1. Google Search Console launches new removals tool
Google has launched a new removals tool within Google Search Console. This tool does three things (1) lets you temporarily hide URLs from showing in Google search, (2) show you which content is not in Google because it is “outdated content” and (3) shows you which of your URLs were filtered by Google’s SafeSearch adult filter. [Source: Search Engine Land]
2. Facebook Outlines Evolving Privacy Tools on Data Privacy Day
Marking Data Privacy Day, Facebook has this week outlined its evolving efforts to provide users with more control over how their personal data is accessed, and how they can maintain awareness and control over such to avoid potential misuse. [Source: Social Media Today]
3. Pinterest debuts AR feature that lets users try on lipstick before buying
Pinterest has launched ‘Try On” – a new augmented reality (AR) feature that enables users to virtually try on various lipstick shades suited their complexion. Users can then save the Pin for later shopping or buy through the retailer’s site. [Source: Marketing Land]
4. All Google Ads Campaigns to Utilize Standard Delivery As of May 2020
Google Ads is making standard delivery the only ad delivery method for all campaigns, including Display, Video, App, and Hotel campaigns. Advertisers can have even greater control over how their ads are delivered throughout the day by using ad scheduling. With ad scheduling, advertisers can set their bids higher or lower during specific times of the day. [Source: Search Engine Journal]
5. TikTok Signs New Music Licensing Deals to Enable Increased Music Usage and Partnerships
TikTok has signed an agreement with Merlin, an agency which represents a range of independent music labels and artists. Now that it has the attention of brands they are working sharing its revenue streams with top creators, while also generating optimal results for brand partners. [Source: Social Media Today]
6. Google is Working on Chatbots Which Can Engage in a More Genuine, Human Conversation
Google has shown a glimpse of the potential way forward, via a new bot system that it’s developing, which can recognize significantly more patterns of conversation, and hold a discussion with you to an almost human degree. [Source: Social Media Today]
7. Byte, a 6-Second Looping Video App, Launches on iOS and Android
A new social media app called Byte, created by a co-founder of Vine, is now available on iOS and Android. It aims to be a direct successor to Vine by letting users create and share 6-second looping videos, as well as browse through content on a decidedly minimalist user interface. [Source: Social Media Today]
8. Snapchat Publishes New Data on Brand Expectations Among Gen Z Consumers
Snapchat recently partnered with the team from CASSANDRA in order to seek opinions from Gen Z consumers around what they expect, in terms of innovation, from the brands. The responses underlined that the core brand fundamentals, like price and quality, are still critical in the Gen Z decision-making process. [Source: Social Media Today]
9. Google Will Re-Assess its New-Look Desktop Search Display After Criticism of the Latest Update
Google rolled out a new display format for its desktop search result listings. But these changes have seen significant criticism as this format makes it harder for users to distinguish between paid ads and actual, earned results. Hence, Google has taken note, announcing on Twitter that it will review its updated format. [Source: Social Media Today]
10. Facebook Outlines Content Review Board Process, Which Will Provide Independent Case Assessments
Facebook has mapped the next stages for the implementation of its independent Content Oversight Board, which will help the platform make more informed decisions on what should and should not be allowed to be shared across its network under its rules. [Source: Social Media Today]
