Big Changes Coming to Google Analytics, Instagram and More!

The Business News from 5 October to 7 October 2021

Tuesday, 5 October 2021 News Highlights

• A Google side search panel is being tested in Google Chrome, allowing users to perform a search by clicking into a website and bring up the panel to see and explore other searches without leaving the site. This is only a test for now but may be released to all users with future Google Chrome updates.
• Spotify has rolled out podcast polls and Q&A features for creators and users. The music platform’s new features show exciting steps for Spotify potentially launching paid podcast subscriptions globally.
• YouTube Music will release background listening to Canadian customers in November, with hopes for release to other countries in 2022. Background listening allows Youtube Music users to play music while their phone screen is off.

Wednesday, 6 October 2021 News Highlights

• Google has announced Google Analytics 4 will include Search Console integration, data-driven attribution and new machine learning models. The new Google Analytics 4 features will help give Google search marketers an easier overview of their results over multiple channels.
• Instagram will eventually be combining IGTV’s long-form video and Feed videos to create Instagram Video, showing more movements towards Instagram’s goal of primarily being a video content experience.
• Microsoft Advertising announced they will be aligning with Google Ads and other product updates. Microsoft Advertising and Google Ads new alignment will make marketing easier across both platforms.

Thursday, 7 October 2021 News Highlights

• Google has shared that users can now see estimated carbon emissions when searching on Google Flights. The new feature is part of Google’s sustainability initiative for users to factor carbon emissions into their travel decisions.
• Twitter has begun testing behavioural-shaped prompts to detect when conversations could potentially become “heated or intense”. The micro-social post platform hopes the prompt could elevate tweet topics and relationships between users.
• TikTok for Business has launched #AdTok for Australian and New Zealand businesses to provide educational videos on marketing tips and creative inspiration.

Friday, 8 Thursday, 7 October 2021 News Highlights

• Google will be rolling out changes to account security by enabling default two-factor verification. The changes in security settings stem from Google’s goal of eliminating the need for passwords.
• Drivers will soon be able to select the lowest carbon emission route when using Google Maps. The new eco-friendly routing is another addition to Google’s sustainability initiative.