Paid Media News (Week 7)
Paid Media News (Week 7)
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.
🤝 Partner Spotlight: AdsToAI
I've been part of Mike Rhodes' AdsToAI community, and it's one of the few places focused on practical AI for Google Ads: scripts, automation systems, and tools you can actually use.
Read this update in detail →PPC Salary Survey 2026 now open
The 11th annual PPC Salary Survey is now accepting responses until February 28, 2026. Your participation helps benchmark compensation across the industry and shapes how agencies and employers understand market rates.
Read this update in detail →Google shares 2026 Ads & Commerce vision: AI Mode ads, Direct Offers, and UCP checkout
In her third annual letter, Google VP Vidhya Srinivasan outlined the 2026 roadmap for Ads & Commerce. Google is testing a new shopping ad format in AI Mode that surfaces sponsored retailers alongside organic recommendations.
Read this update in detail →Demand Gen Lookalike audiences are changing in March
Starting in March 2026, Lookalike audiences in Demand Gen campaigns will see changes to how they function. Advertisers should review their audience configurations before the update takes effect.
Read this update in detail →Google Ads "Low activity" bulk tool now auto-enables paused keywords
Google Ads' internal "Low activity system bulk changes" tool can now enable keywords, not just pause them. Advertisers are reporting paused keywords being automatically reactivated as part of bulk system changes.
Read this update in detail →Google Ads shows recommended experiments based on account data
Google Ads now displays recommended experiments directly on the Experiments page, tailored to your account setup and performance data. Each recommendation includes a preconfigured setup you can apply immediately or customise.
Read this update in detail →Google Ads adds campaign eligibility to the Product section Status column
Google Ads now displays campaign eligibility directly in the Status column of the Products section. This update complements the Product-Level Campaign View introduced in January.
Read this update in detail →Google Ads now suggests ROAS-based conversion value for new customers
Google Ads now lets you set the conversion value for new customers by specifying the target ROAS. The system will then automatically propose a value based on your settings.
Read this update in detail →Google Ads updates the Support interface in beta
Google Ads has updated its Support interface with a new design currently in beta testing. The refreshed layout aims to streamline how advertisers access help resources.
Read this update in detail →Google Ads Decoded podcast: Campaign structure in the era of AI
In the latest episode of the Ads Decoded podcast, Ginny Marvin sits down with Brandon Ervin, Director of Product Management for Search Ads, to discuss campaign consolidation. Ervin clarifies that consolidation is not the end goal: equal or better performance with less granularity is.
Read this update in detail →Microsoft Advertising map pack placements via extensions
Microsoft Advertising offers map pack placements through location extensions. You can secure map pack placements just by setting up a location extension.
Read this update in detail →Microsoft Advertising announces 2026 Partner Program badges
Microsoft Advertising has introduced its 2026 Partner Badges, featuring Partner, Select Partner, and Elite Partner tiers. The updated badges reflect the latest certification requirements and partner achievements.
Read this update in detail →UCP-powered checkout spotted in Google AI Mode
UCP-powered checkout is now appearing in Google's AI Mode shopping results. A prominent "Buy" button appears for Wayfair's free listing results, allowing users to complete purchases directly within the conversational interface.
Read this update in detail →Microsoft Advertising tests underlined product titles in Shopping ads
Microsoft Advertising is experimenting with a new design in its shopping ads carousel on Bing Search, underlining product titles. The change appears to be a visual test to improve click-through on product listings.
Read this update in detail →Google Ads adds Data Source Integration beta in Conversion Settings
Google Ads is testing a new beta feature allowing advertisers to connect external data sources like BigQuery or MySQL directly to their Google tag within conversion action details. The feature aims to enhance conversion metrics and measurement signals.
Read this update in detail →Microsoft introduces AI Performance metrics in Webmaster Tools
Microsoft is introducing AI Performance in Bing Webmaster Tools, a new set of insights that shows how your content appears across Microsoft Copilot, AI-generated summaries in Bing, and select partner experiences. For you, this means actionable data on how AI surfaces your content on Bing.
Read this update in detail →Looker Studio February 2026 release notes are available
Google has released several Looker Studio updates: you can now share specific charts, including filter settings and time periods, export charts natively to PNG, view Gemini's reasoning process in Conversational Analytics, and manage Looker Studio Pro licenses centrally in Google Workspace. For you, this means reviewing the changelog if you rely on Looker Studio for client or internal reporting.
Read this update in detail →Google AdSense adds new triggers for vignette ads
Google AdSense is introducing additional triggers for vignette ads, including showing ads when users reach the end of an article, are inactive for 30+ seconds, or navigate backwards using the browser's back button. The new triggers will auto-enable on March 9, 2026, unless publishers opt out during the one-month review period.
Read this update in detail →The GTM QA reminder can save your implementation
The QA reminder in Google Tag Manager prompts you to schedule a review after publishing a container. Set the reminder's date and time, and GTM Fixer will alert you to check your implementation.
Read this update in detail →Meta redesigns Placement Customisation into "Media Pool" workflow
Meta is launching a deep redesign of Placement Customisation into a "Media Pool" workflow, in a further shift toward Multi-Asset Ads. The new layout changes how advertisers configure placement-specific creative.
Read this update in detail →Meta Frequency control is now live in some accounts
Meta's new Frequency control is now live in some accounts. You can tick "Set a frequency" to control how often your ads are shown to the same user.
Read this update in detail →Meta Ads now supports Excel integration for Click-to-WhatsApp campaigns
Microsoft Excel can now be integrated with Meta's Click-to-WhatsApp lead campaigns via the API as a CRM. The connection works the same way as Google Sheets integration.
Read this update in detail →Meta rolls out five Ads Manager updates
Jon Loomer reports several Meta Ads Manager changes rolling out:
Read this update in detail →LinkedIn Campaign Manager adds industry and self-benchmarking
LinkedIn Campaign Manager now offers benchmarking features that let you compare ad set performance against industry averages and your own account history over the past 90 days. For you, this means better context for evaluating campaign performance: particularly useful for B2B and ABM strategies where external benchmarks have been limited.
Read this update in detail →LinkedIn hidden ad formats beyond Thought Leader and Message ads
There are three LinkedIn ad placements that most people ignore that can improve efficiency:
Read this update in detail →Amazon Search Query Performance is now available in Vendor Central
Amazon has launched Search Query Performance in Vendor Central, along with additional Search Analytics tools previously limited to Seller Central. Vendor brands now have access to deeper visibility into search terms and branded demand-capture data.
Read this update in detail →Amazon adds frequency cap messaging to Sponsored Products
Amazon has added a small update that shows frequency cap information in Sponsored Products campaigns. The change provides more transparency into how often ads are shown to the same shopper.
Read this update in detail →Amazon flat files now have expiration dates
Amazon has updated its flat-file system to include expiration dates for the templates you're currently using. For you, this means checking your flat files and updating them before they expire to avoid upload issues.
Read this update in detail →Amazon MCF 2026 Preferred Pricing caps credits at $50K
Amazon has rolled out MCF 2026 Preferred Pricing, with credits capped at $50,000. The update affects Multi-Channel Fulfilment costs for sellers using FBA inventory to fulfil non-Amazon orders.
Read this update in detail →Amazon warns sellers about "Frequently Returned" badge
Amazon is now surfacing warnings about products at risk of earning a "Frequently Returned" badge. The badge can negatively impact conversion rates and visibility.
Read this update in detail →Amazon Ads adds "All Tools" tab to surface available features
Amazon has added an "All Tools" tab in Amazon Ads that shows all available tools in a single, clean view. For you, this means a quick way to audit what Amazon Ads capabilities are available to your account.
Read this update in detail →Amazon updates SP-API software pricing model
Amazon has changed how software costs work for SP-API integrations. Most sellers see "$1,400/year plus usage fees" and assume their tools handle it, but the pricing shift affects how third-party software providers pass costs to sellers.
Read this update in detail →ChatGPT Ads test now live in the US
ChatGPT's advertising test is now live in the United States, with users spotting ads appearing in responses. The beta pilot is reportedly closing applications this week with a $200K minimum spend and CPM-based pricing.
Read this update in detail →Adobe partners with OpenAI to test ads in ChatGPT
Adobe is expanding its partnership with OpenAI as a pilot partner in the Ad Pilot Program, now testing with logged-in users 18 years and older in the US on the free and Go tiers. As part of the pilot, Adobe will run ads for Acrobat Studio and Adobe Firefly.
Read this update in detail →Threads launches Dear Algo for AI-powered feed customisation
Meta has launched Dear Algo on Threads, an AI feature that lets you adjust your feed by posting "Dear Algo" followed by what you want to see more or less of. Preferences apply for three days, and you can repost someone else's Dear Algo request to try their settings.
Read this update in detail →Google Business Profile verification flow update spotted
Google is updating the Business Profile verification flow. The new interface asks users to self-identify their business model before proceeding.
Read this update in detail →EU considers interim measures against Meta over WhatsApp interoperability
The European Commission announced its preliminary view that Meta has infringed competition law by excluding third-party AI businesses from accessing WhatsApp users, and its intention to impose interim measures. For you, this means potential changes to how WhatsApp integrates with other platforms in the EU.
Read this update in detail →UK CMA announces approach to Apple and Google mobile ecosystem inquiry
The UK Competition and Markets Authority has announced how it intends to proceed with its inquiry into Apple and Google's control over their mobile ecosystems. The investigation focuses on competition concerns in app distribution and mobile browsers.
Read this update in detail →European Commission sends RFIs to advertisers on Google and Apple's auction practices
The European Commission has sent Requests for Information to large advertisers, as it has indications of potential concerns regarding the auctions for advertising on Google and Apple platforms. For you, this means watching for regulatory developments that could affect ad delivery and targeting in Europe.
Read this update in detail →US Senators unveil bill to prevent scam ads on social media platforms
US senators have introduced a bill that would require social media platforms to verify government-issued identification for advertisers or confirm the legal existence of businesses. The bill follows a report that Meta made up to $16 billion from scam ads in 2024.
Read this update in detail →Peter Steinberger joins OpenAI to lead personal agents development
Sam Altman announced that Peter Steinberger is joining OpenAI to drive the next generation of personal agents. Steinberger will focus on multi-agent interactions designed to perform useful tasks for people.
Read this update in detail →Claude's free plan adds four previously paid features
Claude's free plan now includes four features previously only on paid plans: file creation (Word docs, Excel, PowerPoints), web search, connected apps, and Projects. For you, this means more functionality available without a subscription if you're evaluating AI tools.
Read this update in detail →Cowork is now available on Windows
Anthropic has launched Cowork for Windows, following the macOS release. The desktop tool allows non-developers to automate file and task management using Claude.
Read this update in detail →Claude now works in PowerPoint
Claude can now generate and edit PowerPoint presentations directly. It works inside your template, generates full decks with logical structure, iterates to simplify, and combines slides.
Read this update in detail →OpenAI launches Frontier for enterprise AI deployment
OpenAI has introduced OpenAI Frontier, a significant step forward for enterprise AI adoption. Over 1 million business customers already use OpenAI tools, and Frontier focuses on helping large organisations deploy AI at scale.
Read this update in detail →OpenAI releases GPT-5.3-Codex-Spark for real-time coding
OpenAI has announced GPT-5.3-Codex-Spark, an ultra-fast model purpose-built for real-time coding. It's available as a research preview for ChatGPT Pro users in the Codex app, Codex CLI, and IDE extension.
Read this update in detail →ChatGPT Deep Research is now powered by GPT-5.2
Deep research in ChatGPT is now powered by GPT-5.2. You can now connect to apps in ChatGPT, search specific sites, and track real-time progress with follow-ups.
Read this update in detail →Chrome announces WebMCP early preview for agentic web interactions
Google Chrome has announced WebMCP in early preview, a proposed standard that would allow websites to expose structured tools to AI agents. The protocol includes a Declarative API for HTML form actions and an Imperative API for JavaScript-based interactions.
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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