Every month, we bring you the latest platform developments that are shaping the digital landscape and influencing marketing strategies. This month’s updates are packed with game-changing updates from Google, Bing, Instagram, TikTok, and more. From AI-powered search enhancements to major shifts in social media algorithms, staying ahead means adapting quickly.
- Google’s AI Overviews now reach 1.5 billion users and are expanding to YouTube.
- Bing becomes an AI-powered answer engine, with new shopping features in Copilot.
- Instagram launched a standalone Reels app, while Meta pushes for five daily posts to boost reach.
- TikTok fights for survival in the US, tests “Footnotes” for credibility, and adds alt text for images.
- LinkedIn reveals top-performing content formats, and Bluesky introduces user-led verification.
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SEO Updates
This month, both Google and Bing rolled out significant updates that could reshape search and PPC strategies. Let’s dive into the key updates you need to know this month.
- AI overviews have also branched into YouTube after Google reported that AI Overviews now reach over 1.5 billion monthly users. Apparently, Google are receiving ‘really positive feedback from users’.
- GA4 set up just got easier, as they have added pre-built report snapshot templates, including metrics such as ‘User behaviour’ and ‘Sales and revenue’.
- Google updates Unfair Advantage Policy to allow advertisers to show multiple ads for the same business in different ad locations.
- Google is redirecting all country domains to Google.com while still showing local results to users. Google’s John Mueller has clarified that “nothing has changed with regards to international SEO.”
Bing
- Bing has become an “AI-powered search and answer engine” as Microsoft has launched Copilot Search. Copilot Search appears to be a competitor to ChatGPT Search, where users can ask questions to progress their search journey.
- Businesses can join the Copilot Merchant Program, and allow price alerts, product suggestions and direct checkout features within the Copilot app.
- Bing is also testing product and shopping results in Copilot Answers.
Social Media Updates
The social media landscape never stands still, and this month is no exception! From new apps and algorithm shifts to emerging trends and platform updates, here’s everything you need to know to stay ahead in your social strategy.
- Edits has been launched as the latest Meta app, a CapCut competitor. This app is for users to edit their Reels before uploading to Instagram.
- The iPad may be getting an Instagram app, finally!
- Adam Mosseri has declared that if you post to main feed, create content that drives shares, and optimise for search, then you will grow on Instagram in 2025.
- Instagram is launching a monthly recap summary to help creators get more of an insight into their content performance.
- Instagram may be working on a standalone app for Reels, to compete with TikTok as a video-first platform.
- Time spent across Instagram and Facebook has reportedly declined.
Meta
- You need to post five times a day if you want to increase reach on Meta.
- File sharing has increased to 100MB on Meta.
Threads
- It appears that, Sports creators have moved away from X, as sports discussions are growing on Threads.
- Meta has rolled out ads globally on Threads feed. Advertisers will be able to reach the 300 million monthly active Thread users with Meta’s targeting capabilities.
SnapChat
- Snapchat reported that 79% of consumers agree that virtual tours make it easier to explore destinations they might not have considered.
TikTok
- It looks like TikTok is staying in the US, at least for now. The original deadline to sell was in January, however, POTUS has extended the deadline again. Potential buyers include Oracle, Andreessen Horowitz, Amazon, Perplexity, Walmart, and more.
- Alt Text for image posts are now on the platform.
- TikTok is adding features to make the platform more credible. It is testing ‘Footnotes’, which is a new feature where users can add relevant information to content on their platform.
Bluesky
- Bluesky has added the option for approved users to be verified. What’s more is that certain verifiers will also be able to hand out verifications to other users.
- Multi-image, native documents and video content generate the most engagement overall, according to Socialinsider.
- Canva has finally added LinkedIn video templates to the platform.
- LinkedIn is sharing posting tips, best practices and examples on a new micro-site that it has launched.
Stay Up To Date With Marketing
Digital marketing is ever-evolving, with new social media channels, new forms of searching for content and updates to algorithms and consumer changes. It’s important to stay up to date with the latest information to ensure your marketing is moving towards hitting your goals and targets.
There’ a lot to keep up with in marketing, which is why we offer a range of online and face-to-face marketing training courses that cover the latest trends and best practices that your organisation needs in order to succeed
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