Bonded Bitesize – Your Midweek Roundup

Amazon Ads launches AI-powered video

Amazon Ads has introduced new generative AI tools aimed at helping advertisers create more engaging video and image content. Currently in beta for select U.S. advertisers, these tools include a Video Generator that creates custom videos using a single product image and a Live Image feature that allows brands to produce short, animated campaign images quickly. The goal is to overcome challenges such as time and cost, which are the main barriers to creating quality video content. Amazon plans to refine these features based on beta feedback before a wider rollout.

YouTube tests a new way for creators to avoid takedowns

YouTube is testing a new feature that allows creators to edit videos to remove age restrictions or Community Guidelines violations. Previously, creators could only appeal once, but now they can edit content via YouTube Studio for review. Creators can still choose to appeal instead of editing.

This feature helps creators fix issues without changing video style and addresses overlooked policy changes. However, concerns about creative freedom may persist. As AI tools for video-making grow, YouTube will need clear policies on managing AI-generated content.

LinkedIn has stopped grabbing UK users’ data for AI

The U.K.’s data protection regulator, the ICO, confirmed that LinkedIn has paused using U.K. users’ data for AI model training following concerns. LinkedIn updated its privacy policy, stating it is not processing data from users in the U.K., European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland for AI purposes. This change follows backlash from privacy experts after it was revealed U.K. users weren’t initially given the same data protection as EU users. The Open Rights Group criticised both LinkedIn and the ICO, calling for stronger consent requirements. LinkedIn has committed to further engagement with the ICO on the issue.

ITV launches Gen AI ad production service for TV newcomers

ITV is launching two AI-generated TV ads for small businesses as part of its effort to make TV advertising more accessible for SMEs. The initiative aims to reduce barriers, such as high production costs, by offering “high-quality” ads at a lower price. Sheepbridge Interiors, a Northern Ireland furniture store, and Travel House, a South Wales travel company, are debuting their first TV ads created using AI tools. This new creative production option is part of ITV’s broader effort to help new-to-TV brands grow by offering affordable ad solutions. Both ads have been approved by Clearcast for airing.

Google Suspending Many Google Business Profiles

Businesses are reporting mass suspensions of their Google Business Profiles, particularly in specific industries like garage door services, dumpster/trash companies, and personal injury law firms. Ben Fisher highlighted the issue, noting a surge of suspensions in these categories. Screenshots from forum discussions show suspension emails and notices in the Google Maps app, with many businesses expressing frustration. Complaints are flooding the Google Business Profiles forums as affected businesses seek answers.

What YouTube learned by analysing over 8,000 top ads

YouTube analysed over 8,000 top ads using AI and identified key trends: increased representation, a focus on self-expression, community-centred storytelling, and the use of magic and fantasy to captivate audiences. Brands are also partnering with creators to build trust and connect authentically. The study highlighted growing diversity in ads, celebration of individuality, and stronger emphasis on human connections, while AI-powered analysis helped uncover insights from global campaigns, revealing how these trends shape modern advertising.

4 Google Performance Max updates: New insights and reporting

Google Ads is introducing major updates to Performance Max, offering advertisers deeper insights and more efficient tools for optimising creative assets. Key updates include conversion metrics for individual assets, detailed suggestions to improve underperforming elements, and streamlined insights within a single dashboard. Advertisers can also track campaign pacing against CPA and ROAS targets, and use impression share reporting to assess competitive performance in search results. These updates aim to help advertisers refine their campaigns more effectively and enhance overall ad performance in competitive markets.

Meta gives advertisers new ad tools ahead of holidays

Meta has introduced new advertising tools and formats, integrated with its AI-powered Advantage+ shopping campaigns, to help businesses capture holiday sales. These updates include promo ad formats featuring discounts and first-time offers, reminder ads to nudge shoppers about sales and events, and multiple landing pages for single ads. Meta is also testing location-based ads targeting in-store shoppers and tourists. These tools aim to help businesses drive both online and in-store sales with more personalised, timely, and high-impact ads during the crucial holiday season.

Snap is introducing an AI video-generation tool for creators

At its annual Snap Partner Summit, Snapchat announced the beta launch of a new AI video-generation tool that allows select creators to produce videos from text prompts and, eventually, from image prompts. This tool, powered by Snap’s foundational video models, will initially be available only to creators on the web, with no plans for broader access. Content generated using the tool will include watermarks and icons indicating AI use to ensure transparency. Snap emphasises safety measures in the model’s training and output to prevent harmful content. This development positions Snap ahead of competitors like TikTok and Instagram, which have yet to launch similar features, although it remains to be seen how effective Snap’s tool will be without showcased outputs.

Google brings negative keyword exclusions to Performance Max

Google is set to introduce campaign-level negative keywords in Performance Max (PMax) later this year, allowing brands to refine ad targeting by excluding specific search queries. This update will provide advertisers with greater control over negative keyword exclusions, enhancing alignment with brand and audience preferences. Additionally, Demand Gen campaigns will soon feature omnichannel bidding, optimising for both online and in-store conversions, and will exit beta shortly. These enhancements aim to improve media buying workflows by integrating Demand Gen campaigns into Display & Video 360. Overall, Google’s new AI-driven tools are designed to maximise ROI and offer advertisers increased control and security in campaign management.