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ANNOUNCEMENT

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FEATURE

Google is considering moving AI-powered search features to a paid subscription model.

Google recently launched 'Google One', a monthly subscription offering an advanced version of Gemini. The Financial Times yesterday broke the news that Google could add search features to a subscription bundle.

That would mark the first time Google has charged users to use any part of its search product. This may suggest that Google is looking to compensate for a drop in advertising revenue as it transitions to the Search Generative Experience to keep pace with advancements in AI.

Google’s traditional search engine would remain free of charge, while ads would continue to appear alongside search results even for subscribers.

Sources: BBC, Search Engine Journal, Financial Times (subscription required), 9to5 Google, Yahoo

TODAY’S HEADLINES

Meta is offering cash incentives for Threads creators. Threads offers certain creators financial incentives based on the performance and number of posts. The Threads Bonus program is invite-only and is similar to the program that X put in place to reward creators last year. (Social Media Today)

Instagram leader Adam Mosseri posted a tip regarding the platform. To see which accounts have the most impact Mosseri recommends looking at the number of likes per post and how many views per reel instead of followers, which “matter less”. (Threads)

Google weighs up acquiring CRM platform HubSpot. According to Reuters Google is talking with advisers about a deal in the region of $35 billion. This would be Alphabet's largest acquisition to date. However anti-trust scrutiny could deter Google from pursuing a deal ultimately. (Reuters)

LinkedIn announces Connected TV ads. Advertisers can soon create CTV campaigns through LinkedIn’s Campaign Manager that can be promoted on Samsung Ads, Paramount, and Roku. This will enable advertisers to engage business decision-makers with video using LinkedIn data and show those ads beyond the LinkedIn app itself. (Social Media Today)

Facebook gets a new full-screen video player. The updated video player combines Reels, longer videos, and Live content. It will be available on iOS and Android in the US and Canada first, and globally later. The new player will have improved recommendations based on interests, new controls, and a fullscreen option for horizontal videos. (Meta)