42 Latest Digital Marketing Updates December 2024

Digital Marketing Updates: Let us take a ride to the world of the internet and discover the latest Digital Marketing Updates December. If you missed last month’s digital marketing updates, you could click here to read them. Here is a list of #NewThingsInDigital for November2024.

1. Threads Tests Individual Post Analytics

Threads, the social media platform, has recently introduced individual post analytics to provide creators with more detailed performance insights. This new feature allows users to track key metrics like reach, engagement, and impressions for each post, helping them optimise their content strategy and better understand what resonates with their audience. 

2. YouTube Shares Top Trends of 2024

YouTube has just released its top trends for 2024, highlighting the evolution of video content and viewer preferences. The report showcases the growing popularity of interactive live streams, the rise of AI-generated content, and the continued dominance of short-form video formats like Shorts. 

Creators are discovering new ways to engage audiences, leveraging features like shopping integrations and behind-the-scenes content. As viewer demands shift, YouTube emphasises the importance of adaptability and authenticity for creators looking to thrive in the coming year. 

3. YouTube Updates BrandConnect, Community Posts and More

YouTube has announced several new updates to improve the platform for creators and brands. The BrandConnect program now allows creators to earn revenue through sponsored content, making it easier for brands to work with influencers. 

YouTube has also introduced Community Posts, giving creators a new way to engage with their audience beyond traditional video uploads. Additionally, YouTube has improved discoverability by enhancing search and recommendations. 

These changes provide creators with more monetisation opportunities and strengthen their community connections while also making it simpler for brands to collaborate with relevant YouTube influencers as part of their digital marketing strategies.

4. Meta Launches New Llama AI Model, Building Towards the Next Stage

Meta has unveiled its new Llama AI model, a large language model trained to assist with a variety of tasks. This represents a significant step forward in Meta’s AI capabilities as they work towards the next stage of technological advancement. Llama is designed to be a flexible and powerful tool that can be tailored for use in areas like content creation, customer service, and data analysis.

5. Google Business Profile Food Orders Performance Metrics Gone

Google has announced that starting June 2024, the food orders performance metric will no longer be recorded in Google Business Profiles. While customers will still be able to place food orders through Google Search and Maps, businesses will no longer have access to this specific performance data. Local businesses should be aware of this update and adjust their performance tracking accordingly. 

6. Bing Tests Shopping/E-Commerce Card

Bing is following in Google’s footsteps by testing its own version of an e-commerce/shopping card format at the top of its search results. This new format aims to enhance the online shopping experience by providing users with a convenient way to find and purchase products. Similar to Google’s test, the Bing shopping card displays product information and allows users to directly interact with and purchase items. 

7. Google Gemini Testing New & Improved Link Sources

Google is testing a new format for its Gemini AI search engine that gives publishers and content sources more visibility in the search results. The new feature places a “Sources and related content header” at the bottom of the page, allowing users to easily see the websites Gemini used as sources. This change aims to provide more transparency around the origins of the information shown in Gemini’s AI-powered search results. 

8. Google Tests Underline Title, Link & Domain On Hover In Search Results

Google is currently testing a new feature that underlines the title, link, and domain in search result snippets when users hover their mouse cursor over them. Typically, Google only highlights the title link in blue, but this new test underlines the entire snippet, including the URL. This subtle change could impact how users interact with and perceive search results. 

9. Google Shopping Results Tests View All Buttons

Google is currently testing “view all” buttons in the Google Search results, particularly in shopping-orientated results. These buttons are placed next to search result listings that lead to shopping category landing pages, allowing users to easily access the full range of options. This feature is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance the shopping experience for users and provide more comprehensive access to product information. 

10. Google Search Buttons For: Results Are Personalized – Try Without Personalisation

Google Search has introduced a new button that allows users to see if the search results are personalised and provides an option to turn off personalization. This feature gives users more control over their search experience and the ability to view non-personalised results. The new button is part of Google’s efforts to provide more transparency and customisation options for its search engine users

11. WhatsApp Rolls Out Calling Improvements for the Holidays

WhatsApp has announced updates to improve the audio and video calling experience just in time for the holidays. With more people relying on video calls to stay connected, WhatsApp aims to make the experience better than ever. 

The messaging platform rolled out improvements like tapping on a participant’s video thumbnail to quickly mute their mic or turn off their video. Users can also now send in-app messages while on a call. With people spending more time on calls than ever, these updates should enhance usability and allow for a more seamless experience this holiday season and beyond.

12. YouTube Previews Coming Features for CTV

YouTube announced upcoming features focused on Connected TV at its Brandcast event. New options will allow creators to generate previews for videos on CTV devices like Roku and Fire TV to help drive more views. 

Previews on CTV will be 5-15 seconds long to entice viewers with a sample before committing to a full video. YouTube also said it will roll out features to make videos on CTV more interactive, allowing polls and questionnaires to be overlaid on playback. These changes aim to make YouTube content more discoverable and engaging on big-screen TVs.

13. Meta’s Testing Options To Hide Like Counts on Reels, Replies on Threads

Meta is running tests that could see like counts removed from Instagram Reels and replies hidden on Facebook threads. The tests are aimed at easing social pressure by removing public metrics. For Reels, Meta will hide public like and view counts, though creators can still see their own metrics. 

For Facebook threads, the test hides the number of replies on parent comments and instead lists whether people responded with certain reactions. The tests follow concerns that public metrics can impact users’ well-being and popularity contests, though others argue they also help gauge content success.

14. Meta Adds More Functionality to the Threads API

Meta has expanded the capabilities of its Threads API to give developers more control over how conversations unfold on its platforms. The Threads API now allows developers to programmatically create, view, participate in, and delete message threads on Facebook and Messenger. 

This includes capabilities like starting new threads, viewing thread information, participating by sending and receiving messages, and deleting or archiving existing threads. The updates are aimed at helping developers build more social and messaging experiences into their apps that integrate with Facebook and Messenger.

15. Instagram Launches Trial Reels for Audience Sampling

Instagram is testing a new feature called Reels to directly compete with TikTok. Reels allows users to record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos with audio, effects, and new creative tools. Instagram wants to make it fun and easy for people to express themselves through short-form videos. 

The test will be available to some users in India and Brazil, and Instagram will explore expanding it if it’s a success. Reels gives users new ways to entertain and connect with others through amusing videos. It will be interesting to see if Reels catches on as a popular new format on Instagram or if people continue preferring TikTok for such entertaining clips.

16. YouTube Tests Multiplayer Games With In-Stream ‘Playables’

YouTube is testing a new feature that allows viewers to play simple multiplayer games directly from within videos. Select creators will be able to add playable interactive elements to their videos through YouTube’s experimental “Playables” feature. Viewers can then engage with the games in real-time with others also watching the video. 

The games will be simple and played entirely within the video player window. This could boost viewer engagement for participating channels if the tests are successful. It allows fans to interact together around favourite YouTube content in a new way.

17. Reddit Launches ‘Reddit Answers’ AI Overviews

Reddit has launched a new feature called Reddit Answers that uses AI to generate short overviews of popular subreddit discussions. The AI summaries are high-level overviews that aim to help people understand what a subreddit is about without having to dive into the weeds. Reddit Answers overviews are automatically generated for some of Reddit’s most popular communities. 

The AI examines recent highly upvoted content to identify common topics, questions, and themes discussed. It then writes a brief 2-3 sentence description highlighting the main purposes and interests of the subreddit community.”

18. Google Tests New Search Tools Design

Google has been experimenting with a new search tool design that places the search filters and refinement options in a more prominent position on the search results page. This updated layout aims to make it easier for users to discover and utilise the available search tools to refine and customise their queries. 

As a key component of the search experience, these design changes could significantly impact user behaviour and success rates, presenting both opportunities and challenges for digital marketers seeking to optimise their content and campaigns for this evolving search landscape.

19. Google Tests Trending & Popular With Labels In Search Results

Google is currently testing the inclusion of “Trending” and “Popular” labels in search results. These labels are designed to highlight content that is generating significant engagement or interest among users. According to the information from Search Engine Roundtable, the new labels are appearing for some queries, providing an additional signal to users about the type of content they are seeing. 

This test is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to surface the most relevant and engaging information for searchers. Digital marketers should monitor the rollout of these labels, as they may impact user behaviour and influence content strategy.

20. Copilot Beta Now Bing Webmaster Tools For 10,000 Users

Microsoft has rolled out a beta version of its new “Copilot” feature within Bing Webmaster Tools, initially made available to 10,000 users. Copilot is an AI-powered assistant that aims to provide webmasters with actionable insights and recommendations to improve their website’s performance and visibility in Bing search results. 

The beta release allows a select group of users to test Copilot’s capabilities, which include site crawl analysis, keyword suggestions, and technical SEO guidance. As a digital marketing influencer, this development signals Microsoft’s continued efforts to enhance its webmaster tools and compete more effectively with Google Search Console. The Copilot beta release presents an opportunity for early adopters to gain a competitive edge in organic search optimisation.

21. Google Crawler Documentation Adds HTTP Caching

Google has updated its crawler documentation to provide more details on how it handles HTTP caching. The new information explains that the Google crawler respects HTTP cache headers and will cache content accordingly. This can help website owners optimise their caching strategies to improve crawl efficiency and reduce server load. 

The documentation covers specifics like cache-control, expires, and etag headers, as well as how the crawler handles 304 Not Modified responses. Staying up-to-date on Google’s crawler behaviour is crucial for digital marketers to ensure their sites are properly indexed and ranked.

22. Google Business Profiles Adds More Hours Categories

Google has expanded the special hours categories available for Google Business Profiles. Businesses can now select from a wider range of options to indicate adjusted hours, such as “Closing Early,” “Reduced Hours,” and “Closed for Inventory.” This allows companies to better communicate any changes to their regular operating schedule to customers. 

The new categories provide more flexibility and transparency, helping users plan their visits accordingly. As consumer habits continue evolving, these enhancements to Google Business Profiles give marketers more tools to effectively showcase business information and stay connected with their local audience.

23. Google Video Search Tests Dropping YouTube Channel & Upload Date

Google is experimenting with changes to its video search results, potentially removing details like the YouTube channel name and video upload date. This could impact how users evaluate the credibility and relevance of video content in search. 

As a digital marketing influencer, you’ll want to monitor these changes and advise your audience on how it may affect their video optimisation and visibility strategies. Understanding Google’s evolving video search algorithms is crucial for staying ahead of the curve in this dynamic landscape.

25. Google Tests Sitelinks With Arrow Down To Show More

This feature aims to make it easier for users to discover a website’s full set of sitelinks directly from the search results. The expanded sitelink view is triggered when users click the down arrow, revealing more of the site’s key pages. 

This test represents Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance the search experience by improving the visibility and accessibility of website information. As a digital marketing influencer, you can leverage this development to optimise your clients’ sitelink strategies and drive greater engagement from search audiences.

25. Google Ads Testing Video Assets For Search Campaigns?

This represents a significant expansion of ad format options for digital marketers, as video creative has traditionally been limited to YouTube and display campaigns. The ability to leverage video in search could lead to more engaging and impactful ad experiences for users.

 However, the rollout of this feature remains in the testing phase, so availability and guidelines may vary. Digital marketing influencers should monitor developments closely to understand how this evolving capability can be strategically incorporated into their clients’ paid media strategies.

26. Google Is Testing Gemini 2.0 Powered AI Overviews In Search

Google Is Testing Gemini 2.0-Powered AI Overviews In Search is an exciting development in digital marketing. Google is experimenting with AI-generated overviews in search results, powered by its Gemini 2.0 system. These overviews aim to provide users with concise, high-level information about search queries, potentially reducing the need to click through to websites. 

This could have significant implications for how users interact with and consume digital content. As a digital marketing influencer, it’s crucial to stay informed on these emerging trends and adapt your strategies accordingly to best serve your audience.

27. YouTube Tests Audio Replies to Video Comments

YouTube is testing a new feature that allows users to reply to video comments with audio rather than text. The goal is to make commenting more conversational and accessible. Some users are now seeing a new “Reply” option next to comments that opens a voice recording function rather than taking them to a text reply field. They can then record an audio reply up to one minute in length directly from the YouTube mobile app.

28. Threads Reaches 300M Active Users

With 300 million active users, Threads enables people to have lengthier conversations by combining many messages. It has expanded quickly; in just ten months, it went from 100 million to 200 million people. Its user base has increased to 300 million in less than half that time.

29. Meta Announces New AI Functionality for Ray-Ban Meta Glasses

Meta has announced new artificial intelligence capabilities for its Ray-Ban Stories smart glasses. The augmented reality glasses, launched last year in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, will now have real-time language translation and voice commands. Using on-device AI processing, the glasses can translate conversations between two people speaking different languages instantly. 

Voice commands also allow users to take photos or control music without touching the glasses. This new functionality aims to improve the user experiece and make the glasses more useful for everyday tasks.

30. YouTube Shares Its Top Ad Campaigns of 2024

YouTube recently revealed its top-performing ad campaigns of 2024. Coming in at number one was a campaign by Disney promoting its new animated film. Through a well-optimised video ad and targeted reach, the campaign drove massive viewership and engagement on the trailer. They serve as excellent case studies for digital marketers on crafting successful YouTube ad strategies.

31. Giphy Shares Key Discussion Trends of 2024

Giphy, the popular GIF platform, shared insights into discussion trends they expect to see rise in 2024 based on 2023 conversations. Remote work will continue to be discussed as hybrid models evolve. Financial literacy and inflation coping strategies saw increases in 2023 and will remain important topics. 

Discussions around physical and mental health grew significantly in 2023 and this emphasis on well-being will carry into the new year. Environmental issues like sustainable living and eco-anxiety were addressed more and more in 2023 and will remain areas of focus for discussions in 2024.

32. Bing Search Tests How To Pick Section

Bing is testing new ways to surface how-to content directly in the main search results. They have started showing a new ‘How To’ section that highlights top how-to content for the given query directly in the main search results. This section will appear above the normal web search results and below the featured snippet/key information boxes if relevant how-to content exists. 

The how-to results are ranked based on Bing’s assessment of the quality and relevancy of the content. This new section makes it easier for users to find helpful instructions and guides to complete tasks without having to click into the normal search results.”

33. Google Ads Tests Search Ads Without Ad Descriptions

Google is testing a new format for search ads that removes the display of ad descriptions. Some advertisers noticed their search ads appearing without the usual headline, display URL, and description that normally accompany the ad. Instead, there was just the headline and display URL visible. 

Google confirmed they are testing a simplified ad format to determine if descriptions are even necessary. They noted descriptions are still served to users, just not displayed. This new format could save advertisers character counts if descriptions are found to not be heavily influential in driving clicks.

34. Bing Tests Squared Off Search Bar

Bing is testing a new squared-off search bar design on desktop. Screenshots from users in the test show the search bar has a boxier look compared to Bing’s standard rounded search bar design. The test search bar has square corners and a lighter colour that makes it stand out more on the page. It may be an effort to make the search bar a more prominent graphical element.

35. Google Local Service Ads Test Extra Call Out Extensions

Google is currently testing additional extensions for Local Service Ads to provide more details directly on the ad itself. The test includes an “Extra Call Out” extension to draw attention to a specific aspect of a business, like a special offer or sale. 

This extension allows advertisers to add one additional short line of text below the business name and category on the ad. The goal is to give service providers more room to highlight what makes them unique directly on the ad where customers will see it. 

36. Google Search Rolls Out AI-Organised Restaurant Results

Google is rolling out a new AI-powered organisation of local restaurant search results. When users search for terms like “pizza near me,” they will now see results grouped under headings like “Top,”Fast Delivery,” and “Popular Cuisines” to help them find what they’re looking for more easily. 

37. Threads Add New Way to Re-Share Media While Crediting the Creator

Threads introducing a new way for users to reshare media from others while properly crediting the original creator. The new feature allows Threads users to select media from their phone’s camera roll or other apps and share it within Threads. When shared, the media will retain its source and include attribution to the original creator directly in the shared post. 

38. Threads Announces Test of Post Scheduling

Threads allows users to write posts and schedule them to be shared to their profile at later dates and times, similar to features found on other social networks. With post scheduling, Threads users can better manage the flow of content they share by planning posts in advance, whether it’s sharing tips, thoughts, or participating in discussions. 

The test is currently only available to some iOS users and gives Threads more functionality for community members to engage and stay connected even when they aren’t actively using the app.

39. Google Testing AI Overview Rendering Animation

Google is testing the use of AI to automatically generate overview animations for web pages. When a user searches for a topic, Google may display an informative animation that highlights the key points about that topic without requiring the user to click through to a website. This has the potential to improve the user experience by providing a quick visual summary. 

40. Google Search Tests AI-Generated Things to Know

Google is testing a new feature that displays automatically generated information snippets about search queries. When users search for certain topics, they may see a “Things to know” box above the regular search results. This box contains key facts about the topic summarised concisely without links. 

Google says these summaries are generated by an AI model and do not currently come from any particular webpage on the web. The goal is to provide users a quick, high-level overview of the topic before they click into the search results. Only some users may see this, and Google is still refining the types of queries that may trigger an AI summary.

41. Google Search Tests Get An AI Explanation Selection

Google is testing a new “Get an AI explanation” option in search results to help users understand why they are seeing certain results. When you conduct a search, Google uses algorithms and machine learning to determine the most relevant results to show. The new option provides more transparency by allowing users to click a button to get a brief automated explanation of the factors that influenced the results. 

42. Bing Tests Arrow Buttons for Sitelinks Like Google

Bing is testing new arrow buttons next to sitelinks in search results to make it easier for users to navigate between related pages within a site. Like Google, Bing already displays site links – those additional links that appear below the main search result for a prominent site. But now in some tests, Bing is adding left and right arrow buttons next to the sitelinks. This allows users to click the arrows to move between different pages within the same site directly from the search results.