Snapchat Integrates Shopping Ads Into AR Lenses
Snapchat is letting advertisers sell products with custom AR lenses, which users can add to selfie photos and videos.
About
Matt G. Southern, Senior News Writer, has been with Search Engine Journal since 2013. With a bachelor’s degree in communications, Matt specializes in gathering details, checking facts, and making complex subjects easy to understand. In addition to writing articles, Matt oversees strategy development for SEJ’s news department.
Articles
Google Chrome to Prevent Videos With Sound From Autoplaying
Google’s latest version of Chrome for desktop will disable most videos with sound from playing automatically.
Google Maps is Now Using Fast Food Locations as Reference Points
Google Maps is testing a feature which gives drivers turn-by-turn directions using fast food restaurants as landmarks.
Google AdWords Introduces New Video Format to Reach More People
Google AdWords has introduced a new video format which is said to extend the reach of video campaigns beyond YouTube.
Google’s Direct Answers Now Shown on 10% of SERPs [REPORT]
Google is returning more direct answers in search results, with 10% of mobile SERPs now containing a direct answer box.
Google Resumes Accepting Ads from Addiction Treatment Centers
Google has reversed its decision to ban ads for addiction treatment centers after introducing a stricter vetting process.
Google to Issue Manual Action Penalties for Expired Job Postings
Google has updated its guidelines warning users that failure to remove expired job postings may result in a manual penalty.
Google is Reportedly Replacing Voice Search on Android With Google Assistant
Google’s voice search button on Android is being replaced with Google Assistant.
Google Maps Highlights Public Events Currently In Progress
A feature has been spotted in Google Maps that appears to show the app highlighting public events that are ongoing.
Google Releases Tool to Show Off Natural Language Search Capabilities
Google’s research division has released a tool which shows off advancements the company has made toward understanding natural language.
Facebook Gets Instagram’s ‘Boomerang,’ and an AR Drawing Tool
Facebook’s mobile app has been updated with some enhancements for Stories — an AR drawing tool and Instagram’s popular Boomerang feature.
Instagram Makes it Easy to Follow People by Scanning ‘Nametags’
Instagram is reportedly in the process of rolling out a new feature which is similar to Snapchat’s QR codes.
Google Assistant Can Recognize Cat and Dog Breeds Using Photos
Google is getting smarter when it comes to image recognition with updates rolled out to Google Assistant and Google Photos.
Google Search Console is Notifying Site Owners About AMP Issues
Site owners have been receiving e-mail notifications from Google Search Console regarding issues detected on AMP pages.
Google Search Console Update: Filter Reports by Result Type
A new feature in Google Search Console will allow site owners to filter performance reports by ‘Search Appearance.’
Instagram to Let Users Save Their Data
Instagram is in the process of building a tool that will allow users to export their data.
Bing Improves Maps Related Searches for UK Users
Bing has rolled out several new features to maps related searches for UK users.
Snapchat Releases New Lenses Exclusively for iPhone X
Snapchat has released a new set of lenses designed to take advantage of the dual front-facing cameras on iPhone X.
LinkedIn Integrates GIFs into Messaging
LinkedIn has teamed up with Google-owned company, Tenor, to integrate GIFs into direct messaging.
Snapchat is Moving Back to a Chronological Feed (For Some)
Reports suggest Snapchat is in the process of bringing back its chronological feed following a polarizing redesign earlier this year.
Instagram Has a New ‘Focus’ Mode for Sharper Selfies and Portraits
Instagram has a new portrait effect that can be added to photos and videos in stories.
Bing’s Product Ads Can Soon Include Multiple Images
Bing Ads advertisers can soon create product ads with up to 11 images — 1 main image plus 10 additional images.
New Google AdWords Tool Can Forecast Reach of YouTube Ads
Google AdWords has introduced a new tool called Reach Planner, which allows advertisers to forecast reach and frequency on YouTube.
Facebook Users Have to Re-Confirm App Permissions Every 90 Days
Anyone who signs into apps with their Facebook credentials will now have to re-confirm data permissions every 90 days.
Google Adds Carousel of Quora ‘Top Answers’ to Search Results
Google is testing a new type of carousel in search results featuring top answers from Q&A site Quora.
Google Confirms March 7th Algorithm Update Was About Relevance, Not Quality
Google’s John Mueller has confirmed the March 7th algorithm update did not necessarily target low quality sites.
Google My Business Pages Can Now Include Service Menus
Businesses can now add service menus to their Google My Business listings.
Google Switches to Infinite Scrolling Mobile Search Results
Google has introduced infinite scrolling to mobile search results pages.
Facebook Messenger Now Supports HD Video and 360-degree Photos
With the latest update to Facebook Messenger users can now send and receive HD videos and 360-degree photos.
Google’s John Mueller Answers: How to Add Sitemaps for More Than 50,000 URLs
In Google’s latest Q&A video, John Mueller explains how webmasters can submit a sitemap with more than 50,000 URLs.