Weekly Training

In this episode, Jon will be sharing several insights from a leaked internal document from Google that shows how the algorithm chooses what to show. From nearly 14,000 variables, a few are very important for your Digital Engagement efforts. To watch this episode, go here: https://youtu.be/uv7cpR-ciJw

Weekly Marketing Rundown - July 12th, 2024 Hi everyone, In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown, we will discuss more Instagram Reels, Facebook Global Usage Stats, changes to Facebooks Ads Manager and more. Let's dive in! Instagram Reels Continue to Surge in Popularity Against TikTok and YouTube In a recent article searchenginejournal.com released 44 facts and stats related to Facebook. Here are some highlights: 1. Facebook is still the most used social media platform with 3 billion users and counting.  2. Facebook ranks as the third most used app behind WhatsApp (also owned by Meta) and Youtube.  3. On average users spend 3 min and 42 seconds on the app every time they log on. 4. 2/3rds of internet users globally visit Facebook on a monthly basis. 5. India has the largest user base with 329 million users, followed by the US with 179 million users. 6. Males aged 25-34 are the largest audience on Facebook. Second are 18-24 year olds. 7. Facebook is the second most searched term on Google. 8, 2.11 billion people use Facebook daily. 9. 56% of it's user base is male. 10. Advertisers can reach approximately 41% of all internet users via Meta's ad platforms. These stats illustrate Meta's continued dominance of the social media sphere. Globally, Facebook remains an excellent platform for teams seeking to start a digital engagement projects. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/facebook-statistics-facts/517263/ Meta Discontinues Dynamic Creative for Political & Social Ads Meta has stopped allowing the dynamic creative format for ads in the "political and social issues" category. This format, which let users mix and match images, headlines, and text, is no longer supported, causing confusion and inefficiency for advertisers. Users have reported difficulties in getting these ads approved, as the platform’s error messages and support have been unclear and unhelpful. It is likely that many of us advertising in the digital engagement world have not utilized this ad category, the removal of the Dynamic Creative System here may indicate it's future discontinuation for all ad types. To adapt, advertisers should avoid the dynamic creative option and instead use Meta’s new flexible ad format. This format allows for up to five variations of text and headlines but only one image per ad, requiring multiple ads to test different images. The transition to this new format has been confusing, and advertisers need to familiarize themselves with it to ensure their campaigns run smoothly. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.digitalcharitylab.org/2024/06/meta-discontinues-use-of-dynamic-creative-for-political-social-ads/ Meta Introduces New AI Tools to Enhance Advertising Meta has launched new generative AI tools designed to help advertisers diversify their creative content on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. These tools include full image generation, customizable text overlays, and enhanced text generation for ad headlines. The AI enhancements aim to streamline the creation of multiple ad variations, aiding in creative diversification which Meta claims can lead to significant improvements in cost per acquisition and reach. In practice, members of the Kavanah Media team have noticed that these tools allow for things like faster image sizing, faster image cropping, better thumbnail selection, and more which makes for a much more streamlined ad making experience. Additionally, Meta is expanding its Meta Verified subscription to more countries, offering businesses a verified badge, impersonation protection, and priority in search results. The subscription now includes tiered pricing plans, ranging from $14.99 to $349.99 per month, with benefits tailored to different business needs. These updates aim to help brands build credibility and improve their advertising results on Meta’s platforms. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.retailtouchpoints.com/topics/digital-marketing/meta-rolls-out-new-ai-tools-to-help-brands-enhance-advertising-results Instagram Shares Tips to Enhance Reels Creation Instagram has released new tips aimed at helping creators maximize the effectiveness of their Reels. These tips focus on key areas such as nailing the hook, using trending audio, and incorporating text overlays to capture viewer attention quickly. Highlighting your brand within the first few seconds is crucial, as it aligns with the platform's emphasis on quick, engaging content that drives higher retention and conversion rates. Additionally, Instagram encourages creators to use interactive elements like polls and questions to boost engagement. The platform also suggests keeping Reels short and to the point, with a recommended length of around 15 to 30 seconds, to align with viewer preferences for quick, digestible content. By following these guidelines, creators can enhance their Reels' performance, increasing their visibility and engagement on the platform. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-shares-tips-for-reels-creators/721054/  Hootsuite Social Media Sizing Guide Image and video sizing for social media posts and ads can be a frustrating experience. Sizing ranges differ by platform and often change with little notice. Hootsuite.com recently publish an excellent guide to sizing that you can view here: https://blog.hootsuite.com/social-media-image-sizes-guide/  Thanks for reading this edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown! For more up-to-date insights in digital marketing, make sure to follow us on our social media channels using the link below.  https://linktr.ee/kavanahmedia Author: Yari Soto and Cody Adams Article Published: July 12th, 2024

In this episode, Jon will show how to create Meta Reels and then use those Reels in your paid marketing. A 7 page walkthrough is also available on the kavanahmedia.com/podcast page. To watch this content, go here: https://youtu.be/kNoEIF9r66w

Weekly Marketing Rundown - July 5th, 2024 Hi everyone, In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown, we will discuss Instagram Reels, the EU Commission, YouTube, and Meta's AI Privacy Policy. Let's dive in!  Instagram Reels Continue to Surge in Popularity Against TikTok and YouTube A recent survey highlighted that Instagram Reels, Meta's short-form video platform, is seeing significant growth in user engagement, rivaling platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Reels have captured the attention of creators and audiences alike, contributing to Meta's robust performance in the social media landscape. This surge in popularity is attributed to Meta's strategic investments in video content and features that appeal to both users and advertisers. As Reels continues to gain traction, it presents a compelling alternative for creators seeking to expand their reach and for advertisers looking to capitalize on the platform's growing user base. The data indicates that Reels' engagement rates are on the rise, which is crucial for Meta as it seeks to dominate the short-form video market. This competitive edge is not only helping Meta retain users but also attracting new ones from rival platforms. The improved performance of Reels is expected to have a positive impact on Meta's revenue, driven by increased advertising opportunities. As Reels gains momentum, it positions Meta to better compete against TikTok and YouTube, further solidifying its place in the social media ecosystem. This trend offers new opportunities for engagement and outreach while underscoring the need for careful navigation to ensure content resonates with values ​​that uplift and inspire others in faith. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.businessinsider.com/instagram-reels-meta-tiktok-youtube-data-survey-short-form-video-2024-6 EU Commission Charges Meta Over Ad-Free Subscription Violations The European Commission has accused Meta of violating the Digital Markets Act (DMA) with its "pay or consent" advertising model. This model allows users to either pay for an ad-free experience or consent to personalized ads. The Commission argues that Meta's approach fails to offer users the option to access the service with less data collection, which is a requirement under the DMA. This means users are not given a true choice regarding their personal data, as the only alternatives are to pay or have their data used extensively for ads​. Meta, however, insists that its subscription model complies with the DMA, referencing a previous European court ruling that permitted such a subscription plan as a way to meet privacy requirements. Despite Meta's stance, the Commission has pointed out that the ruling in question focused on GDPR compliance, not the DMA. If the investigation concludes that Meta's model breaches the DMA, the company could face significant fines of up to 10% of its global annual revenue, potentially totaling billions of dollars. Finally, it is important to ensure transparency and fairness and advocate for systems that protect our privacy without compromising our ability to access services.   For more on this, click the link below: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/eu-commission-says-metas-ad-free-subscription-offering-violates-dma/720368/  YouTube Expands Channel Handles to 75 Languages YouTube has announced an expansion of its channel handles feature to support 75 languages, enhancing accessibility and engagement for a diverse global audience. These unique handles, introduced in October 2022, simplify the process for users to find and interact with content creators. Each channel will now have a distinctive handle, visible on channel pages and Shorts, making it easier for users to mention and tag creators across the platform. This update aligns with YouTube’s ongoing efforts to improve user experience and creator visibility. The handles feature ensures that each channel has a unique identifier, aiding in the promotion and discovery of content. The expansion to 75 languages shows YouTube's commitment to serving its international user base. It aims to make the platform more inclusive and user-friendly for non-English speakers, reflecting the biblical principle of reaching out to all nations and peoples. This initiative can help spread positive and uplifting content across language barriers and foster a more connected and diverse online community. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/youtube-expands-channel-handles-75-languages/720522/  Brazil Suspends Meta's AI Privacy Policy Amid Privacy Concerns Brazil's National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) has suspended Meta's AI privacy policy, citing the need for adjustments to ensure compliance with Brazil's data protection laws. The suspension impacts the use of AI-driven data processing and privacy practices on Meta platforms, such as Facebook and Instagram, in Brazil. The ANPD emphasized the importance of aligning Meta’s privacy policy with the Brazilian General Data Protection Law (LGPD), which mandates rigorous data protection standards and user consent protocols. This move by Brazil's ANPD underscores the ongoing global scrutiny of tech giants' data-handling practices, especially in the realm of artificial intelligence. Meta has been instructed to make necessary adjustments to its privacy policy to meet Brazil's legal requirements, a process that will likely involve more transparent data usage disclosures and enhanced user control over personal data. This development highlights the growing regulatory efforts worldwide to safeguard user privacy in the digital age​. This move reminds us of the importance of transparency and ethical stewardship in technology, ensuring that our personal information is used responsibly and with our consent. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/brazil-authority-suspends-metas-ai-privacy-policy-seeks-adjustment-2024-07-02/ Thanks for reading this edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown! For more up-to-date insights in digital marketing, make sure to follow us on our social media channels using the link below.  https://linktr.ee/kavanahmedia Author: Yari Soto and Cody Adams Article Published: July 5th, 2024

In this episode, Jon will be sharing about how hackers can use what you share online to find your identity, where you serve, and more. Being secure online and in your social media is possible, and this episode will give you immediate actionable things to do. To watch this training, go here: https://youtu.be/h5a9YbyQm2k

Weekly Marketing Rundown - June 27th, 2024 Hi everyone, In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown, we will discuss Meta's industry dominance, AI influencers, GDPR, comment sections and WhatsApp. Let's dive in! Meta's Apps Continue to Dominate Download Charts Meta's suite of apps, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, continues to lead the download charts, solidifying their position as the most popular social media platforms globally.  For advertisers and marketers, this trend underscores the fact that Meta’s advertising platform is still very much a viable platform for digital engagement projects, regardless of growing competition. Thousands of seekers around the world are connecting with disciple-makers around the world daily via Meta’s platforms and  if you are able to advertise on Facebook and/ Instagram in your context we highly recommend it. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/metas-apps-continue-to-dominate-the-download-charts/719702/  TikTok Ads Get a Boost from AI-Powered Influencers TikTok is leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance its advertising strategy by creating AI-powered influencers. These virtual personalities are designed to engage users and promote products in innovative ways, offering brands a unique method to reach their target audience. As AI continues to advance it brings unique opportunities to us utilizing digital engagement to find seekers. For example, AI is extremely useful in secure locations where actual people and their identities are not able to be utilized. One can utilize genuine testimony for an ad, but use a AI personality to protect the real identity of the person. AI can boost our content creation and online responding capabilities, however, there is also great risk. As AI personalities become more widespread in usage the desire for authentic human content and interaction will likely increase. Kavanah Media partners in several locations have attempted to utilized chat bots, but never got any significant traction with contacts until a real person took over messaging.  We should utilize AI whenever it is beneficial, but we should strive to not lose genuine human connection that is so important in finding seekers. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/17/style/tiktok-ads-ai-influencers.html Google Updates EU Consent Rules for Customer Match Ads Google has announced changes to its EU consent rules for Customer Match ads, requiring advertisers to obtain explicit consent from users before targeting them with personalized ads. This update aligns with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and aims to enhance user privacy and data protection. Advertisers must now ensure that they have collected and documented user consent before using Customer Match data for ad targeting. This change necessitates adjustments in how advertisers manage their customer data and obtain permissions. As Google continues to shift it’s systems in order to comply with these restrictions advertisers should ensure their ads and websites are in compliance. For more on this, click the link below: https://searchengineland.com/google-eu-consent-rules-customer-match-ads-443491  Gen Z and Online Comment Sections A recent study has revealed that Generation Z increasingly relies on online comment sections as a trusted source of news. This demographic values the immediacy and diversity of perspectives found in comments, often turning to these sections for real-time updates and community insights. While the context of this study is specific to the Western world, the implication that the comment section cannot be ignored is universally applicable. It is essential not to overlook the significance of comment sections in our efforts to engage seekers globally. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.businessinsider.com/gen-z-most-trusted-news-source-online-comment-sections-google-2024-6  WhatsApp Adds In-app Dialer WhatsApp's new in-app dialer, currently in beta testing, allows users to make calls directly without needing to save contact numbers. Accessed via a floating button in the Calls tab, this feature not only simplifies calling but also enhances security by reducing the need to store personal information on users' devices. Users can dial unsaved numbers and choose to save them as contacts or opt for messaging instead, all without cluttering their address books with unnecessary entries. For those of us utilizing WhatsApp in our digital engagement strategies this is a huge plus, but also a potential risk. Users not having to save contact info is both more secure for them, for teams and local responders managing systems in secure locations, however, this also means that the one receiving the calls may not see any information about who is calling them.  For more on this, click the link below: https://www.androidauthority.com/whatsapp-rolls-out-a-new-in-app-dialer-to-beta-testers-3454446/ Thanks for reading this edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown! For more up-to-date insights in digital marketing, make sure to follow us on our social media channels using the link below.  https://linktr.ee/kavanahmedia Author: Yari Soto and Cody Adams Article Published: June 27th, 2024

In this episode, Jon will be sharing about different OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) tools that can be used to see what ports and parts of your WordPress website are vulnerable. He will also share ways that people attack websites, and what you can do to safeguard your valuable information.  To watch this training, go here: https://youtu.be/eodMsBBLPb8

Weekly Marketing Rundown - June 21st, 2024 Hi everyone, In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown, we will discuss Brand Identity and Engagement, AI Chatbots, Instagram Creator Insights, WhatsApp Video Group Chats, and more. Let's dive in! The Power of Video in Brand Identity and Engagement Video content has become essential for building brand identity and engaging audiences. It offers a human touch that helps brands stand out in a crowded market. Effective video marketing strategies, such as product demonstrations and storytelling by founders, foster a strong connection with consumers. Case studies like Purple's YouTube campaigns highlight how iterative video content and character-driven narratives can significantly boost engagement and brand recognition. Moreover, video marketing is crucial for both B2C and B2B brands, though it excels particularly in e-commerce. Diverse content formats, from tutorials to short-form clips, enhance consumer engagement and feedback. By continuously varying and analyzing video content, brands can better understand and reach their target audiences, driving key performance indicators and long-term growth. For more on this, click the link below: https://searchengineland.com/why-video-is-key-to-building-brand-identity-and-engagement-443201  Meta Unveils New AI Chatbots and Business Messaging Tools Meta has introduced several new AI-powered tools designed to enhance brand performance and customer engagement. Among the new offerings are AI chatbots on Messenger, developed using Meta's LLaMa 3 model, which help businesses reduce customer service costs. Additionally, Meta has launched paid marketing messages on Messenger, allowing select advertisers to send targeted messages to opted-in customers. These tools aim to drive higher return on ad spend (ROAS) and improve marketing efficiency. For instance, brands using Meta's generative AI ad creative tools have reported significant improvements in cost-per-purchase and purchase volumes. However, these advancements come with ongoing privacy concerns, emphasizing the need for Meta to implement robust safeguards. For more on this, click the link below: https://searchengineland.com/meta-ai-chatbots-business-messaging-tools-443298   Reddit Introduces Conversation Ads to Boost Engagement Reddit has launched a new ad format called Conversation Ads, designed to appear within discussion threads. This new placement capitalizes on the high engagement rates within Reddit's conversation pages, which account for 47% of its screen views. The ads aim to provide a more immersive and contextual advertising experience, enhancing brand visibility and user interaction. This development includes enhanced brand safety measures and leverages machine learning tools to ensure a secure environment for advertisers. Initial results show promising improvements in key metrics, such as brand awareness and cost per acquisition, demonstrated by Lenovo's successful use of the new format. For more on this, click the link below: https://searchengineland.com/reddit-unveils-conversation-ads-443281   Instagram Tests Creator Insights to Enhance Profile Performance for Brands Instagram is currently testing new Creator Insights tools aimed at enhancing profile performance for brands. This update is designed to provide creators with more detailed analytics, including metrics on follower demographics and content performance. The new features enable creators to track follower growth trends over time and gain insights into how their content resonates with different audience segments. This data will empower creators to make informed decisions about their content strategy and optimize their engagement tactics to better meet their audience's preferences and behaviors. Furthermore, Instagram's newest tools feature a performance summary dashboard that provides an overview of important metrics like reach, engagement rate, and follower count. These insights are vital as they offer a better understanding of each creator's influence and audience appeal by providing creators with comprehensive analytics. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-tests-creator-insights-profile-performance-brands/719065/  WhatsApp Expands Video Group Chats to Accommodate Up to 32 Participants WhatsApp has expanded its video group chat feature, now allowing up to 32 participants to join in a single call. This enhancement comes as part of WhatsApp's ongoing efforts to meet the increasing demand for larger group interactions amidst the global shift towards remote communication. The update aims to facilitate more extensive virtual gatherings, whether for business meetings, educational purposes, or social gatherings, enhancing the app's utility for users worldwide. Users can now initiate or join video calls with significantly larger groups, leveraging WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption for secure communications. This expansion represents a strategic move by WhatsApp to compete more effectively with other video conferencing platforms, offering a familiar interface and seamless integration within its messaging ecosystem. The increased participant limit is expected to cater to diverse user needs, from casual group chats to more formal or professional settings, further solidifying WhatsApp's position as a versatile communication tool in today's digital landscape. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/whatsapp-expands-video-group-chats-to-32-participants/718948/  Thanks for reading this edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown! For more up-to-date insights in digital marketing, make sure to follow us on our social media channels using the link below.  https://linktr.ee/kavanahmedia Author: Yari Soto and Cody Adams Article Published: June 21st, 2024

In this episode, Jon will be sharing several known ways to help protect yourself and your organization from social engineering types of phishing attack.  To watch this training, go here: https://youtu.be/N4ovEqbSF5U

Weekly Marketing Rundown - June 14th, 2024 Hi everyone, In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown, we'll talk about new updates to Messenger, Meta Ads, Instagram, YouTube's new ad delivery system and more. Let's dive in. Instagram Tests Audience Feedback for Unpublished Reels Instagram is experimenting with a new feature that allows creators to receive feedback on their Reels before publishing them. This initiative lets users share draft Reels with a select group of friends to gather insights and suggestions. The goal is to enable creators to refine their content based on this preliminary feedback, enhancing the quality and engagement of their final posts. This move aims to support creators in producing more compelling and well-received Reels​. The feedback feature is part of Instagram’s broader strategy to bolster user engagement and content quality on its platform. By enabling pre-publication review, Instagram hopes to foster a more collaborative and iterative content creation process. This approach not only helps creators improve their Reels but also increases viewer satisfaction by ensuring that the content is more aligned with audience preferences. The feature is still in the testing phase and is expected to evolve based on user responses and effectiveness​. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/instagram-experiments-audience-feedback-unpublished-reels-clips/718287/ Meta phasing out Dynamic Creative Ads Meta has announced that it will be phasing out Dynamic Creative ads, a tool that automatically generates ad variations to optimize performance. This change is set to take effect starting August 2024, impacting advertisers who rely on the feature to streamline their ad creation process. Dynamic Creative ads allowed advertisers to input multiple images, headlines, and calls-to-action, with Meta's algorithm combining these elements to find the most effective combinations. As the tool is discontinued, advertisers will need to adjust their strategies, potentially requiring more manual oversight to achieve similar levels of optimization and performance.  For a full update from Google Marketing live, click the link below: https://www.jonloomer.com/qvt/dynamic-creative-is-going-away/ Meta Introduces Communities Feature on Messenger Meta has quietly rolled out a new "Communities" feature on Messenger, designed to help users organize and communicate more efficiently within groups such as organizations, schools, and private groups. This new feature allows users to create dedicated spaces for real-time communication, independent of Facebook Groups. Each Community has a central "Home" space where administrators can post updates and announcements, fostering better engagement and connectivity among members​. Communities can accommodate up to 5,000 participants and use shareable links for easy onboarding. Unlike WhatsApp Communities, Messenger Communities leverage Facebook's social graph for invitations, eliminating the need for phone numbers and making it easier to grow communities using Facebook connections. This move reflects Meta's strategy to enhance Messenger's functionality and integrate a broader social networking aspect into the app​ For more on this, click the link below: https://techcrunch.com/2024/06/07/meta-quietly-rolls-out-communities-on-messenger/?guccounter=1  Brands Embrace Ad-Free Features on Social Media Nearly half of US adults in a recent poll stated that the comments are just an integral part of their social media experience (click here below for graph). Some brands are responding to this trend and emphasizing organic strategies and engagement with users via DM’s and comments as opposed to paid advertisements.  While this trend is beginning in the US it may impact advertisers globally. This trend does not necessarily mean that organic social media campaigns are more effective than paid advertising- it simply means advertisers cannot ignore the comment section.  For more on this, click the link below: https://www.emarketer.com/content/brands-embracing-ad-free-features-on-social-media-like-comments-dms/ YouTube's New Server-Injected Ads Make Ad Blocking Ineffective YouTube is introducing a new ad delivery system that makes ad blockers ineffective. These server-injected ads come directly from YouTube’s servers, bypassing traditional ad-blocking tools. This change ensures that ads will be seen by viewers regardless of their ad-blocking software. For advertisers, it guarantees better ad visibility and reach. However, for users who prefer an uninterrupted viewing experience, it may be a less welcome development. This new approach could significantly impact both user experience and advertising strategies on the platform. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.androidpolice.com/youtube-next-server-injected-ads-impossible-to-block   Thanks for reading this edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown! For more up-to-date insights in digital marketing, make sure to follow us on our social media channels using the link below.  https://linktr.ee/kavanahmedia Author: Yari Soto and Cody Adams Article Published: June 14th, 2024

In this episode, Jon will be sharing about a brand new, free Bible plugin for your Wordpress websites. It is a great tool made and dreamed up by one of the Kavanah Media team members, and Discover Jesus Initiative directors. To watch this training, go here: https://youtu.be/xyceCGuZq0U To go to the software page, go to thebibleplugin.com  

Weekly Marketing Rundown - June 7th, 2024 Hi everyone, In this week's edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown, we'll talk about new updates to Meta Ads, a recap from Google Marketing Live, and more. Let's dive in.  Facebook and Instagram Embrace Their New Role as Video Platforms In a recent shift, Facebook and Instagram have redefined themselves primarily as video platforms. This strategic pivot comes as both platforms report significant increases in video consumption. On Facebook, users are now spending an average of 17 minutes daily watching videos, while Instagram users dedicate about 21 minutes each day to video content. This transition underscores the growing dominance of video in social media engagement and the platforms' efforts to capture audience attention through dynamic visual content. Meta, the parent company of both platforms, is enhancing its video features to compete more effectively with other video-centric social media like TikTok and YouTube. This includes improving the user experience for watching and creating videos, emphasizing short-form content such as Reels on Instagram, and integrating more advanced video editing tools. These updates reflect Meta's strategy to boost user engagement and attract more advertisers by leveraging the increasing preference for video content among users. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.marketingbrew.com/stories/2024/06/03/facebook-and-instagram-are-officially-video-platforms  Instagram Tests Unskippable Video Ads in Feeds Instagram is conducting tests on unskippable video ads in user feeds, a potential shift in its advertising model that could impact user experience. The platform is exploring the effectiveness of these ads, which users cannot skip, in capturing audience attention and driving engagement. This move indicates Instagram's ongoing efforts to refine its advertising strategies and monetization methods. However, the introduction of unskippable video ads raises questions about user satisfaction and acceptance. As the platform evaluates the outcomes of these tests, users and advertisers alike will be closely monitoring the implications for their Instagram experience and marketing efforts. For a full update from Google Marketing live, click the link below: https://searchengineland.com/instagram-unskippable-video-ads-feed-test-442856    Meta Faces 11 EU Complaints Over Personal Data Usage for AI Model Training Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is under scrutiny in the European Union with 11 complaints filed against it for allegedly using personal data to train artificial intelligence (AI) models without proper consent. The complaints, lodged by privacy advocacy groups across multiple EU countries, raise concerns over Meta's practices in harvesting user data to refine AI algorithms, potentially violating the bloc's strict data protection laws. The complaints come amidst heightened regulatory scrutiny globally over tech giants' data handling practices, marking another chapter in the ongoing debate over the balance between innovation and privacy. The complaints highlight growing concerns about the transparency and ethics of AI development, particularly in the realm of social media platforms. Meta's vast user base provides a rich trove of data that can be utilized to train AI models, but the allegations suggest a lack of clarity regarding how this data is collected, stored, and used. As the EU continues to enforce stringent data protection regulations, the outcome of these complaints could have significant implications not only for Meta but for the broader tech industry, setting precedents for data privacy and AI development practices in the digital age. For more on this, click the link below: https://www.reuters.com/technology/meta-gets-11-eu-complaints-over-use-personal-data-train-ai-models-2024-06-06/  Google to Stop Indexing Non-Mobile-Friendly Sites After July 5th Google has announced that starting July 5th, it will no longer index websites that are not mobile-friendly. Websites that fail to meet mobile usability standards will be excluded from Google's search index, potentially reducing their visibility and traffic. This change highlights the importance of optimizing websites for mobile users, as more people rely on their smartphones for internet access. Google’s move is aimed at ensuring that search results prioritize sites that offer a seamless and accessible experience across all devices. Website owners are encouraged to review and update their mobile compatibility to maintain their presence in Google’s search results. For more on this, click the link below: https://searchengineland.com/google-wont-index-sites-that-do-not-work-on-mobile-devices-after-july-5th-442851    OpenAI Teams Up with Big Players, Tapping into New Data Sources OpenAI is teaming up with a bunch of big names, from industry giants to academic institutions. These partnerships mean that OpenAI's bots now have access to a ton of fresh data that was previously off-limits. These new data sources will only aid the algorithm in becoming that much more intelligent. All of this data also benefits those utilizing digital engagement as well. Kavanah Media has partners who have built custom ChatGPT instances for their teams to use in online correspondence. The tools have dramatically reduced the time it takes to write quality in depth answers to questions they receive. For more on this, click the link below: https://searchengineland.com/openais-growing-list-of-partnerships-442974     Thanks for reading this edition of Kavanah Media's Weekly Marketing Rundown! For more up-to-date insights in digital marketing, make sure to follow us on our social media channels using the link below.  https://linktr.ee/kavanahmedia Author: Yari Soto and Cody Adams Article Published: June 7th, 2024