August 21, 2026

Google is rolling out updates across its tagging tools to make measurement easier. The idea is to build data strength without jumping through a ton of technical hoops. Here is what is new: Consolidated tagging. Google Tag now integrates the advanced capabilities of Tag Manager, so you manage all your measurement settings for Google Ads […]

Meta is expanding Meta AI for small businesses. Advertisers can connect their Meta ad campaigns and Google Workspace data (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides) straight to the AI assistant for analysis, optimization and automated reporting. It is rolling out on web, mobile and desktop. What it can do: Campaign optimization. It surfaces which audiences are delivering,

Google just made the Preferred Source button smoother for publishers. Before, clicking it pulled readers off your page. Now the flow keeps them on your site. A reader clicks “Add to Preferred Sources,” a small window opens, they hit “Add,” and they land right back where they were reading. Why this matters: Preferred Sources let

Google has released Google Ads API v25.1, expanding access to lift measurement, category-level benchmarks, brand sentiment, loyalty reporting, and original conversion values before Google’s adjustments are applied.

Promptwatch reports that Reddit citations in ChatGPT Search fell sharply in mid-August, dropping from about 3.8% of citations to roughly 0.5%, an 86% decline. Reddit is also losing citation share in Google AI Overviews and AI Mode, but much more gradually. Credit to Klaas Foppen for the data and Promptwatch.

Google is expanding AI Max testing and planning tools. Starting in September, advertisers will be able to A/B test different budgets and ROI targets across multiple Search campaigns, while AI Max experiments now support brand and location controls. Performance Planner can also apply recommended bidding and budget changes directly to campaigns. The core AI Max

Google has published a new help page for the native commerce [native_commerce] attribute in Merchant Center, enabling eligible products to support “Buy Now” flows in Gemini and AI Mode without sending users to an external site. Credit to Hana Kobzová for finding the new help page.

Google has tightened Vehicle Ads landing page requirements. Key details including dealership name, location, price, VIN, and availability must now be visible immediately, without extra clicks or scrolling. Credit to Hana Kobzová for spotting the update.

YouTube has officially introduced Watch-While Ads, a non-disruptive image ad format that appears while videos keep playing. It’s supported across Demand Gen, Performance Max, and App Campaigns. Credit to Hana Kobzová for spotting the update in Google’s image asset specs.

Arpan Banerjee just got the reminder that his account will be automatically linked with Merchant Center after September 19, 2026!