Google Unlocks Hidden Data, Meta Drops Pixel Limits, Apple Preps Siri Search

Key Takeaways

• AI is reshaping discovery and creatives: From Apple’s planned Siri AI search engine to Meta’s AI video translation, platforms are weaving AI deeper into search and social. These shifts point toward a future where campaigns are designed for conversational queries and global reach at lower production costs.

• Engagement tools strengthen brand control: Instagram’s new pinned comment feature and Meta’s changes to landing page optimisation give marketers more levers to guide conversations, highlight CTAs and reduce setup barriers. These updates help campaigns stay agile without relying solely on algorithms.

• Faster cycles for ad innovation: With the Google Ads API moving to monthly updates, advertisers can access new features faster than ever. The trade-off is the need for stronger internal processes to test and adopt tools before competitors do.

• Verification builds credibility in social: LinkedIn’s new verification for company pages and recruiter accounts shows how trust signals are becoming a central part of social media advertising trends. For brands, visible verification can directly influence engagement and hiring outcomes.

• Automation and control are converging: The overall trend across these updates is platforms blending AI-driven automation with more granular oversight. Advertisers who adapt early can use these changes to refine spend, scale campaigns and build stronger connections with audiences.

Google Unlocks Hidden Data, Meta Drops Pixel Limits, Apple Preps Siri Search

The latest wave of changes across the biggest platforms underscores how rapidly the digital advertising ecosystem is evolving. AI search engines are being positioned as the next frontier, with Apple investing in a Siri-powered search product that could challenge Google’s dominance. On the social front, Instagram is releasing new engagement tools to give creators and brands more control, while Meta is testing AI video translation that makes multilingual content distribution almost instant. At the same time, LinkedIn is rolling out verification features to strengthen trust across professional interactions and Google is accelerating its Ads updates with faster API release cycles.

For brands, these shifts highlight two converging realities. First, AI marketing tools are no longer optional as they’re being embedded directly into the platforms where audiences spend their time. Second, transparency and control are becoming differentiators, from ad reporting to verification signals. Brands that act early on these changes can refine spend, build trust and scale campaigns more efficiently, while those that wait risk falling behind competitors who adapt faster.

Apple Plans Siri-Powered AI Search by 2026

Apple is reportedly building a Siri AI search product that’s expected to launch by 2026. Designed to compete with Google and Microsoft, this Apple search update would integrate conversational AI directly into Siri, enabling users to find information, apps and products through natural language queries. With more than a billion iPhone users worldwide, Apple’s move could quickly establish it as a serious player in the AI search engines space.

Why this matters goes beyond the product itself. Apple currently earns billions annually from its agreement to make Google the default search engine on Safari. If Siri becomes a credible alternative, Apple could reduce its reliance on that deal and keep more of the search and advertising revenue within its own ecosystem. This shift could rebalance the search landscape by creating a third major channel. Brands might need to factor Apple alongside Google and Microsoft into both paid and organic strategies.

The Gurus’ take on what this means for your brand

Apple moving into the AI search engine space signals a serious shift in how discovery may work on mobile devices. By tying search directly to Siri, Apple could make voice-driven conversational queries the default for over a billion users worldwide. That introduces a new channel where ad strategy and SEO optimisation will need to adapt to natural language rather than traditional keyword strings.

The bigger impact is in how budgets might be redistributed. If Apple succeeds in creating a credible Siri AI search experience, brands will need to weigh it alongside Google and Microsoft as a primary search destination. Early preparation could give advertisers a valuable advantage once Apple’s ad inventory becomes available.

Your action plan

Here’s how to prepare for the coming shift toward Siri-powered AI search:

• Monitor Apple announcements: Track WWDC updates, developer documentation and industry news for details on Siri integration or upcoming Apple search updates. Setting alerts or subscribing to analyst coverage will help your team stay ahead of new ad formats.
• Audit SEO for voice-driven queries: Revisit your keyword strategy with a focus on natural question-based language (e.g., “Where can I buy…” or “What’s the best…”). Optimising content for AI search engines early makes your brand more discoverable once conversational search gains traction.
• Test conversational ad copy: Develop ad variations that use everyday speech patterns rather than formal phrasing. Running these in existing campaigns will build a library of performance data you can apply once Siri AI search rolls out.
• Plan flexible budgets: Allocate a portion of spend for experimental channels so you can shift quickly once Apple introduces its own inventory. This avoids delays and gets you ready to test without cutting into high-performing campaigns.

Instagram Now Lets You Pin Your Own Comments on Posts

Instagram has added the ability to pin your own comments on posts, a small but useful addition to its growing suite of Instagram engagement tools. Brands and creators can now place selected comments at the very top of a thread, making sure they’re the first thing users see. This allows marketers to highlight FAQs, campaign details or clarifications without relying on audiences to scroll.

This feature strengthens post-level engagement. Pinned comments let you steer the tone of a conversation, reduce repetitive questions and keep CTAs or promotional details visible even as more comments roll in.

For campaigns where interaction directly affects outcomes such as product launches, giveaways or limited-time offers, this level of control ensures engagement stays aligned with campaign goals and that critical information isn’t lost in busy threads.

The Gurus’ take on what this means for your brand

Instagram continues to release engagement tools that help brands take more control of their conversations. Being able to pin your own comments may feel like a small feature, but strategically it lets you keep important information such as offers or clarifications at the top. These can shape how audiences interact with your post.

For brands balancing organic and paid campaigns, this also strengthens consistency. Pinned comments make sure that messaging doesn’t get buried, which supports campaign clarity and reinforces your brand’s authority in the discussion.

Your action plan

To make the most of this new Instagram engagement tool, focus on practical applications like these:

• Highlight campaign messages: Use pinned comments to surface key details such as offers, CTAs or product info. This keeps critical messages from being buried, which can help both organic audiences and paid campaign traffic see them immediately.
• Address FAQs proactively: Anticipate common questions about pricing, availability or how to redeem promotions, and pin those answers. It reduces repetitive back-and-forth while positioning your brand as responsive and helpful.
• Encourage interaction: Pin engagement-driven prompts like “Tag a friend,” “Vote below,” or “Share your thoughts.” Keeping these visible at the top can increase participation and push posts higher in the feed.
• Test messaging styles: Try pinning different types of comments across campaigns and measure which approach drives the strongest engagement and conversions.

Meta Brings Auto-Translated, Lip-Synced Videos to Facebook and Instagram

The new Meta AI video translation auto-translates spoken content and lip-syncs it in the viewer’s language. A video originally filmed in English could appear in Spanish, Hindi or French with the speaker’s lips matching the translated audio, creating a more natural viewing experience. This goes beyond captions and can make the content feel natively produced for each audience.

The rollout aligns with Meta’s push to make Facebook and Instagram more competitive with platforms like YouTube and TikTok, where global distribution is a major advantage. It also builds on Meta’s investment in AI-driven creative tools designed to help advertisers produce more with fewer resources.

This can dramatically lower the barrier to entry for multilingual campaigns. Instead of producing multiple versions of creative, AI can localise assets at scale, opening doors to audiences that were previously too costly or complex to target.

The Gurus’ take on what this means for your brand

Meta’s AI video translation update could change how marketers approach international campaigns. One piece of creative can now be translated, lip-synced and distributed across multiple regions. It can make it feel like native content without the cost of reshoots. It can also help reduce production barriers for smaller advertisers and help global brands streamline localisation.

But there are new responsibilities this update introduces. Accuracy, tone and cultural nuance still need close oversight, even if the mechanics of translation are automated. Done well, though, this feature could become one of the most efficient social media advertising trends for extending reach into new markets.

Your action plan

Use these steps to explore how Meta AI video translation can extend your campaigns:

• Run small-scale tests: Start by translating one or two top-performing videos into a new language and promote them in a limited market. This lets you measure audience response and identify whether translation improves reach or conversion before investing further.
• Focus on evergreen assets: Prioritise translating content that won’t date quickly, such as tutorials, demos or brand storytelling. Evergreen videos hold value across multiple regions and ensure you get long-term returns from AI-enabled localisation.
• Check translation quality: Don’t rely solely on automation. Review subtitles, tone and lip-sync accuracy to ensure your brand voice isn’t lost. A poor translation can create confusion and damage credibility.
• Measure regional performance: Compare key metrics between original and translated versions. Use these insights to decide which markets justify expanded investment in Facebook and Instagram advertising.

Meta Drops the Pixel Requirement for Landing Page Views Campaigns

Meta has removed the requirement to install the Pixel for campaigns optimising toward landing page views. Previously, advertisers needed the Pixel to track these outcomes, but now Meta can optimise based on broader signals. This update lowers the barrier for brands that can’t easily implement tracking code.

The shift also reflects Meta’s broader move toward privacy-friendly advertising. With cookie deprecation and data-sharing restrictions limiting how much individual-level information can be collected, Meta is increasingly relying on aggregated signals to power optimisation.

This update shows how the platform is adapting its tools to meet privacy standards while still supporting campaign performance. It positions landing page view optimisation as a more accessible objective for both smaller businesses and brands running lightweight tests.

The Gurus’ take on what this means for your brand

Removing the Pixel requirement lowers the barrier to running Facebook and Instagram advertising campaigns, especially for businesses that don’t have developer resources to install tracking code. It makes testing campaigns faster and gives smaller brands a way to optimise for landing page views without technical roadblocks.

For advertisers with more advanced setups, this change doesn’t replace the depth of insight Pixel and Conversions API provide. Instead, it highlights Meta’s shift toward privacy-friendly optimisation signals. The key takeaway is flexibility: you can now launch lighter campaigns more easily while still relying on deeper tracking for high-stakes activity.

Your action plan

Here’s how to adapt your Facebook and Instagram advertising to this change:

• Test Pixel-free campaigns: Launch a few landing page view campaigns without Pixel installed and track whether performance holds steady. This helps determine if Meta’s aggregated optimisation signals are sufficient for your objectives.
• Maintain Pixel where possible: Continue using Pixel or Conversions API for campaigns that require more detailed attribution, such as retargeting or high-value conversion tracking. The new option simplifies setup, but deeper insights still come from full integration.
• Use lightweight optimisation: Apply the landing page view objective to small-scale tests, seasonal promotions, or campaigns where speed of launch matters more than comprehensive reporting.
• Benchmark performance: Compare Pixel-free campaigns with Pixel-enabled ones over the same period. Monitor differences in cost-per-click, landing page views, and conversion accuracy to decide how much reliance you can place on Pixel alternatives.

Google Ads API Moves to Monthly Updates for Faster Feature Rollouts

Google has announced that the Google Ads API will now shift to monthly updates, giving advertisers faster access to new features. Instead of waiting for quarterly or semi-annual releases, marketers can expect a steady stream of smaller incremental improvements.

This adjustment reflects Google’s drive to accelerate innovation across its ad ecosystem. Frequent updates allow the platform to roll out new automation features, bidding options, and reporting enhancements in near real time.

The benefit is clear: faster access to tools that can sharpen campaign performance. The challenge is operational. Teams will need processes in place to monitor updates, test changes quickly and decide which features are worth adopting. For agencies, the new cadence could become a competitive edge, while in-house teams may need to strengthen collaboration between marketing and development to keep pace.

The Gurus’ take on what this means for your brand

Moving the Google Ads updates cycle to monthly releases reflects Google’s push for speed in rolling out new capabilities. This means advertisers won’t need to wait as long for incremental improvements, which can be a competitive edge for brands that adapt quickly.

At the same time, it puts pressure on teams to stay organised. A faster release cadence means marketers and developers need a process to track changes, test features, and decide which are worth adopting. Those who can operationalise this pace will consistently be first to leverage tools competitors haven’t yet explored.

Your action plan

Stay ahead of these Google Ads updates with a structured approach:

• Review release notes monthly: Set aside time each month to check Google Ads API documentation for new features. Assign responsibility within your team so updates don’t get missed.
• Pilot new features quickly: Test updates in controlled campaigns as soon as they’re released. Early adoption can reveal performance advantages before competitors integrate the same tools.
• Document changes internally: Keep a central log of features rolled out, test results, and learnings. This helps teams apply updates consistently and shortens the learning curve for future rollouts.
• Align updates with strategy: Prioritise adopting features that directly support your campaign objectives instead of trialling everything at once. These include automation improvements, targeting refinements or reporting upgrades.

LinkedIn Boosts Trust with New Company Page and Recruiter Verification Updates

LinkedIn has introduced new verification features for company pages and recruiter accounts. Businesses can now display verified status, while recruiters receive clearer verification badges designed to strengthen trust in professional interactions. These updates form part of LinkedIn verification efforts to make the platform safer and more credible for both brands and job seekers.

The update arrives at a time when misinformation, fake job postings and impersonation have raised concerns about authenticity across digital platforms. By adding visible verification signals, LinkedIn positions itself as the professional network where credibility is easier to assess at a glance.

The Gurus’ take on what this means for your brand

LinkedIn’s new verification features underscore how important trust signals have become in professional networks. Verified company pages immediately stand out in feeds, while verified recruiter accounts reduce friction in hiring interactions by showing candidates they’re dealing with legitimate representatives.

For B2B brands, this can directly influence engagement. Verified status can improve credibility in outreach, partnerships and content distribution. For recruitment teams, it helps attract talent while protecting brand reputation in an increasingly competitive hiring landscape.

Your action plan

Take these steps to make the most of LinkedIn’s new verification features:

• Apply for company verification: Secure a verified badge for your company page to signal credibility to prospects, partners, and job seekers. This small step can set your brand apart in crowded feeds.
• Verify recruiter accounts: Ensure recruiters representing your business are verified so candidates can immediately see they’re dealing with legitimate representatives. This reduces friction in outreach and builds trust in the hiring process.
• Promote your verified status: Feature the badge in paid campaigns, outreach messages, and thought leadership posts to reinforce professionalism and authenticity. Verified signals add weight to every interaction.
• Measure engagement shifts: Track whether verification leads to higher interaction rates on company posts, InMail acceptance or job application completions. Use these insights to refine your wider social media advertising trends strategy.

AI, engagement and trust are reshaping digital advertising

Across platforms, one theme is clear: AI is moving from experimental to essential. Apple’s work on a Siri AI search product highlights how AI search engines could soon compete with Google, while Meta is leaning into AI video translation that makes global campaigns easier to scale. These signal that the next phase of digital marketing will be built around AI marketing tools that drive efficiency and reshape discovery.

At the same time, platforms are releasing new Instagram engagement tools and loosening restrictions around landing page optimisation in Meta campaigns. These changes make it easier for marketers to guide conversations, reduce friction and adapt campaigns in real time. For social-first brands, these updates feed directly into evolving social media advertising trends where flexibility and interactivity are becoming just as important as reach.

Finally, transparency and trust are gaining weight. Monthly Google Ads updates mean advertisers can adopt features faster, but also need tighter processes to keep pace. On LinkedIn, verification for company pages and recruiters strengthens authenticity, which is critical in B2B and hiring contexts. Together, these updates show a shift toward platforms giving marketers more oversight, while reinforcing signals of credibility for audiences.

Turn the latest platform shifts into ROI-driven campaigns with OMG

Digital marketing updates are constant, but the real value lies in how you apply them. From preparing for the Apple search update, to testing Instagram engagement tools, to exploring opportunities with Meta AI video translation, every new feature is a chance to optimise performance and connect with audiences in smarter ways.

At Online Marketing Gurus, we track every Google Ads update, evaluate the impact of tools like LinkedIn verification and build strategies that convert changes into measurable growth. Our expertise spans social media advertising and SEO services to help your brand stay visible and competitive across every channel. If you want to stay ahead of competitors and turn platform changes into results, get in touch with our team today.

About the Author

Andrew Raso

Andrew Raso, Co-founder and Global CEO of Online Marketing Gurus, has been instrumental in transforming the agency from a start-up into a $15 million global powerhouse. Since co-founding OMG in 2012 with colleague Mez Homayunfard, Andrew has leveraged his deep expertise in SEO and digital marketing to drive OMG’s expansion across Australia, the US, and Singapore.