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Search Engine Land is your source for platform specific news and content. You’ll find a variety of up-to-date and authoritative resources, including the latest news, tactic-rich tutorials, and the latest data to help you work smarter and make better decisions.
What you read here is written by our experienced in-house team, and subject matter experts from leading brands and agencies.
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Google will issue advertisers credit refunds after overcharging error
The glitch impacted campaigns that ran within Display and Video 360 from July through to December last year.
Google gets tough on third-party ordering and booking providers hogging GBP listings
Google mandates third parties to let merchants easily disconnect services from Business Profiles. Learn more about the new opt-out process.
Meta apologizes after ad error causes campaigns to overspend by ‘thousands’
Full refunds aren't guaranteed for affected advertisers, but you can take steps to improve your chances.
TikTok Creative Assistant now available in Adobe Express
Advertisers no longer need to switch between platforms to access TikTok's AI-powered virtual assistant when working on creatives.
Meta advertisers can avoid 30% Apple service charge for boosted posts
Small businesses looking to promote content on Facebook and Instagram can now do so without being subject to the new Apple fees.
Google hits back at report criticizing the Privacy Sandbox
The IAB Tech Lab report claims that Privacy Sandbox could make it harder for brands to serve effective ads – particularly smaller businesses.
Report: OpenAI working on web search product
The creator of the popular generative AI tool ChatGPT may be working on a search engine to try and compete with Google.
Google’s new search experiences in the European Economic Area
Due to the DMA, Google has launched new rich results, aggregator units, refinement chips and flight results.
Featured snippets disappear from the Google search results
Did Google intentionally remove the featured snippets or is this a new bug?
Driving lead generation with paid media: What’s new and what’s next
What every modern-day lead generation marketer needs to know for paid media success on LinkedIn, Google and Microsoft.
Google Analytics 4 adds new consent mode setting section
Setting up consent mode and ensuring GA4 is receiving consent signals should now be a little bit easier and faster.
Google warns Universal Analytics 360 users must migrate to GA4 ‘urgently’
UA360 users who do not switch to GA4 within the next two weeks risk losing critical advertising capabilities.
3 new YouTube features including live stream product tagging
YouTube is introducing live stream product tagging, post-only feeds, and the ability to upload videos and Shorts directly from mobile.
Reddit shown excessively in Google product review search results, study finds
Google has a severe diversity issue in Search results as Reddit absolutely dominates the Discussions and forums SERP feature.
How each Google Ads bid strategy influences campaign success
Learn when and how to apply Manual CPC, Maximize Clicks, Target Impression Share, and Smart Bidding to meet your Google Ads campaign goals.
Google local pack not showing for many searchers
In some regions outside of the US, some are seeing local packs in the Google search results but in many regions they are not.
Google Analytics 4 launches new trend detection insight
While the new feature is similar to anomaly detection, trend detection highlights more gradual changes that unfold over an extended period.
Google Ads launches email series delivering tailored optimization advice
Google is sending partners emails with customized recommendations to improve the performance of their ad campaigns.
Microsoft Advertising Network campaigns expand to Facemoji
Brands can now connect with the mobile app's extensive audience in the U.S., the UK, Canada, and Australia.
LinkedIn launches enhanced audience insights and predictive analytics
The Media Planning API offers deeper insights into a campaign's expected reach and ROI, enabling data-led decisions for better optimization.
Debunking common Google E-E-A-T misconceptions
Learn why Google doesn't use author bios and other assumed E-E-A-T elements for search ranking and what they may actually use.
Google says it took down 45% more fake reviews in 2023 thanks to new algorithm
Google also shared new stats on actions it took in 2023 to block fake reviews and local listings.
Google expands generative AI capabilities for automatically created assets
Google's generative AI capabilities are now available to all English-language advertisers in the U.S. and UK.
TikTok publishes best practice guide for optimal campaign performance
The platform shared actionable tips and recommendations that can help enhance the performance of your ad campaigns.
Google tests Branded Local Service Ads with opt-out option
Marketers expressed concern about being unable to opt-out, but Google confirmed this functionality will be available for everyone.
Google Ads gambling and games policy updated
Effective immediately, advertisers can now run sports betting ads in North Carolina provided they have certification.
Pinterest announces major ad partnership with Google
The collaboration makes Google the second third-party ad partner for Pinterest, following its multi-year collaboration with Amazon.
Is TikTok a search engine? Why meeting searchers’ needs matters more than semantics
Here’s why brands must focus on user experience, not semantics, and be present on platforms where their audience is searching.
Google drops Web Stories from image results, Google Discover carousel view and more
Google changed where Web Stories show in Google Search and Google Discover - a long time coming...
Google TV: What you need to know about CTV buying in Google Ads
New Google TV ad placement in Google Ads unlocks CTV buying. Get an overview of the implications, pros and cons, and optimization strategies.
Pinterest revenue rises 12% as monthly active users reach all-time high
The platform's success is attributed to a record number of ad solutions, driving improved campaign performance for brands.
Google Analytics 4 adds new dimensions for measuring paid and organic traffic
The platform now offers clearer insights into your traffic sources, both paid and organic, for enhanced optimization opportunities.
TikTok pushing users to add Search shortcut
TikTok wants more people to search more often on the platform. The platform is encouraging users to add search to their device home screen.
YouTube expands Content Takeovers to offer exclusive advertising on more inventory
Brands now have the option to pay for their ads to exclusively appear on creator channels, ensuring a 100% share of voice.
Google updates Gmail ads with new layout and ‘Sponsored’ label
The changes were introduced to make it easier for consumers to distinguish between ads and organic promotional messages.
Google renames Bard to Gemini, unveils paid version of Gemini
Gemini is the same Bard product with a new name. Gemini Advanced will be bundled as part of Google One for $19.99 a month.
Microsoft Copilot updates: New design, image editing tools and video highlights
The updates are now live and free to use in Copilot, which is compatible with Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.
Google investigating ‘brutal’ Local Service Ads tactic destroying leads for businesses
This Google loophole enables competitors to intentionally manipulate the system, making your ads invisible without your knowledge.
Value-based bidding: Why it’s key to boosting your Google Ads
Discover how this bid strategy can optimize your Google Ads campaigns for the most valuable actions and overall profitability.
Snap revenue rises 5%, after change in ad strategy
Snap shifted its advertising strategy to focus on direct response ads last year, resulting in lower sales during the first half of 2023.