33rd Week Roundup: Instagram Introduces Multi-Advertiser Format, NYC Bans TikTok and more!
Recent developments in digital advances have brought dramatic transformation, which we will see in this roundup blog. From Instagram’s multi-advertiser Reels format and Google Analytics reports to Microsoft’s expanded Advertiser Identity Verification service and Amazon AI-generated reviews reflecting the pursuit of compliance while improving experiences. At the same time, Snapchat AI speculation and New York City TikTok ban have added another layer to an ever-evolving digital landscape that showcases its multidimensionality. Instagram Tests New Multi-Advertiser Format for Reels Ads, Expanding Advertising Options Instagram has begun testing a brand-new format for Reels ads, testing out an innovative form of Multi-Advertiser display that some users are starting to experience. The multi-advertiser format groups together a collection of related brands into a single screen that appears between Reels posts – something Instagram launched back in October with Multi-Advertiser Ads for main feed. However, this iteration presents related ads based on user engagement; upon engaging with one ad, multiple multi-advertiser promotions appear below that initial post to display related products or businesses related to what interests users are. Instagram’s ad goals include offering users access to multiple businesses’ products for comparison purposes. This format of Facebook and Instagram ads gives advertisers an opportunity to be discovered by individuals interested in similar products and brands. The leading social media agency says that this ad unit can also be integrated into Facebook feed and Stories, with Instagram currently working towards expanding it to Reels. Advertisers who choose this placement option may benefit from lower costs and increased user engagement by targeting people who have previously engaged with similar content. Competition among multiple brands within one frame could reduce exposure and performance for each involved. Yet, this new format appears to be Instagram’s chosen strategy for multi-ad placement within the Reels feed. Regardless of possible differences in response from brands involved, Instagram seems set on proceeding with this initiative for multi-ad placement within the Reels feed. Read more: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagrams-testing-new-reels-display-multi-advertiser-ads/691124/ Google Launches GA4 Reports Builder: Simplifying Analytics Reporting or Room for Improvement? Google recently unveiled the GA4 Reports Builder extension, designed to simplify reporting processes for Google Analytics 4 users. Available since August 10th, this Google Workspace add-on enables users to create and execute reports for GA4 properties directly within Google Sheets – saving time on navigation through the GA4 interface for finding reports to export, thereby improving efficiency. Users looking to leverage the GA4 Reports Builder can select “Create new report” from the extension’s menu and provide details like report name, target GA4 property, date range, dimensions and metrics when creating reports. Once completed, they can use the “Run reports” option and see their data populate onto an assigned tab in Google Sheets. Initial reviews of GA4 Reports Builder have been mostly favourable, noting its ease and efficiency in streamlining analytics workflow. Users applaud its potential to transform analytics processes. Yet some reviewers have raised issues or offered suggestions for further improvement; such as auto-scheduling for daily report updates; additional filter options for dimensions and metrics; or adding tables for cleaner data presentation. The best seo company says even though GA4 Reports Builder provides an impressive spreadsheet-based solution for website data analysis, certain essential features remain lacking – showing Google there’s still room to improve and creating opportunities for developers to innovate tools further to support Google Analytics 4 users in efficiently analyzing their site data. As industry needs shift and develop over time, there could be scope for this extension to become even more comprehensive and essential to analytics professionals. Read more: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/ga4-reports-builder-for-google-analytics-extension-available/494049/ Enhancing Online Presence: Google Business Profiles Now Support Direct Social Media Links Google recently unveiled a feature that allows businesses to integrate social media profile links directly within their Google Business Profiles, giving customers access to further avenues for connecting, gathering information and resolving inquiries. Businesses that utilize this new capability will have more ways than ever for customers to stay in contact, stay updated and resolve inquiries more swiftly than before. Rollout of this new feature begins gradually and is currently accessible in specific regions only. Businesses are provided with a dedicated Google support page explaining how businesses can control and display the social media links for each supported social network in their Google Business Profile, such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter (X), YouTube etc. A leading social media marketing agency says that each company can add one link per supported social media platform. The feature will become gradually available over time and is currently available in specific regions. Businesses taking advantage of this feature can quickly add their social media links to their Google Business Profile by accessing it, clicking ‘Edit profile,’ selecting ‘Business information,’ then ‘Contact,’ then “Social profiles.” Here the appropriate platform and web address may be entered for each social profile link that needs updating or removal; editing or removal follows an identical path. Social media links enable local businesses to maximize their presence within Google’s ecosystem and enhance consumer expectations when searching for local services online. Consumers now expect not only websites but also social media links when looking up local companies online – this feature empowers small and midsized enterprises (SMEs) to offer seamless experiences comparable to larger chains; businesses may include one of each social media link across different Business Profiles but not mix links from various platforms in any one Business Profile. Google Business Profiles now enable businesses to add direct social media links that enhance online visibility while engaging more deeply with customers. While no performance metrics such as click rates exist for these links, adding direct social media links provides businesses with an effective means of increasing online exposure while broadening customer relationships more fully. Read more: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-lets-businesses-add-social-media-links-to-profiles/494061/ Microsoft Extends Advertiser Identity Verification Deadline: What You Need to Know Microsoft recently extended their Advertiser Identity Verification (AIV) deadline, giving advertisers more time to complete verification requirements and comply with AIV requirements in order to keep global ad visibility intact. They will only pause ads under