Welcome to our News Roundup! This week’s highlights include Instagram’s offering Reels downloads, X reinstating post headlines, Google’s focus on SEO Fundamentals, OpenAI’s integration of voice-based interaction, and Snapchat’s ad-free trial. In addition, Google resolves a Search Console issue; TikTok embraces conversational UI, as Pinterest provides insights into branding luxury brands. Keep up-to-date with our short news roundup.

Table of Contents

Instagram Expands Reels Download Feature for Global Users

Instagram has widened its Reels download capabilities and is now available to all users worldwide. It was initially launched exclusively for U.S. users in June; the latest update lets anyone download publicly posted Reels. If the creator allows downloads, a “Download” option will be available in the Reels “Share” display.

Downloaded Reels will include an Instagram logo and creator’s handle, which could boost the amount of Instagram content on platforms like TikTok. Although this change could help individuals avoid branding restrictions, it offers users a simple method of preserving and sharing top Reels footage. Instagram’s chief, Adam Mosseri, anticipates that this feature will increase participation and provide new opportunities for Reels creators to boost their reach.

X Reinstates Post Headlines in Link Previews Following Elon Musk’s Reversal

47th Week Roundup – X Reinstates Post Headlines

Social media managers who use X can celebrate when Elon Musk declares that he will return headlines for posts in URL previews. In October, upon Musk’s requests, X removed post headlines and preview text, changing how managers and publications shared URLs through the platform. Although Musk claimed that previews of links were more attractive without text, the change created confusion about the content of the linked stories.

The result was workarounds that included directing users to click on the image to reveal more information. The leading social media marketing company in Mumbai says the return to headlines will likely be in response to the confusion triggered by Musk’s tweets and an unexpected shift from his usually constant decision-making. Although it could result from particular preferences, this shift is an improvement for every X user.

Google Urges Prioritizing Technical SEO Fundamentals Over Trends

In a recent episode of Google’s Search Off The Record podcast, presenters from Google’s Search Relations team emphasized the importance of addressing fundamental SEO technical issues before diving into the most recent trends. Martin Splitt, Gary Illyes, and John Mueller highlighted that many websites still struggle with fundamental technical issues, such as indexing, crawlability, and page rendering, significantly impacting search engine performance.

They emphasized the need to pay attention to a website’s structure and infrastructure to improve indexing and crawling, focusing on the elements behind the scenes crucial to SEO achievement. The leading SEO company in Mumbai also say that the podcast also discussed the false nature of using traffic metrics to determine the quality of content. They recommended focusing on satisfaction and engagement for better assessment. The team also emphasized the ease of producing high-quality content by ensuring you provide value and meet the user’s demands.

OpenAI Brings Out Voice Interaction in ChatGPT App, Empowering Content and SEO

47th Week Roundup – Open AI adds Voice Integration in ChatGPT

OpenAI has released a revolutionary upgrade to the ChatGPT application, making voice capabilities available to all users with free access. Even though Plus subscriptions remain in place, this change is significant for search and content marketers. Previously, only premium subscribers could access the feature, but the integration of voice interactions lets a wider audience interact with AI via simple voice commands.

This upgrade encourages easier interaction with AI and offers possibilities for content marketers to develop customized and interactive campaigns that increase user engagement. Search marketers will benefit as this opens the way to explore techniques for optimizing voice search and offers a new way to improve search engine strategies. This development is a significant change in AI availability, which could impact the evolution of SEO and content creation strategies.

Google Acknowledges and Resolves Reporting Bug in Search Console Experience and Enhancement Metrics

Google has discovered and is investigating a problem affecting the reporting of Google Search Console, particularly enhancing and experiencing reports. The issue, which affects fundamental Web Vitals and Mobile Usability HTTPS, AMP, and other related metrics, incorrectly displays a decrease in invalid URLs.

The experts from the leading SEO company in Mumbai say although this may cause some concern for SEOs and owners of websites, Google assures that it is only a report issue and doesn’t affect the indexing, ranking, or crawling. Google is actively working towards an answer, pointing out that the issue is limited to the reporting portion of the Search Console. The issue, as shown in an illustration of an HTTPS report, doesn’t indicate any real issues with the website’s performance. Google has successfully resolved the issue by Thanksgiving, 23 November.

Google Enhances Clarity in Child and Teen Ad Policies with Language Update

Google has announced changes in the terms used in three teen and child advertising policies, with a focus on ads & made for kids content and Ad-serving safeguards for children, and protection for Ad-serving for teenagers. Although there are no changes to the enforcement these revisions are designed to improve transparency and clarity for advertisers and brands.

Clear advertising policies are important for brands to effectively follow the rules and avoid accidental violations that could result in severe financial sanctions. The changes follow the concerns raised in the Adalytics study in August, which accused Google of knowingly using children’s data to create targeted ads. Google has denied any wrongdoing; however, it is addressing concerns by changing the policy language in advertising to be consistent with its existing protections for kids and teens.

Snapchat Tests Ad-Free Subscription in Australia with Snapchat+ Tier

Snapchat is testing an advertisement-free paid monthly subscription, Snapchat+, in Australia for $10.50 monthly. This new tier lets users browse Snapchat’s platform without interruptions due to Story or Lens advertisements, offering an alternative experience that costs an annual fee. Although ad-free subscriptions can impact the reach of ads on Snapchat and affect the effectiveness of campaigns and the ROI of advertisers, the platform warns that users may be able to encounter sponsored sites and AI responses.

Its SnapchatPlus plans in Australia include the monthly plan at $3.91 for an annual subscription with a $2.73 monthly price. The experts from the leading social media marketing company in Mumbai say there is also a free monthly plan that is $10.50. The new service is currently only available in the Australian market, and the potential expansion is contingent on the level of engagement and feedback.

Google Trials “Fast Pickup or Delivery” Search Box for Quick Access to Products

47th Week Roundup – Google Trials “Fast Pickup or Delivery” Search Box For Quick Access to Prodcuts

Google is testing an exciting new feature that shows items available for quick pickup or delivery in an exclusive search box. This section is designed to simplify users’ experience by listing items that have quick pickup or delivery choices. The feature uses information from Google Merchant Center and structured data to provide precise information about pickup and delivery times.

Users can quickly find the products that satisfy their immediate requirements, highlighting the importance of speedy service. To use this feature and have your products highlighted in special search results, brands are encouraged to ensure that their structured information is updated or added to their Merchant Center data feed. This trial is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to improve the user experience and service delivery.

Google Bard Enhances Conversational Experience by Understanding YouTube Videos

Google Bard, the conversational language model, was updated to recognize spoken content in YouTube video clips. This extension lets users have deeper conversations with Bard regarding the content of the videos. The feature was initially available only to Gmail (personal) accounts. The feature allows users to request an overview of YouTube videos that cover a specific subject and then ask questions about specific information or details provided in the selected video.

For instance, they can ask Bard how many eggs are needed in the first YouTube video demonstrating how to make an olive oil cake. Google insists that this change is an attempt to enhance Bard’s capacity to understand YouTube videos and cater to those who want to engage with the video content in the interface for conversation.

TikTok Integrates Conversational UI to Personalize Content Discovery

TikTok is adopting the trend of a conversational user interface (UI) by introducing a brand-updated “Customize Feed” feature in its “For You” page settings. This allows users to enter the guidance in their content preferences, indicating what they would like to be able to see more or less in the feed. Like conversations, a UI trend seen in platforms such as ChatGPT, TikTok’s tool for customization allows users to input preferences in an easy text field.

Users can be more specific in their choices, like seeking additional content and information from the creators that they are following. The leading social media agency thinks that while the change is aligned with the changing user behavior, there is a problem in managing user guidance while avoiding the potential risks of filtering, which can impact the overall experience for users. The introduction of conversations as UI elements reflects the larger move across different platforms to accommodate users’ preferences through more personal interactions.

Google Ads Enhances Clarity with Updated Location Asset Requirements

Google Ads is set to change its requirements for Location assets in December, providing advertisers with more precise guidelines on the kinds of location assets they can use through the service. The update will define location assets that are not allowed, including closed areas, locations not recognized by Google, or places not compatible with advertising for businesses.

Additionally, assets promoting products or services that aren’t compatible with the specific location will be rejected. Advertisers who use location assets by displaying important business information such as addresses and phone numbers increase their potential for conversion. Following these new rules is essential for advertisers to create correct and effective ad content and maximize the ROI.

Google Introduces Small Business Filter for Shopping Search Results

Google has revealed a new brand feature in its search results for shopping to make it easier for shoppers to discover and help small-scale firms U.S. shoppers. The search engine now has an option to allow users to view only the products provided by small-sized companies. Small businesses can declare themselves to be small enterprises in the settings of their Google Business Profile or Merchant Center accounts. The new filter gives users an easy method of narrowing down their options.

Google’s action aligns with the importance of helping local and small businesses, with 84% of people expressing this view. This provides small firms an opportunity to boost their visibility and draw customers who favor small businesses over large ones.

Google Ads Addresses AdMob Data Reporting Issue with Swift Resolution

Google Ads has acknowledged and swiftly resolved an issue that affected AdMob users, who could not access their latest AdMob information due to the absence of click reports. The issue, primarily affecting clicks reported from Apple iOS 17 devices, caused incorrect reports.

This disparity could hamper marketers’ capacity to assess the effectiveness of their advertising campaigns with precision. Google Ads promptly initiated an investigation, and as of 22 November 2023 at 7 pm UTC, the problem could be solved. This swift resolution means that every click is accurately reported in the AdMob report, which will minimize the possibility of disruptions for advertisers who rely on accurate data to optimize campaigns.

Google Ads Consolidates Store Sales Products, Discontinues Store Sales Direct

Google Ads has streamlined its Store Sales product by discontinuingStore Sales Direct (SSD) in its current form as an independent product. This also implies that SSD uploads for conversion to Google Ads API are no longer supported. Businesses in the restaurant, automotive OEM, and retail industries must read the new onboarding guidelines to determine if they are eligible for continuous sales measurements in stores.

To improve shop sales reporting, Google Ads recommends collaborating with the account team to implement the necessary changes. Users who were previously allowlisted for SSD will now encounter a NOT_ON_ALLOWLIST_FOR_STORE_SALES_DIRECT error when attempting to upload SSD conversions while existing SSD conversions will still be accessible in reports.

Pinterest Report Highlights Lucrative Opportunities for Luxury Brands

47th Week Roundup – Pinterest Report Highlights Lucrative Opportunities for Luxury Brands

In collaboration with PA Consulting, Pinterest has released an article highlighting the platform’s importance for advertising luxury brands, particularly focused on engagement with high-end fashion brands. The experts from the leading social media agency say that the report reveals that 70% of the high-end users are younger than 35 years old, and the majority of four out of five shoppers are women. Additionally, a third of people who purchase luxury items on Pinterest have annual incomes that exceed $100,000.

The users of Pinterest show an astonishing 87% more purchasing of luxury goods, and they have a 27% greater probability of purchasing premium items. The study identifies Pinterest as a top source of luxury products for inspiration, with the site attracting three out of five consumers using the platform for research and discovery, which includes an openness to advertising from luxury brands. This provides a fantastic possibility for premium brands to connect with a receptive and engaged crowd looking for a shopping experience through the platform.

Conclusion of the Roundup

In this week’s news roundup, Instagram expands Reels downloads across the globe, X reinstates post headlines, Google emphasizes technical SEO fundamentals, OpenAI introduces free ChatGPT voice capabilities and Snapchat is testing an ad-free subscription. Google fixes the Search Console bug, TikTok introduces a conversational interface as well as Pinterest emphasizes its value in promoting luxury brands. Stay updated with our brief news roundup. If you like this blog check out our previous blog Google Adds Simple Search as a New Search Refinement Option?