✨ OpenAI Search Debut

An early look at SearchGPT vs. Google

September 11, 2024

Today’s Insights

  • The early verdict on SearchGPT

  • Google is testing a new layout for forums on the SERP

  • X launches beta version of YouTubeTV competitor

  • TikTok has a long-form content agreement with The NFL

  • Users in Brazil are joining Bluesky over Threads

Feature

🗣️ OpenAI’s SearchGPT: a major threat to Google?

6 weeks after OpenAI announced the prototype of ‘SearchGPT’, its AI search engine, early user feedback is here.

Firstly, a study from SE Ranking found:

  • On average SearchGPT offers 13 results to answer the search query

  • SearchGPT’s search results are 73% similar to Bing’s and 46% similar to Google’s

  • 26% of URLs ranking in SearchGPT currently receive no traffic from Google

An AI YouTube content creator shared his experience with SearchGPT compared to Google. Here’s the breakdown:

  • The SearchGPT results page automatically returns images (left), a long-form text answer with hyperlinked sources (right) and 2 prominent links to specific web pages (bottom).

  • Google is a better experience for looking up specific resources you already know exist, particularly if recency is important.

  • SearchGPT (and AI search in general) is better for more complex queries that need to reference multiple sources to provide a complete answer.

  • Perplexity AI is a much more feature-rich version of this SearchGPT prototype today.

SearchGPT waitlist is currently closed while they gather and implement user feedback.

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Google & Meta

💬 Instagram enables users to comment directly on Stories

Previously, users could only respond to Instagram Stories through private messages visible to the creator alone. Now, users can publicly comment on Stories, with comments lasting up to 24 hours.

📢 Meta could be preparing to launch new ad placements

Some advertisers are starting to see new ad placements for ‘Threads’, ‘Channel’, and ‘Facebook Notifications’ in Meta's custom ad reports. Although there is no official update from Meta yet.

👗 Google Shopping adds dresses to its virtual try-on tool

U.S. users can now use Google’s virtual "try-on" feature to see how dresses fit on models. This tool spans multiple brands, allowing users to visualize different styles and sizes before buying directly from retailers.

🚨 Google is using anti-competitive tactics in the ad market, claims UK watchdog

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) claims Google may be stifling fair competition in ad tech by favoring its products. If upheld, Google could face a penalty of up to 10% of its global revenue.

⚖️ Google also laid out its arguments to defend its DOJ antitrust case

Google will argue that it competes in a diverse ad tech market with major players like Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon. The company claims ad fees are lower than industry averages and that advertisers integrate its tools with its competitors.

🆕 Google tests a new layout to display information from forums like Reddit

Google is testing adding top comments and related discussions directly in search results for forum content. Google clarified that this update does not affect how forum pages rank in search results.

⚠️ Google Ads plans to phase out enhanced cost-per-click bidding

Starting in October, advertisers will no longer be able to choose the eCPC bidding option for search ads and display campaigns. Google explained this move is part of its efforts to shift to more advanced, machine learning-driven bidding strategies.

More Headlines

🚀 Bluesky gained over 2 million new users following X’s shutdown in Brazil.

Bluesky now tops the app charts in Brazil, surpassing Meta’s Threads. The app’s downloads surged by 10,000%+ over the weekend, adding 2.4 million new Brazilian users in four days after the country's X ban.

📉 Snap announces focus on ad business following a 48% stock drop

CEO, Evan Spiegel, attributed the stock decline to slower ad growth compared to the ad market and emphasized that Snap will expand its ad business.

🚀 X launches the beta version of its YouTube TV competitor

X TV is now available on several platforms including Google TV and Amazon Fire TV. X described the new app as “a massive leap forward in transforming X into a video-first platform and unlocking new opportunities for creators, advertisers, and our partners.”

🏈 TikTok announces long-form content partnership with the NFL

The partnership started with the NFL showcasing highlights and behind-the-scenes content on TikTok in 2019. With this latest extension, the NFL will post longer-form video as well, with TikTok’s max video length 60 minutes.

💰 Canva raises subscription prices by 300% for Teams users.

In the U.S., the Canva Teams subscription has jumped from $120 to $500 annually, although a first-year discount reduces it to $300. Canva says the increase is due to its investment in enhanced AI-powered design tools and expanded features.

You’re caught up 🎊

P.S. Thanks to today’s sponsor, Mega SEO - Put your SEO on autopilot with MEGASEO.AI

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