This article focuses on the most significant platform changes announced this month, with Google AI’s public availability, Meta’s anti-spam efforts, and Instagram’s new editing app taking centre stage.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Google AI Mode’s public availability – This represents a significant shift in how users will experience search, now available to everyone without waitlists.
- Meta’s anti-spam initiatives – These changes could affect content reach and strategy for businesses using Facebook.
- Instagram’s new “Edits” app – A major new product launch competing with ByteDance’s CapCut.
- Meta’s Advantage+ Catalogue overlays – A smaller but practical update for advertisers.
- Google Merchant Centre event promotions – Included but noted as not actually new.
Let’s find out more from each update.
GOOGLE AI MODE OPENS TO EVERYONE, NO MORE WAITLISTS
In a significant move, Google has removed the waitlist for its AI mode, making it available to all users over 18. This expansion brings several new features to enhance the search experience:
- Places and Product Cards: Search results now display local business information including images, ratings, reviews, store hours, real-time pricing, and product availability at the top of SERPs.
- History Panel: Users can now review past search queries and continue previous research seamlessly.
Access to Google AI mode is available through a tab at the top of the search results page, making it easy for anyone to try these advanced features.
Find more on this here
META LAUNCHES ANTI-SPAM INITIATIVES ON FACEBOOK
Meta is taking stronger measures to combat spam on Facebook with new tools targeting engagement bait and low-quality content. The platform will now crack down on:
- Posts with distracting captions or excessive hashtags
- Content with captions completely unrelated to the visual elements
- Repeated posts designed solely to boost engagement
Accounts engaging in these practises will have their content limited to only their followers and won’t be eligible for monetisation. Additionally, Facebook is introducing comment downvotes, allowing users to help identify valuable comments versus likely spam.
While Meta continues to develop tools to fight AI-generated spam photos, these updates represent a significant step toward improving content quality on the platform.
Find more on this here
INSTAGRAM RELEASES “EDITS” VIDEO CREATION APP
- Multi-channel editing capabilities
- Project management for handling multiple videos simultaneously
- Notes feature for new videos and saved reels
- Reels Trends section showcasing new trending audio options
- Support for videos up to 10 minutes in length
- Greenscreen and cutout effects tools
- Watermark-free exports
The app also offers royalty-free music options, caption tools, and integrated content analytics. Currently free, “Edits” may become a paid app in the future, so now is the perfect time to explore its capabilities.
Find more on this here
META’S ADVANTAGE+ CATALOGUE GETS DYNAMIC OVERLAYS
Meta has introduced a small but impactful update to its Advantage+ Catalogue ads with dynamic overlays. Advertisers can now automatically display:
- Current prices
- Strikethrough prices on sale items
- Percentage discounts
- Free shipping notifications
These dynamic elements can significantly improve ad performance by highlighting key purchase motivators directly within the visual content.
Find more on this here
GOOGLE MERCHANT CENTRE EVENT PROMOTIONS
Google Merchant Centre offers a way to promote special events like sales, promotions, or seasonal occasions. These event promotions appear across Google Search and Google Shopping results that aren’t tied to specific products, potentially helping merchants reach more customers during special promotional periods.
Note: While initially labelled as new by Google, this feature has actually been available for some time.
Find more on this here
Conclusion
As tech platforms continue evolving their offerings, staying informed about these updates is essential for businesses looking to maximise their digital presence.
Whether you’re exploring Google’s expanded AI capabilities, adjusting your Facebook strategy to avoid spam filters, or creating more engaging video content with Instagram’s new tools, these platform changes present fresh opportunities to connect with your audience.
