The digital marketing world keeps evolving and it’s important to be ahead of your competitors. In this edition, we’ve got a quick rundown of the most important news and happenings in November 2023. From insights on YouTube delaying load time for ad blocker users to X (Formerly Twitter) selling inactive usernames for $50,000, and much more. Spare just 4 minutes to glance through the changes that happened last month.
1. Google Bard Enhances YouTube Video Search
- Google Bard has introduced a feature enabling it to summarize YouTube videos when integrated.
- Users can initiate conversations such as “How do I make cranberry sauce? Show me a video.”
- In response, Bard provides a selection of relevant YouTube video suggestions.
2. YouTube Shorts Ads Go Public
- YouTube has moved its Shorts ads from beta to general release.
- An increasing number of digital marketers are now seeing Shorts ads as an option to include in their advertising.
- If it is not currently available on your account, you are advised to check back in a couple of weeks.
3. Google Rolls Out November 2023 Core Update
- Google has initiated a core update in November 2023, with the rollout expected to take a few weeks.
- Although it is different from the previous month’s core update, Google advises content creators to continue producing quality content without specific actions.
- The guidance remains consistent with previous core updates, emphasizing the importance of content quality.
4. OpenAI Pauses New ChatGPT Plus Subscriptions
- Due to overwhelming demand, OpenAI has temporarily halted new subscriptions for ChatGPT Plus.
- This pause is aimed at preserving the quality of service for existing users, reflecting the popularity and demand for ChatGPT Plus.
- Interested users can sign up for a notification list to receive updates on when new subscriptions will be open again.
5. OpenAI Announces New Products
- OpenAI has introduced new features and products for ChatGPT developers and users.
- These include GPT-4 Turbo, Assistants AI, Multimodality, Fine-Tuning, and price reductions for various services.
- These enhancements reflect OpenAI’s ongoing commitment to advancing AI technology and making it more accessible.
6. TikTok Users Favor Longer Videos
- Contrary to expectations, TikTok users are dedicating half their time to watching videos that last one minute or longer.
- Over the past 6 months, creators who opt for longer video formats have experienced a substantial 5x growth rate in followers.
- This shift towards longer videos provides increased opportunities for advertising placements on the platform.
7. YouTube Delays Load for Ad Blocker Users
- To combat ad blockers, YouTube has deliberately slowed down its website load times for users employing these technologies.
- The intention is to encourage users to support the diverse ecosystem of creators by allowing ads on YouTube or opting for an ad-free experience with YouTube Premium.
- Users with ad blockers might experience suboptimal viewing, with reported wait times of five seconds or more.
8. Anthropic Unveils Claude 2.1
- Anthropic, an AI startup, has introduced Claude 2.1, featuring an extensive 200k context window.
- This context window allows for a significantly larger amount of information input, offering in-depth and nuanced responses.
- In comparison to standard AI APIs, Claude 2.1 represents a major advancement in the capabilities of AI assistants.
9. Snapchat Tests Ad-Free Subscription
- Snap, Inc. is testing an ad-free subscription service in Australia, priced at $10.50 per month.
- While this service promises an ad-free user experience, it retains ads in sponsored places and AI responses.
- Users also have the option to subscribe to Snapchat+ at a reduced cost and continue receiving ads.
10. Google Shifts to Prioritize First-Hand Knowledge in Rankings
- Google is introducing personalization features aimed at prioritizing content demonstrating first-hand knowledge in search rankings.
- Users can utilize the new “Follow” feature to tailor search results, allowing Google to present relevant articles, videos, and timely notifications.
- This shift reflects Google’s commitment to enhancing user experience through more personalized and relevant search results.
11. Google’s Experiment: “Notes” in Search Labs
- Google is rolling out a new opt-in experiment in Search Labs named “Notes.”
- This feature allows individuals to share their knowledge and opinions directly within search results.
- The experiment aims to provide access to insights from both experts and everyday users, enhancing the information available in search results.
12. Google Expands Search Generative Experience (SGE)
- Google has expanded the Search Generative Experience (SGE) to 120 countries, adding support for four new languages.
- These languages include Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, and Indonesian, making the SGE accessible to a more diverse audience.
- Additionally, SGE now offers multiple translations for words with more than one meaning, enhancing its linguistic capabilities.
13. TikTok Integrates with Music Streaming Platforms
- A new feature in TikTok enables users to add tracks heard in TikTok clips directly to their music library on their preferred streaming service.
- This feature enhances the music discovery experience on TikTok and bridges the gap between content discovery and music streaming.
- Research shows that 75% of TikTok users discover new artists through the app.
14. X Unveils Timestamp Links for Video Uploads
- X has introduced timestamp links for video uploads, enabling users to link to specific points within long videos.
- Currently available on iOS, this feature is expected to roll out to other platforms in the future.
- This feature provides users with a convenient way to share and navigate to specific moments in videos.
15. Meta Partners with Amazon to Streamline Conversions
- Meta has rolled out a new feature designed to enhance the conversion process for Amazon sellers.
- This feature includes improvements in targeting, optimization, and creative personalization for better conversion rates.
- To take advantage of this integration, sellers need to link their Prime account to their Meta account.
16. Meta’s Ad-Free Subscription Restricts Running Ads
- Users in the EU subscribing to Meta’s ad-free service will not be able to run their own ads.
- While Meta notifies users in advance about this limitation, it is crucial information often found in the fine print.
- Users must choose between an ad-free experience or the ability to run their own ads.
17. AdSense Changes Revenue Sharing Structure
- Google has announced changes to its AdSense revenue-sharing structure, shifting from per click to per impression.
- This change is set to take effect next year, with Google emphasizing that most publishers should experience a similar payout.
- The transition aligns with industry standards and aims to provide a fair compensation model for AdSense publishers.
18. Yelp Ad Revenue Rises 12%
- Yelp has reported a 12% increase in total revenue, reaching $345 million, primarily driven by a significant gain in ad revenue.
- Ad revenue contributed $330 million, showcasing the importance of advertising to Yelp’s overall financial performance.
- Yelp has also reported a 9% increase in ad clicks year over year, indicating sustained growth in user engagement with ads.
19. SEMrush Returns to Profitability in Q3
- SEMRush has reported its first profitable quarter since Q1 2021, with Q3 revenue reaching $78.7 million, a 20% YoY increase.
- The company anticipates breaking even or achieving profitability for the full 2023 fiscal year.
- This financial turnaround follows a loss of almost $34 million in 2022 and reflects improved customer acquisition and retention.
20. Musk Launches Chatbot “Grok” to Compete with ChatGPT
- Elon Musk’s X has launched its first chatbot named “Grok,” currently in testing.
- Elon Musk claims that Grok will surpass ChatGPT in accuracy because it extracts information from X.
- This is established on the updated user agreement of X, which indicates that individuals give their consent to the use of their posts for AI training.
21. WordPress 6.4 Is Released
- WordPress has released version 6.4 (“Shirley”) with several notable updates.
- The new default theme, 2024, includes 35 web page layouts, providing users with more design options.
- Additional features include new keyboard shortcuts, a navigation toolbar, and over 100 performance improvements, collectively contributing to an enhanced user experience.
22. TikTok Launches Updated Events API
- TikTok has announced an updated Events API, specifically designed to help marketers track ad campaign performance.
- The update supports server-to-server integration, allowing marketers to match their data with TikTok for improved optimization and delivery.
- TikTok reports that marketers using the TikTok Pixel with the Events API experience a 19% increase in conversions on average.
23. Report: X Is Now Selling Inactive Usernames for $50,000
- According to Forbes, X is offering dormant handles for sale through a new marketplace.
- The @Handle Team within X has initiated the sale of account names that were left unused by their original registrants. They plan to charge a flat fee of $50,000 for the purchase of these dormant handles.
- Also, Elon Musk has announced that the platform will start freeing up the namespace of 1.5 billion accounts.
Conclusion
Digital marketing is shaped by constant change, and staying informed is vital for businesses to succeed. Several significant developments are worth noting, with more ongoing right now. Keep an eye out for further updates and insights to refine your digital strategies!
Follow Primeclick Media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn for more exciting updates like this.
