsoft Clarity launches Google Ads integration

Microsoft Clarity has integrated with Google Ads, enabling advertisers to directly connect campaign performance with user behaviour. The new dashboard provides real-time tracking of how users interact with websites after clicking on ads, with features like heatmaps and session recordings. This integration allows advertisers to track campaign-specific engagement metrics and intent, offering insights into which campaigns drive meaningful interactions versus just clicks. This could improve ROI by optimising both ads and landing pages based on real user data. The integration positions Microsoft Clarity as a stronger competitor in the analytics space, particularly for Google Ads advertisers.

Reddit introduces business analytics tools and AMA ads

Reddit has launched two new products aimed at businesses: the Reddit Pro Trends tool and a new advertising format for Ask Me Anything (AMA) sessions. The Pro Trends tool, available in Reddit Pro’s free suite, allows businesses to track real-time conversations about their brands and industry trends, monitor discussions with smart keywords, and access a feed of relevant conversations. The AMA Ads format lets businesses promote Q&A sessions directly through Reddit’s ad dashboard. These tools are designed to help businesses engage with niche communities and promote authentic interactions, contributing to Reddit’s growth as it surpasses 100 million daily active users and reaches profitability.

Amazon Tool Lets Advertisers Verbally Create Targeted Audiences In Minutes

Amazon Ads has introduced a new generative AI tool that allows advertisers to quickly generate insights from their Amazon Marketing Cloud (AMC) by simply speaking to the platform. This new capability enables users to describe their target audience, and the tool returns the relevant query along with the steps it used to create it. Previously, AMC required advanced SQL knowledge, but this tool simplifies the process, cutting development times from hours to minutes. Advertisers can now easily create audience-specific queries for campaigns across various channels like streaming TV, audio, and digital, helping to optimise ad targeting and retargeting strategies. The tool was announced at CES 2025.

Microsoft expands retail media with two major ad offerings

Microsoft Advertising is enhancing its role in commerce media with two new products designed to help retailers monetise first-party data and enable brands to reach shoppers across multiple retail platforms.

Curate for Commerce helps retailers monetise their data through non-endemic advertising partnerships, requiring minimal technology investment. It is already being piloted by major retailers like Kohl’s. Sponsored Promotions by Brands (SPB) allows brands to reach shoppers on Microsoft Edge, Bing, and retail partner sites, operating on a cost-per-sale model and simplifying campaign setup across multiple retailers. These tools provide precision targeting and streamlined campaign management, positioning Microsoft as a leader in commerce media as first-party data becomes more valuable.

Google Ads PMax Campaigns To Brand Guidelines Enabled After January 20

Starting January 20, 2025, Google Ads will make a significant change to Performance Max (PMax) campaigns created in the Google Ads web interface. Brand guidelines will be enabled by default, and businesses will need to link brand assets, such as business name and logo, at the campaign level rather than the asset group level. This change allows for better control over how brands are represented in automated assets or formats. For API users, the new approach will automatically link brand assets via the CampaignAsset resource. The same asset requirements will apply, but evaluation will shift depending on whether brand guidelines are enabled. Full brand guidelines management will be available in future API updates.

Google is forming a new team to build AI that can simulate the physical world

Google is forming a new team within its AI research lab, Google DeepMind, to focus on developing AI models capable of simulating the physical world. Led by Tim Brooks, a former co-lead on OpenAI’s video generator Sora, this team will collaborate with Google’s Gemini, Veo, and Genie teams. Their work aims to scale models and tackle critical challenges in AI, such as real-time simulation, visual reasoning, and interactive entertainment. The goal is to develop world models that could power applications in video games, robots, and real-time interactive media. While some concerns exist around the use of AI in creative industries, Google is committed to collaborating with professionals rather than replacing them. There’s also potential for legal challenges, as world models might be trained on unlicensed content.

The future of paid search: 3 predictions for Google Ads in 2025

In today’s dynamic Google Ads landscape, media buyers thrive on experimentation, driven by constant platform changes and technological advancements. 2024 saw significant shifts, including improved advertiser-Google relations, enhanced Performance Max flexibility, and the enduring relevance of paid media fundamentals like conversion tracking and creative asset development. Key trends included the rise of generative AI, greater diversification in ad strategies, and a focus on optimisations beyond ad accounts, such as branding and website quality. Looking ahead to 2025, predictions include the growth of Demand Gen campaigns, a shift in client buy-in strategies, and Google’s resilience despite legal challenges. Success lies in embracing innovation, testing new tools, and maintaining a positive, forward-thinking approach.

TikTok goes dark in the US

TikTok temporarily went dark in the U.S. on Saturday night due to a federal law banning the app over concerns about Chinese surveillance and propaganda. The app disappeared from app stores, displaying a message about the ban, but partial access via the web remained. TikTok began restoring service by midday Sunday, hinting at a possible resolution under President-elect Donald Trump, who expressed intentions to negotiate a 90-day reprieve or pursue a joint venture with U.S. ownership. The Biden administration deferred enforcement to Trump, while TikTok criticised the lack of definitive assurances. Meanwhile, alternative apps like RedNote and Lemon8 gained attention, although some, including ByteDance-owned Lemon8, were also blocked. The app’s future hinges on ByteDance’s willingness to divest.

Google ads rolls out Brand Report for enhanced advertiser insights

Google Ads has launched the Brand Report, a streamlined dashboard that consolidates deduplicated reach and frequency metrics across campaigns. This tool simplifies performance tracking by centralising KPIs and demographic data, eliminating the need to piece together insights from multiple reports. Advertisers can filter by age, gender, and other demographics directly within the “Insights and reports” section of the Google Ads dashboard. While the report currently excludes Search, Shopping, and Performance Max campaigns, it supports up to 10,000 campaigns with a 92-day data limit, requiring at least 10,000 impressions per campaign. This update helps advertisers identify overspending on overlapping audiences and optimise their brand investments more effectively, with future expansions expected to include additional campaign types.