AVIF, a next-gen image format for the web, will have to wait in line behind WebP
WebP is on the verge of replacing JPEG and PNG as the best image to use on the web thanks to Safari 14 finally supporting it. However, an even better image format, AVIF, is already looking to replace it.
Stack Overflow Raises Series E Funding for Teams Product
Stack Overflow raised $85 million in Series E funding for its Teams knowledge management product following a strong first two years of growth. Investor and consumer interest shows how digital work has changed knowledge management needs for many companies.
Mozilla VPN extends data protection tool set to full devices
The $4.99 per month VPN protects up to 5 Android and PC devices, with iOS, Mac, and Linux versions promised soon. Mozilla partnered with Mullvad VPN and WireGuard for this comprehensive security coverage.
Google testing $50 monthly fee for ‘Google Guaranteed’ badge in organic GMB local search results
The 'Google Guaranteed' consumer protection program has been reserved for businesses using Google Ads. Google has started testing making the badge available to profiles using Google My Business (GMB) for a fee.
TikTok makes Business Ad Manager self-serve, but future of platform in U.S. remains uncertain
The company is offering $100 million in ad credits to support small and mid-sized businesses impacted by the pandemic.
Snapchat focuses on ad growth and engagement via ‘Snap Focus’ learning portal and Brand profiles
In addition to introducing coursework aimed at advertisers and agencies, the company is giving a select number of brands the ability to post permanent content.
LinkedIn gives brands new ways to target engaged audiences via its platform and Audience Network
LinkedIn advertisers can now run retargeting campaigns directed at users who have watched a video ad or opened a lead gen form.
iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 betas bypass Google Search on iPhones and iPads with Spotlight Search
Apple introduced a new Spotlight Search feature to iOS and iPadOS 14 that enables users to search and go directly to a site, completely bypassing Google’s search result pages.
Facebook opens access to new brand safety tools and launches a redesigned control hub
Publisher whitelists for Audience Network ads, content whitelists and enhanced delivery reports can be found within Facebook’s Business Manager platform.
LinkedIn rolls out virtual events and poll features, giving brands new engagement opportunities
The company says it accelerated its product roadmap to help businesses connect with their communities online and at scale.
Head of Google Ads to run Search. Move concerns SEO veterans about the future of search
Google announced Prabhakar Raghavan, former head of Google Ads, is changing roles to head Google Search while simultaneously overseeing Ads. The move diminishes the traditional separation of product teams and has SEOs concerned about how it might affect organic search results.
Google Partner Badge: The new timeline and what advertisers need to know
Google Ads' new Partner Badge requirements, which force advertisers to use Google's recommendations, will not go into effect until 2021.
New YouTube ‘Video Chapters’ builds upon timestamp bookmarks
YouTube extended its timestamp bookmarks feature to enable Video Chapters for videos. The chapters are displayed on videos as individual clips, making it easier for viewers to identify and jump to different segments.
How to use smart lights to stop people from interrupting your conference calls at home
The best way to stop family members from being too loud and interrupting video and phone conference calls is to use smart lights around your home.
Facebook confirms advertisers will not be required to use Campaign Budget Optimization (CBO)
Last year, the company said all ad campaigns would eventually be migrated to the CBO platform, but Facebook now says CBO is an option, not a requirement.
New ‘Facebook Shops’ enables SMBs to create ecommerce stores on Instagram and Facebook App
Businesses can now create mobile-first online stores that are accessible on Facebook App and Instagram. A unique feature of Facebook Shops is the ability to do Live Shopping, which enables stores to sell products during a live stream with influencers.
Google significantly changes how it measures page performance with the release of Lighthouse 6.0
A new version of Google’s Lighthouse auditing tool dramatically changed how it calculates its score by removing two metrics and adding three new ones. The change in metrics signals a major shift in how Google is determining page performance.
Facebook and Instagram launch COVID-19 resources as usage spikes, while others follow suit
Facebook and Instagram have launched new features to help with coronavirus pandemic relief efforts and reduce the spread of misinformation related to the outbreak.
ICANN rejects sale of .org to private equity firm citing public interest
In a dramatic chain of events, the ICANN Board unanimously blocked its consent for Internet Society (ISOC) to change ownership of the non-profit Public Interest Registry (PIR) to the private equity firm Ethos Capital.
Shopify launches Shop app to better compete against Amazon
The new Shop app by Shopify consolidates stores into a cohesive shopping experience. Unlike its competitors, Shopify made the service only available as a native mobile app, which is reminiscent of Quibi’s recent launch.
