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Category: Google

Transform Your Marketing: Google’s Veo Brings AI Video Generation to Google Ads

I’ve discovered an exciting new development in Google Ads — a tool called Veo, which lets me easily convert up to three static images into engaging 10-second video ads for YouTube. All of this is possible without the need for extensive video production.

Now, I can craft short videos directly in Google Ads thanks to Veo, Google’s advanced generative video model. There’s no need to worry about video production hassles anymore.

How it works. I simply upload up to three static images into the Asset Studio, and Veo magic happens. It generates videos up to 10 seconds long, incorporating natural motion tailored for YouTube’s audience. With customizable templates, these can quickly become ready-to-serve ads.

What else it can do. By integrating with Nano Banana, I can further enhance my creatives, swapping backgrounds, adjusting texts, and fine-tuning content for specific audience interests.

The bigger picture. This innovation is part of Google’s ongoing effort to democratize video advertising. Earlier, I witnessed the rollout of video templates and automatic video creation in Demand Gen campaigns, and now, this takes things a step further, making creative video accessible to advertisers without extensive production resources.

Why we care. Video ads generally outperform static graphics on YouTube, but typically, they demand significant time, budget, and expertise. Veo simplifies this, enabling me to transform existing product images into professional video ads rapidly. For campaigns heavy on images, this is a game-changer.

Early testing caught my attention when Ameet Khabra, founder of Hop Skip Media, shared insights on LinkedIn. She noted that “consumer product brands with clean imagery and inherent motion logic will benefit most.”

The bottom line. With AI creative tools becoming mainstream in Google’s ads platform, the divide between advertisers with and without production budgets is narrowing. If you’ve struggled to get a video production budget approved and have assets with inherent motion logic, now is an excellent time to experiment with AI-generated video in Google Ads.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

March 27, 2026
Unveiling Google’s March 2026 Core Update: What You Need to Know

I just found out that Google has officially rolled out its much-anticipated March 2026 core update. This marks the inaugural core update of 2026, closely following the recent March 2026 spam update and February 2026 Discover update.

Google made the announcement today, confirming the start of the rollout. They mentioned this process could stretch out over two weeks. I find it fascinating how these updates play a pivotal role in shaping search algorithms and ultimately influence how content is surfaced on Google.

What Google is saying. In an update on their Search Status Dashboard, Google stated: “Released the March 2026 core update. The rollout may take up to 2 weeks to complete.” They also took to LinkedIn to emphasize that this is a regular update focused on showcasing relevant and satisfying content for searchers across various sites, reiterating the two-week completion window.

About core updates. Google’s core updates happen several times annually and bring broad alterations to search algorithms and systems. While we expect some updates, they surprised us by adding some smaller, unannounced changes. The anticipation of frequent updates didn’t quite pan out as we thought.

What to do if you are hit. If your site takes a hit from this core update, Google hasn’t provided any new guidance, but in previous instances, they’ve advised us to focus on creating helpful content. They stress there’s no specific action to swiftly rectify any negative impact; however, recovery could occur gradually with subsequent core updates.

In summary, Google’s enduring guidance remains: create content for people, not just search engines. There’s nothing extraordinary creators need to do for this update as long as they provide gratifying content meant for users. If rankings slip, Google encourages looking through their helpful content guidelines.

For comprehensive details about Google’s core updates, Google’s technical documentation provides in-depth information.

Previous core updates. Let’s have a quick glance at some recent core updates. The December 2025 update began on December 11 and wrapped up by December 29. Similarly, the June 2025 update ran from June 30 to July 17. It’s intriguing to see these timelines and their impact on content visibility across Google’s domain.

Why we care. Every core update brings a ripple effect to Google’s search results and rankings. I view these updates as opportunities—some of us might see a beneficial shift in rankings and search visibility, while others may need to adapt to new fluctuations. I sincerely hope this update benefits your efforts, boosting both traffic and conversions.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

March 27, 2026
Google’s Global Expansion: Experience AI-Driven Search Live

I was thrilled to learn that Google has rolled out its Google Search Live globally, expanding its reach to over 200 countries and territories where AI Mode is available. You can check which languages and regions are supported.

Google attributes this remarkable expansion to its cutting-edge audio and voice model, Gemini 3.1 Flash Live. This model offers more natural and intuitive conversations, and because it is bilingual, it allows individuals worldwide to engage with Search in their language of choice.

How it works. To get started with Search Live, I simply open the Google app on my Android or iOS device and tap the Live icon beneath the Search bar. From there, I can speak my question out loud and receive a helpful audio response. It’s seamless to continue the conversation with follow-up questions or delve deeper using the provided web links. When I need visual context, like figuring out how to install a new shelving unit, I just enable my camera, and it complements Search Live’s suggestions with relevant information from the web.

Moreover, if I’m already using Google Lens to capture an image, tapping on the Live option lets me have a real-time conversation about what I see, bringing what’s in front of me to life.

More. Back in September, Google made Search Live with video available in the U.S., appealing to those who enjoyed its earlier iterations. Initially, it was an opt-in beta, and before that, it featured a talk and listen mode, minus the video component.

Why we care. This development offers a fresh approach for users to interact with Google’s AI through conversation rather than text queries. While this might reduce traditional web traffic, since users get direct answers, the inclusion of citations and links might still benefit content creators and brands, even if users are less compelled to click through for more depth.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

March 26, 2026
Google’s Lightning-Fast March 2026 Spam Update Now Complete

Well, it looks like Google’s March 2026 spam update wrapped up in record time! It took less than a day to roll out and was fully completed on March 25, 2026, at precisely 10:40 a.m. ET.

The update was originally released the previous afternoon on March 24, 2026, at 3:20 p.m., meaning the entire process took just a swift 19 hours and 30 minutes. Incredible, right?

Why this matters to us. This marks Google’s second announced algorithm update of 2026. While we don’t have specifics on the type of spam targeted, any changes you notice in your site’s ranking or traffic soon might be linked to this update.

Diving deeper into the spam update. According to Google’s documentation:

“While Google’s automated systems to detect search spam are constantly operating, we occasionally make notable improvements to how they work. When we do, we refer to this as a spam update and share when they happen on our list of Google Search ranking updates.

For example, SpamBrain is our AI-based spam-prevention system. From time-to-time, we improve that system to make it better at spotting spam and to help ensure it catches new types of spam.

Sites that see a change after a spam update should review our spam policies to ensure they are complying with those. Sites that violate our policies may rank lower in results or not appear in results at all. Making changes may help a site improve if our automated systems learn over a period of months that the site complies with our spam policies.

In the case of a link spam update (an update that specifically deals with link spam), making changes might not generate an improvement. This is because when our systems remove the effects spammy links may have, any ranking benefit the links may have previously generated for your site is lost. Any potential ranking benefits generated by those links cannot be regained.”

Impact. Primarily, this update aims at sites spamming Google Search. So, unless your site engaged in spammy practices, you likely won’t notice a negative impact.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

March 25, 2026
Unlock AI Insights with Google’s New Ads DevCast for Developers

I’ve been eagerly following the latest developments from Google, and their new Ads DevCast is truly a groundbreaking resource for developers like me. This initiative offers technical insights into Google Ads and highlights how AI-driven changes are transforming ad APIs.

The new show is hosted bi-weekly by Cory Liseno, as part of the Google’s Advertising and Measurement Developer Relations team. Ads DevCast focuses on deep technical dives across key tools like Google Ads, Google Analytics, and Display & Video 360. It feels like a direct line to the experts who are constantly innovating in our field.

What’s interesting here is that Ads DevCast complements Ads Decoded, which is more about campaign strategy, hosted by Ginny Marvin. It’s specifically designed with us developers in mind, highlighting the need for a specialized approach to understanding these platforms.

The first episode, intriguingly titled “MCPs, Agents, and Ads. Oh My!”, delves into the “agentic shift” that Google is observing. With AI agents becoming the main users of ad APIs, this shift is something we’re all keenly interested in.

For those of us deeply involved with Google’s ad tools, Ads DevCast is an invaluable resource. It helps us stay ahead of technical evolutions, discover new capabilities quickly, and build efficient integrations in a landscape increasingly dominated by AI.

I see Google broadening the horizon from a niche “Ads Developer Community” to a wider “Ads Technical Community.” This change allows marketers to carry out technical tasks without needing exhaustive development cycles.

As a pilot project, Ads DevCast is still very much in development, and Google is actively seeking feedback from us to refine future episodes. It’s exciting to know we can influence its direction.

This initiative reinforces Google’s commitment to keeping us in the loop with their latest innovations, enabling us to adapt quickly and effectively in an AI-first world. Check out Ads DevCast if you haven’t already!

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

March 20, 2026
New Google Rule: Disabled Buy Buttons for Out-of-Stock Items

I’ve noticed that Google has tightened their Merchant Center rules, now requiring a visible, but disabled buy button for products that are out of stock. This means the button should appear on the page, but users won’t be able to click it since it’s grayed out and inactive.

What’s happening. This shift represents a significant change from previous practices where retailers either let the ‘Add to Cart’ button remain clickable or removed it altogether. Both methods are now against Google’s guidelines.

How it works. The requirement is straightforward: a buy button must stay on the page but needs to be disabled. This usually involves a visual change to indicate it’s not active, making it unclickable yet visible.

The catch. It doesn’t stop at the button change. Google wants explicit availability messaging on product pages, like ‘in stock,’ ‘out of stock,’ ‘pre-order,’ or ‘back order.’ This labeling has to match perfectly with the product feed.

Mismatched information between the webpage and the product feed could lead to disapprovals.

The bigger shift. This policy eliminates a workaround many retailers used, where out-of-stock items could still be sold by keeping the buy button active. Now, if retailers wish to accept orders for unavailable products, they must list them as ‘back order’ and ensure this status is synced across the landing page and feed.

Bottom line. While this seems like a minor UI adjustment, it’s a significant policy shift. Retailers must audit their handling of out-of-stock items and make sure their pages and feeds are in perfect harmony to avoid any interruptions.

First seen. This update came to my attention thanks to a Google shopping specialist who shared the details on LinkedIn.

Dig deeper. For more details, check out the landing page requirements.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

March 20, 2026
Harness Google Search Console Data with Profound Agents

I’m excited to share that I can now effortlessly integrate Google Search Console data directly into any of my Profound Agents. This powerful combination, uniting Search Console insights with Profound’s answer engine data, is transforming how I handle reporting, content creation, monitoring, and optimization.

Staying on the Profound platform makes the entire process seamless, allowing me to focus on what truly matters—building and optimizing my digital strategies without the hassle of platform switching.

Inspired by this post on Try Profound Blog.

March 20, 2026
Discover iOS Comet Browser: Blending Google Search & AI Excellence

I’ve recently discovered Perplexity’s innovative Comet browser for iOS, which defaults to Google Search. It makes perfect sense, given that mobile users typically focus on navigating, finding local results, and completing transactions. As Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas points out, “Google does a much better job … than anyone else … including Perplexity.”

Comet for iOS. This browser integrates Perplexity’s AI assistant directly, providing a seamless experience. It cleverly merges AI-generated answers with standard search outcomes, so for numerous queries, you won’t miss the familiar results page.

While browsing, I can query using my voice, which is incredibly convenient. The assistant’s capabilities include summarizing entire pages, answering questions, and even drafting emails on my behalf.

One feature I find particularly useful is Deep Research, which generates cited summaries and prepares materials tailored for serious inquiry.

What Comet does. The assistant can take action on my behalf. Among other things, it excels at summarizing articles and sharing outputs, researching people or topics across tabs, and assisting with bookings or filling out forms. It’s like having a digital personal assistant ready at all times.

What Perplexity is saying.

“The search experience in Comet iOS provides traditional search result pages for fast, local, and high-intent queries that are more common on mobile. Meanwhile, the Comet Assistant easily allows for more advanced knowledge and intelligence powered by the Perplexity answer engine. The intention is for users to have the smoothest browsing experience possible for the real use cases of iOS.”

Why we care. As search continues to evolve towards hybrid models, optimizing for both traditional Google results and AI-generated responses becomes crucial. This shift underscores Google’s stronghold in commercial and local search, while driving the competition into the AI domain.

The announcement. Comet is Now available on iOS

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

March 19, 2026
Google Revolutionizes Shopping with AI-Powered Protocol Updates

As I delve into the latest updates from Google, it’s clear that the company is advancing its Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP) to revolutionize AI-driven shopping experiences.

The UCP update is not just about ads anymore; it’s about the rich product data that will shape visibility and drive sales.

Google is making significant strides in supporting ‘agentic commerce’ by enhancing its infrastructure with new UCP capabilities. These updates will simplify retailers’ integration processes.

Google highlights how the UCP, an open standard aimed at connecting retailers to AI-driven shopping experiences, is evolving. This transformation seeks to emulate the feel of traditional storefronts even when purchases are done through automated agents.

What’s New: The focus is on creating more functional and flexible shopping experiences via AI agents.

The new cart feature allows AI agents to compile multiple products from a single retailer into one basket, making it resemble the typical shopping experience.

Additionally, the catalog capability enables agents to access real-time data about products, including pricing, inventory, and variants, ensuring accuracy and responsiveness in shopping interactions.

Significantly, the identity linking feature preserves benefits such as member pricing and free shipping across platforms linked by UCP, enhancing the shopper’s experience beyond the retailer’s native site.

Why I Care: With this update, the shift toward AI-driven, agent-led shopping becomes more pronounced. Services like Search and the Google Gemini app might choose and purchase products on users’ behalf, making the quality of product data critical for visibility. Simplified onboarding and support from major platforms could mean quick adoption and an advantage for early adopters.

Zooming Out: UCP is a modular system, allowing retailers and platforms to adopt capabilities selectively rather than all at once, offering flexibility as the industry gauges the extent of control to cede to AI shopping.

Google’s Strategy: Google is set to integrate these capabilities into its ecosystem, including AI-enhanced experiences in Search and the Google Gemini app. To encourage wider adoption, Google plans to simplify the onboarding process within Merchant Center soon.

The Bottom Line: Google’s UCP is evolving from a concept into a broad ecosystem, enhancing capabilities while easing adoption. By doing so, Google is positioning agent-driven commerce as a compelling choice.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

March 19, 2026
Google’s AI Mode: Revolutionizing Ad Monetization

As I explore the ever-evolving landscape of Google’s AI Mode, it’s fascinating to witness how ad formats, reporting, and control are taking shape. Google seems to have a master plan in place that competitors just can’t keep up with.

I find myself intrigued by Google’s entry into this next phase of conversational search. It’s not just about user numbers but who can effectively monetize them. Google’s mature ad systems and extensive advertiser base offer a significant edge.

The initial panic surrounding Google’s position is over. Google’s long-standing advantages and huge investments have leveled the playing field with ChatGPT in LLM search.

Back in December 2025, when Google declared code red, it became clear that they were serious. Apple’s decision to partner with Google for its AI needs is indeed telling.

Initially, it seemed plausible that Google would struggle against ChatGPT, but the market has since adjusted its views. The company’s valuation reflects renewed confidence, rivaling even Apple at a substantial $3.6 trillion.

As I dive deeper into how monetization will shape this race, I’m struck by how Google’s recent advances have significantly boosted its valuation.

It’s clear that the visibility of financial projections plays a massive role in how the company is perceived financially. Google’s approach to shifts in user behavior is crucial in maintaining its robust business model.

From my perspective, much of your digital advertising budget likely goes to Google. Its prominence demands attention, not just in search but also in emerging AI platforms like ChatGPT and Claude.

The competition in LLM conversations is intriguing. Google and ChatGPT are vying for different monetization models, a fascinating case study of differing strategies.

For those of us in advertising, it’s essential to monitor developments like ad formats, rollout pace, and public reception to ads within these platforms.

OpenAI’s current monetization model is intriguing but still nascent, reliant on a small group of major advertisers. We’ll see how they expand and fine-tune this model over time.

Outsourcing inventory to programmatic partners is a smart move for OpenAI but highlights their early stage in building an ads business.

For Google advertisers, the shift to AI Mode need not be alarming. I’m watching for the ways these LLM sessions are shaping user experiences and ad placements.

One thing is for sure; the enhancements in AI Mode continue, promising more seamless and user-friendly interactions. The potential for ads remains, though their form is still evolving.

Monitoring key areas like the extent of monetization, advertiser control, and campaign types becomes more important as we navigate this new landscape.

Ultimately, the future of advertising in AI-driven search is one of adaptability and strategic planning, aligning closely with user and advertiser behaviors in this exciting yet challenging era.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

March 19, 2026

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