Paid Media News (Week 27)
Paid Media News (Week 27)
Explore every update from this edition, with the original reporting and contributor credits.
A digest of the original edition. Updates and availability reflect what was reported at the time.
Performance Max opens audience performance reporting
Google now shows audience segments with metrics inside the Performance Max Audience menu. Advertisers can finally see which audiences drive results in a campaign type long criticised as a black box.
Read this update in detail →Google expands local inventory ads and free local listings to more regions
Google has expanded the availability of local inventory ads and free local listings to additional regions, as reported by Search Engine Roundtable. Local retailers in the new markets gain shoppable local surfaces.
Read this update in detail →Vehicle ads open to all advertisers in Japan
Google has made vehicle ads available to all vehicle advertisers in Japan from June 2026. The lower-funnel format shows an image with make, model, price, and mileage, and clicks lead to the advertiser's vehicle description page.
Read this update in detail →Attributed brand search conversions arrive as a Google Ads metric
Google has added an attributed brand search conversions metric to reporting. It credits campaigns for the brand searches they generate, giving upper-funnel activity a measurable path to conversion.
Read this update in detail →Google Ads previews the impact of negative keywords
Google has rolled out Negative Keyword Impact Previews. Before excluding a search term, a "Preview impact" pane estimates the loss in conversion value side by side.
Read this update in detail →Non-skippable in-stream ads extend to 60 seconds in beta
Google has added a Premier reach option in video reservation that allows non-skippable in-stream ads up to 60 seconds. Fifteen-second versions still serve across all screens.
Read this update in detail →AI Max ad group settings become visible in campaign setup
The new AI Max ad group settings now appear when building a Search campaign. They show campaign-level AI Max confirmation and a search-term-matching beta that expands keywords to broad match.
Read this update in detail →Top Insights opens fully in the Google Ads Overview
Google has fully launched the AI-based Top Insights open beta on the Overview page. It surfaces the main performance impacts and insights per account.
Read this update in detail →Performance Max adds an "Apply" option when creating asset groups
Performance Max now offers a third choice when creating an asset group: apply an existing one, alongside new and copy. It reduces rebuild work across campaigns.
Read this update in detail →You can now unsubscribe from Google Ads sales reps
Google has added a way to opt out of contact from Google Ads sales representatives. Advertisers have long asked for relief from unsolicited optimisation calls.
Read this update in detail →Google Ads classifies promotional offers into three types
Google now documents three types of promotional offers: new advertiser promotions, coded promotions, and codeless promotions. Coded offers apply to new and existing advertisers, while codeless offers surface automatically in existing accounts.
Read this update in detail →Customer Match uploads arrive through the Merchant Centre
Google Ads now enables Customer Match list uploads through Merchant Centre, reported by PPC News Feed. Retailers can manage match audiences where their product data already lives.
Read this update in detail →Google allows approved cross-domain redirects from ad URLs
Google has updated its Destination Requirements policy to allow redirects from an ad's final URL to a different domain in approved cases, effective early July. Consumer goods manufacturers can redirect to pre-approved retailer destinations.
Read this update in detail →Google updates its cryptocurrency advertising policy for France
Google has published an update to its Cryptocurrency Advertising policy for France, effective July 2026. Requirements for crypto advertisers targeting France change under the revision.
Read this update in detail →Google adds AI descriptions to Search ads that advertisers cannot edit
Google is appending Gemini-written descriptions beneath sponsored results. One flagged example told shoppers the advertiser's mini skid steers "may have lower lift capacity" than heavy machinery.
Read this update in detail →Google tests new URL treatments on sponsored results
Google is testing an arrow icon next to sponsored URLs that opens the site in a new window, and a separate "Visit site" button in Search ads. Organic and paid listings are also showing altered URL displays.
Read this update in detail →Google tests "included or missing words" inside paid ads
Google appears to be testing the organic "included or missing words" SERP feature directly in paid ads. In the flagged example, the words were present in the ad, suggesting the automated check misread the creative.
Read this update in detail →Microsoft opens Performance Max experiment betas
Microsoft Advertising has opened betas for Performance Max experiments covering upgrades to PMax and PMax uplift. Advertisers can test PMax against existing campaigns before committing to spend.
Read this update in detail →Microsoft documents feed-based Cruise ads
Launched Feb 22, Microsoft Advertising has updated its documentation for Cruise ads, a feed-generated Vertical ad type available globally in English. Ads are built from a feed of destinations, ports, and itineraries with no keywords required.
Read this update in detail →Microsoft adds Neustar for Customer Match
Microsoft Advertising has added Neustar as a Customer Match partner, documented in its help centre. Advertisers gain another identity provider for building match audiences.
Read this update in detail →Microsoft publishes its July Gambling and Games policy update
Microsoft Advertising has published a July 2026 update to its Gambling and Games policy. Market-by-market licensing and enablement requirements continue to apply.
Read this update in detail →ChatGPT Ads pre-generates ad variations for review
ChatGPT Ads now pre-generates ad variations and adds them to existing campaigns after the advertiser reviews and approves them. Approval is currently required before anything goes live.
Read this update in detail →Google Ads tests direct data source connections in conversion settings
A new beta prompt in conversion action pages suggests connecting a data source, such as BigQuery or MySQL, directly to the Google tag. Google says it improves conversion metrics and campaign performance.
Read this update in detail →Google Tag Manager rolls out its interface update
Google is rolling out the updated Google Tag Manager interface, with further changes announced to follow. Workflows stay familiar, but layouts and navigation shift.
Read this update in detail →Google Trends adds one-click period comparisons
Google Trends now overlays previous-period data on the interest chart, with chips showing change against preceding weeks, months, or years. Directional demand reads get faster.
Read this update in detail →Meta adds a Recommended Setup for awareness objectives
Meta is releasing a Recommended Setup for Traffic, Engagement, and Awareness objectives, similar to Advantage+ for conversion campaigns. It bundles automated settings that advertisers may not want.
Read this update in detail →Meta adds a pre-publish review of Advantage+ creative enhancements
Meta has added a button above the ad preview that lists which Advantage+ creative enhancements are enabled. Defaults can include AI summaries and other automatic changes to your creative.
Read this update in detail →TikTok launches Native Growth Campaigns
TikTok has added a Native Growth Campaigns conversion type to ad accounts. The format promotes organic-style content for growth objectives.
Read this update in detail →Meta ships five Ads Manager updates in one week
Meta has rolled out five changes across campaign setup, creative, and reporting. For you, this means defaults lean further toward automation while visibility improves, so review the new screens before publishing.
Read this update in detail →WhatsApp usernames roll out with business reservations open
WhatsApp usernames are coming for all users, and businesses can already reserve theirs. Usernames replace phone numbers as the public point of contact.
Read this update in detail →Instagram and Threads let users edit their own algorithms
Instagram's "Your Algorithm" and Threads' "Your Algo" let users view and customise the topics shaping their recommendations. Reach becomes partly user-curated rather than fully model-driven.
Read this update in detail →LinkedIn Analytics splits reach inside and outside your network
LinkedIn Analytics now shows how much of a post's reach comes from inside versus outside your network. Creators and brands can see how far content travels beyond followers.
Read this update in detail →WhatsApp Business API ends its free reply window from 1 October
Meta will charge for WhatsApp Business API conversations that were previously free, with the 24-hour free reply window ending on 1 October. Meta Business Agent AI messages change pricing from 1 August.
Read this update in detail →Amazon places review callouts directly in search results
Amazon is showing review-derived lines such as "Positively reviewed for endurance" in search results. Review sentiment now influences shoppers before they reach the product page.
Read this update in detail →Amazon's New Selection Program 2026 requires confirmation by 31 October
Amazon rolls out the New Selection Program 2026 on 30 July with fee credits, free storage, Vine credits, and liquidation coverage for new-to-FBA branded ASINs. Enrolled sellers must confirm participation by 31 October.
Read this update in detail →Amazon removes the Variation Wizard from Seller Central
Amazon has removed the Variation Wizard, changing how sellers build parent-child listing relationships. Sellers now rely on flat files and listing tools instead.
Read this update in detail →Amazon notifies sellers of automatic Virtual Multipack listings
Amazon has started notifying sellers that eligible ASINs will automatically receive Virtual Multipack listings by the end of the month. The pilot is opt-out rather than opt-in.
Read this update in detail →Amazon adds an AI-powered Canvas to Seller Central
Amazon has rolled out Canvas, an AI analytics feature in the new Seller Central experience. Sellers ask questions in natural language instead of digging through reports.
Read this update in detail →Sam Altman proposes a 5% OpenAI stake for the US administration
Sam Altman has proposed giving the US administration a 5% stake in OpenAI, worth roughly $42.6bn at the latest reported valuation. The proposal would encourage other US AI companies to follow.
Read this update in detail →Google releases a database of schema usage statistics
Google has published a database showing how frequently any schema type is used across the web. SEO teams can research the adoption of structured data directly.
Read this update in detail →Amazon's updated consent rules take effect
Amazon's updated consent requirements are now in force. The practical question is not whether the Amazon Consent Signal is enabled, but what valid signal Amazon actually receives from your setup.
Read this update in detail →A right-to-be-forgotten delisting surfaces in Search Console
A Search Console notice flagged that a page on a UK site had been delisted from name-based search results in European versions of Google. It shows EU right-to-be-forgotten requests being sent to site owners as formal notices.
Read this update in detail →Anthropic restores Fable 5 and Mythos 5 with reduced capability
Anthropic has restored global access to Fable 5 and Mythos 5 after the June export-control suspension. Fable returns with its capabilities reduced by stricter safety filters, and early benchmark tests report notable drops in performance on coding tasks.
Read this update in detail →Anthropic launches Claude Sonnet 5
Anthropic has introduced Claude Sonnet 5, its most agentic Sonnet model. It plans, uses tools such as browsers and terminals, and runs autonomously at a level previously requiring larger models.
Read this update in detail →Anthropic introduces Claude Science
Anthropic has launched Claude Science, an AI workbench for research and analysis in beta. It ships pre-configured with access to more than 60 optional scientific databases.
Read this update in detail →Claude Enterprise adds granular analytics and cost controls
Anthropic is adding usage analytics and cost controls for Claude Enterprise admins. Agentic work produces distinct usage patterns compared to standard chat, and admins now have clearer visibility.
Read this update in detail →The TrueClicks Google Ads in Claude Code adds full MCC support
The Google Ads plugin for Claude Code and Cowork now lets you manage multiple accounts or an entire MCC in a few clicks. It answers the tool's most requested feature.
Read this update in detail →The advertiser takeaway
Each update reflects the source reporting at the time. Open an individual update for its full description, original links and media.
Explore the original edition
Every update from this edition is linked above. Explore the original newsletter for its full context, contributor credits and reporting links.
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