With the release of several new tools, policies, and upgrades by Google and Meta in May 2024, there were major advances in the field of SEO. Advertisers, content producers, and companies looking to maximise their online presence are all influenced by these shifts. An extensive summary of the major developments and debates that shaped the SEO scene in May 2024 can be found below.
Google Ads Introduces New Policies on Deepfake Content
Google Ads introduced a new policy on May 1, 2024, that specifically targets sexually inappropriate material produced or promoted with the use of deepfake technology. Google Ads will disable advertising involving the following under this policy:
- Websites producing sexually explicit deepfake content.
- Services promoting the creation of deepfake content.
- Tutorials teaching how to create deepfake content.
This move aims to curb the misuse of deepfake technology for inappropriate content.
Meta Ads Enhances Ad Creation with AI
Meta made a significant announcement on May 7, 2024, introducing AI-based enhanced ad creation tools. These tools allow advertisers to generate text and images, overlaying text on images to create engaging graphics. Currently in beta, these features will soon be available to the general public. Meta’s Advantage Plus platform continues to integrate AI technologies to streamline ad creation and audience targeting.
Google Restricts Features for Suspended Accounts
Google announced on May 13, 2024, that suspended Google Ads accounts will have limited functionality starting June 2024. The changes include:
- Billing Options: Suspended accounts can only make payments, download tax documents, or add payment methods.
- Account Settings: Users can cancel their accounts and request refunds.
- Appeals and Verification: Users can log in to initiate the advertising verification process.
- Security Settings: Users can update security settings.
- Access to Reports: Users can download reports and related information.
Google AI Overview Launched at IO 2024
At the IO 2024 event on May 14, Google introduced AI Overview, a renamed version of the Search Generative Experience (SGE). While there are no quality or design changes, AI Overview is now available across the entire US and will expand globally in the coming months. Despite its broader rollout, some users have expressed dissatisfaction and are seeking ways to disable it.
Google Web Filter and New Bots
On May 15, 2024, Google introduced a new web filter named “Web,” which displays traditional search results without AI Overview interference. Additionally, on May 16, Google launched two new bots: Google Other-Image and Google Other-Video, designed to crawl and diagnose image and video content, respectively.
Google Marketing Live 2024 Announcements
During the Google Marketing Live 2024 event on May 21, several new ad formats were unveiled:
- Shorts Ads: Vertical format ads with stickers for YouTube Shorts.
- Video-Powered Search Ads: Ads featuring videos related to the brand’s products.
- Virtual Try-On Ads: Allowing users to see how products fit different body types.
- 3D Shoe Spin Ads: Interactive ads for footwear.
- AI Ads: Custom buttons for expanded product information and variations.
WordPress 6.5 Update
On May 21, 2024, WordPress released version 6.5, adding support for the LastMod property in sitemaps by default. This feature indicates the last update time of a page, aiding search engines in understanding the content’s freshness. Previously, this function was provided by SEO plugins, but it is now integrated into WordPress core.
Google’s Content Warehouse API Data Leak
On May 28, 2024, a significant data leak from Google’s Content Warehouse API occurred, revealing detailed information about 14,000 ranking signals. The leaked document contains over 101,040 words, providing insights into Google’s internal workings. While it does not offer a definitive ranking “formula,” the leak is far from trivial.
Google Business Profile Updates
On May 28, Google Business Profile announced the discontinuation of the chat function and call history data. The chat feature will be disabled from July 15, and all related data will be inaccessible after July 31, 2024. Businesses using this feature will need to find alternative solutions.
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER
Source: SEO Updates May 2024: Google and Meta Introduce Major Changes, Check
