Microsoft is rolling out a suite of updates across Microsoft Advertising to help brands stay visible — not just to people, but to AI agents increasingly making decisions on their behalf.

What’s new. The update spans measurement, commerce, and media, with new tools designed to help advertisers show up in AI-driven experiences and transactions.

On the ads side. Microsoft is introducing AI Max for Search campaigns, which expands query matching and personalizes ad delivery across AI surfaces like Copilot and Bing. It’s also launching “Offer Highlights,” new ad formats that surface key selling points — like free shipping — directly within AI conversations.

Zoom in:

• Expanded AI Visibility in Microsoft Clarity shows how brands appear in AI-generated answers, including which content gets cited and where competitors outperform.

• New Universal Commerce Protocol support in Microsoft Merchant Center structures product data so AI agents can discover and transact on it more easily.

• Copilot Checkout enhancements enable purchases directly inside Microsoft Copilot, reducing friction from discovery to sale.

Also notable. A new AI-powered audience generation tool lets advertisers describe their ideal customer in plain language, with the system building targeting segments automatically.

Why we care. Microsoft is changin how visibility works in Microsoft Advertising — shifting from clicks and rankings to being selected by AI systems. Tools like AI Max, AI Visibility, and Offer Highlights help brands show up in AI-driven decisions, not just search results. As AI agents take a bigger role in discovery and transactions, advertisers who adapt early will have a clear advantage.

Between the lines. This is a shift from optimizing for clicks to optimizing for selection — ensuring your brand is chosen by AI systems, not just seen by users.

What to watch. Early data suggests AI-driven traffic is growing far faster than human traffic, signaling where future demand may concentrate.

Bottom line. Microsoft is preparing advertisers for a world where winning means being understood — and trusted — by AI agents, not just ranking in search results.

Dig deeper. Win Across All Three Eras of the Web

Yelp is rolling out its most significant AI update yet, centered on a new conversational “Yelp Assistant” designed to move users from searching to actually booking, ordering, and scheduling — all in one flow.

What’s new. Yelp Assistant sits at the center of the update, acting as a chatbot that can answer complex queries, recommend businesses, and complete actions like reservations or appointments without leaving the app.

Zoom in. The assistant pulls from Yelp’s massive base of user reviews and photos to generate tailored recommendations, explain why a business fits, and let users refine results conversationally. It can then take the next step — booking a table, ordering food, or requesting a quote — directly within the same interaction.

What else is new. Yelp is expanding integrations with platforms like Vagaro, Zocdoc, and Calendly to streamline bookings across categories like beauty, healthcare, and home services, while deepening delivery ties with DoorDash.

Also notable. An upgraded “Menu Vision” feature uses AI and visual overlays to show dishes, reviews, and photos in real time when scanning a menu, helping users decide what to order faster.

Why we care. Yelp is shifting from a discovery platform to a transaction-driven experience powered by AI. With Yelp Assistant handling recommendations and bookings in one flow, visibility alone may not be enough — businesses will need to be optimized for conversion within the platform. The update also signals more competition for high-intent users as Yelp tightens control over the path from search to purchase.

Between the lines. Yelp is leaning into AI not just for discovery, but for conversion — turning intent into transactions without sending users elsewhere.

What’s next. The assistant is live on iOS and Android with broader expansion across categories and desktop coming later this year.

Bottom line. Yelp wants to own the full local journey — from “where should I go?” to “it’s booked.”

Google updated its YouTube and Discover Feed ad requirements as of April 2026 to clarify how election-related ads are handled, without changing how the rules are enforced.

Why it matters. Advertisers using YouTube and Discover placements already operate under tight guidelines, and election ads have historically been a gray area. This update is meant to remove confusion rather than introduce new restrictions.

What’s new (and what’s not). The update explicitly states that election ads are exempt from YouTube and Discover Feed ad requirements, but this is purely a clarification. There are no changes to enforcement, meaning advertisers who were compliant before should not need to adjust their approach.

Why we care. Google is removing confusion around how election ads are treated on YouTube and Discover. While these ads are exempt from placement-specific requirements, they still must follow Google Ads policies. The result is clearer guidance, fewer approval issues, and more predictable campaign launches.

Zoom in. Election ads exception Election ads do not need to follow the specific YouTube and Discover Feed ad requirements, but they are still governed by broader Google Ads policies. To qualify for this exemption, advertisers must complete the Election Ads verification process and be verified in the region where the ad will run.

Between the lines. This is not a policy shift but a documentation update. Google is drawing a clearer distinction between placement-specific requirements and its wider ads policy framework.

What advertisers should do. Advertisers running political campaigns should confirm their verification status and continue to follow Google Ads policies closely, as the exemption does not mean reduced scrutiny.

Dig deeper. YouTube and Discover Feed ad requirements (April 2026)

Google is experimenting with video ads inside the local pack, signaling a shift toward more immersive, visual formats in location-based search.

Driving the news. The test was spotted by Anthony Higman, who shared that Google is integrating “immersive map view videos” into PPC ads tied to local results.

These video ads appear within the local pack — the map-based listings that show businesses near a user’s search.

What’s new. Instead of static listings or text-based ads, some advertisers may now have the option to surface video content directly in local search results.

• The feature appears tied to settings within Google Ads’ Location Manager.

• It may be enabled through a pre-opted setting in the shared library.
• The format blends paid ads with Google Maps-style immersive experiences.

Why we care. This update could significantly increase visibility and engagement in high-intent local searches. Video ads in the local pack offer a new way to stand out and showcase locations, products, or services more effectively than static listings. This could also mean advertisers needing to start investing in video creative to stay competitive local listings.

Yes, but. The feature appears to be in early testing, and it’s unclear how widely it’s available or how performance compares to traditional local ads.

There’s also the question of creative requirements, as video production adds complexity for advertisers.

The bottom line. Google is bringing video into one of its most intent-driven surfaces — local search — as it looks to make ads more immersive and engaging.

First spotted. This update was spotted by Adsquire founder Anthony Higman who shared spotting the new local listing ad type on LinkedIn.

Looking to take the next step in your search marketing career?

Below, you will find the latest SEO, PPC, and digital marketing jobs at brands and agencies. We also include positions from previous weeks that are still open.

Newest SEO Jobs

(Provided to Search Engine Land by SEOjobs.com)

• Growth Strategist (SEO/AEO)
  April 20, 2026
  We Are: NoGood is an award-winning, tech-enabled growth consultancy that has fueled the success of some of the most iconic brands. We are a team of growth leads, creatives, engineers and data scientists who help unlock rapid measurable growth for some of the world’s category-defining brands. We bring together the art and science of strategy, […]
• Vice President, Marketing (SEO/SEM/Social)
  April 20, 2026
  Job Description American Humane Society (AHS) is seeking a dynamic and strategic Vice President, Marketing to steward and elevate the integrity of both the American Humane Society (AHS) and Global Humane Society (GHS) brands. This leader will drive the development and execution of integrated marketing strategies that advance critical organizational priorities, strengthen national leadership as […]
• Senior Law Firm Marketing Manager (SEO/SEM/Social)
  April 19, 2026
  Job Description Council & Associates is one of Atlanta’s fastest-growing PI firms — handling serious cases across truck accidents, premises liability, daycare injury, negligent security, and wrongful death. The firm is led by a nationally recognized trial attorney and built on a brand that goes beyond the courtroom into the community. We need a marketer […]
• Content Marketing Specialist
  April 17, 2026
  Job Description Content Marketing Specialist Malta Dynamics | Malta, OH (Hybrid) About the Role Malta Dynamics is seeking a Content Marketing Specialist to own the execution and consistency of Malta Dynamics’ brand voice across all channels. This role is responsible for producing, publishing, and optimizing high-quality content that drives inbound leads, supports sales, and reinforces […]
• Intermediate Search Specialist
  April 17, 2026
  We are seeking an intermediate-level SEO Specialist for Hive Digital, a cutting-edge and award-winning agency that prides itself on helping change the world for the better. We offer a highly collaborative team that works together to deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients in a fast-paced, fun work environment. Are you ready to bring […]
• Summer Assistant (Intern), E-Commerce & Retention Marketing (GEO/SEO/Product)
  April 17, 2026
  About The Company goop is a lifestyle platform dedicated to exploration, curation, and groundbreaking conversation. From its award-winning beauty and fashion lines to its expansive editorial lens, goop invites women to embrace the process of becoming, and to discover deep joy in the pursuit of pleasure, beauty, and growth in all phases of life. Gwyneth […]
• Marketing Ecommerce Specialist (SEO/SEM/Email)
  April 16, 2026
  Job Description LK Distribution is a leading distributor of several brands and products offered on both e-commerce and wholesale. Specialized in the Alternative Product category in the CBD/Hemp Industry ranging from a large category of products. We are seeking a creative and dynamic individual with experience with independent online storefronts for each of our brands […]
• Digital Marketing Specialist (SEO/SEM/Social)
  April 16, 2026
  Job Description Benefits: 401(k) Paid time off Dental insurance Health insurance Vision insurance A Digital Marketing Specialist at a leading real estate company requires high-energy, creative, and data-driven team member who helps elevate our brand and our agents’ digital presence. As the Digital Marketing Specialist, you will be the “engine room” of our online strategy. […]
• Director, Global Digital Marketing (SEO/SEM/Email)
  April 15, 2026
  Director, Global Digital Marketing, Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) Team Position Overview The Director of Digital Marketing is at the center of 10x Genomics’ digital marketing engine, delivering measurable business impact and innovating across channels to ensure leadership in scientific markets. This position reports to the Vice President of Integrated Marketing Communications as is responsible for […]
• Digital Marketing Specialist (SEO/SEM)
  April 15, 2026
  Job Description Digital Marketing Specialist OURCU is looking for a Digital Marketing Specialist who is equal parts data-driven strategist and collaborative teammate. This role is ideal for someone excited to build and optimize HubSpot from the ground up, create meaningful campaigns, and clearly demonstrate the why behind marketing performance. If you love blending creativity with […]

Newest PPC and paid media jobs

(Provided to Search Engine Land by PPCjobs.com)

• Performance Marketing Manager
  April 18, 2026
  About Us: Naadam is redefining luxury by delivering the world’s finest cashmere at an accessible price. Founded in 2013, with a vision to bring premium, sustainably made cashmere to the everyday wardrobe, we’ve built a brand that values innovation, transparency, and connection with our customers. At Naadam, we are dedicated to pushing limits, nailing the […]
• Growth Marketing Manager
  April 18, 2026
  About the Role You’ll play a key role in driving Kashable’s customer activation, acquisition and retention. You’ll begin owning the execution and performance of one paid media channel and as you demonstrate results expand your scope into broader strategic decision-making and greater channel ownership. We’re looking for someone who combines strong strategic thinking with hands-on […]
• Regional Marketing Specialist – Elite National Firm
  April 18, 2026
  Job Description Job Description Our client, an elite national Am Law firm, is seeking a Regional Marketing Specialist to support its New York office. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with firm leadership to ensure local marketing initiatives align seamlessly with firmwide and practice‐specific priorities. You will lead marketing efforts for the New […]
• Senior Paid Search Manager – Brooklyn, NY
  April 18, 2026
  Job Description Job Description Salary: $85K-$110K Mason Interactive | Hybrid (3 days in office) | $85K-$110K Who We Are Mason Interactive is a 30-person full-service digital agency with offices in Brooklyn and Charlotte. We work with clients in education, fashion, wellness, and luxury across all channels: paid search, paid social, SEO, programmatic, creative, and affiliate. […]
• Leasing & Marketing Specialist for Occupancy & Renewals
  April 18, 2026
  A property management firm in New York is seeking a Leasing Coordinator to manage marketing, leasing, and renewal strategies. This position involves performing all activities related to leasing to new residents, ensuring resident satisfaction, and executing lease renewals. The ideal candidate will be responsible for conducting tours, processing applications, and developing marketing plans. This role […]

Other roles you may be interested in

SEO Manager, Veracity Insurance Solutions, LLC, (Remote)

• Salary: $100,000 – $135,000
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of SEO Specialists
• Set clear expectations, quality standards, workflows, and growth paths across the team

Senior SEO Manager, Lunar Solar Group (Remote)

• Salary: $80,000 – $100,000
• Lead strategy, execution, and deliverables across 4–6 client accounts independently
• Own end-to-end SEO strategy and execution across all core deliverables and processes

Performance Marketing Manager, Recruitics (Hybrid, Lafayette,CA)

• Salary: $70,000 – $90,000
• Work in platform to configure campaigns – set up budgets, targeting, creative, and run dat
• Monitor ongoing performance to identify areas of opportunity

Marketing, Social Media & PR Manager, PARTNERS Staffing (Fort Myers, FL)

• Salary: $75,000 – $85,000
• Develop and execute integrated marketing campaigns for shows, content releases, events, and brand initiatives
• Identify target audiences and create strategies to grow reach and engagement

Local Search & Listings Manager, TurnPoint Services (Remote)

• Salary: $80,000 – $90,000
• Own the strategy and governance for local search visibility across all business locations.
• Develop optimization frameworks and standards for Google Business Profiles and other listing platforms.

Senior Branding manager, rednote (Hybrid, New York, US)

• Salary: $228,000 – $320,000
• Define and drive rednote’s global brand strategy, shaping its positioning across key international markets
• Lead integrated marketing initiatives end-to-end, ensuring alignment across creative development and media execution

Performance Marketing Manager, Hirewell (Remote)

• Salary: $85,000 – $95,000
• Paid Search: Lead daily execution and management of Google Ads. This is a “hands-on” role requiring deep platform expertise.
• Multi-Channel Management: Oversee and optimize campaigns across Meta, LinkedIn, and Programmatic channels.

Senior Paid Media Manager, Brightly Media Lab (Remote)

• Salary: $70,000 – $100,000
• Directly build, manage, and optimize campaigns within Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and Facebook Ads (Meta).
• Serve as the lead point of contact for your book of clients, taking full ownership of their success and growth.

Marketing Specialist, The Bradford group (Hybrid, The Greater Chicago area)

• Salary: $60,000 – $62,000
• Launch and manage paid social campaigns primarily on Meta platforms.
• Oversee daily budgets and performance optimizations against revenue and ROI goals, using data-driven insights to continuously improve results.

Paid Search Specialist, Maui Jim Sunglasses (Peoria, IL)

• Salary: $65,000 – $70,000
• Plan, set up, and manage paid search, display, and shopping campaigns on Google Ads.
• Manage and optimize advertising budgets to achieve revenue and efficiency targets.

Note: We update this post weekly. So make sure to bookmark this page and check back.

OpenAI is emerging as a new advertising channel, but early advertiser sentiment is mixed as brands grapple with limited data, unclear performance, and a rapidly evolving product.

Driving the news. Two months after launching ads in ChatGPT, advertisers are experimenting — but still lack clear measurement tools and performance benchmarks.

• Early campaigns are largely impression-based, with little insight into outcomes.
• CPMs have reportedly been high, with initial minimum spends in the six figures.
• Some advertisers say the product feels early and slow to mature.

The vibe check. According to Ad Age reporting, advertiser sentiment sits somewhere between cautious optimism and frustration.

• Optimism stems from ChatGPT’s position as a leading consumer AI platform.
• Frustration centers on lack of transparency, targeting, and reporting.

Why we care. This report this highlights both the opportunity and risk of investing in AI ad platforms early. While ChatGPT offers access to a fast-growing, high-intent audience, the lack of measurement and evolving product features make it a challenging channel to justify at scale.

It’s a signal to test thoughtfully and start building an AI strategy without overcommitting budget too soon.

The bigger picture. OpenAI’s ad push comes as it juggles multiple priorities — from AI development to enterprise growth — while facing rising competition from Google and Anthropic.

Some in the industry see OpenAI as having “cast too wide a net,” experimenting across video, commerce, and other products before refocusing. Its Instant Checkout commerce feature was quietly pulled back whilst video ambitions have also lost ground to competitors.

How ads actually show up. Early tests suggest ads may influence user journeys — but not always directly.

In one example, a sponsored retailer appeared more prominently in recommendations, even when multiple options were listed. Still, platforms maintain that ads do not directly alter core answers.

Yes, but. There’s ongoing tension between consumer trust (keeping answers unbiased), and advertiser goals (increasing visibility and influence).

That balance will likely shape how AI ads evolve.

What marketers should do now. Experts say brands don’t need to rush in. Large brands may benefit from early testing whilst others can focus on strategy development while the space matures. The priority is understanding how AI fits into broader media and search behavior.

The bottom line. ChatGPT ads are still in their infancy — promising, but unproven — leaving advertisers to experiment carefully while waiting for the platform to catch up to expectations.

Google is tightening security across its ads ecosystem, requiring multi-factor authentication (MFA) for API users — a move that could impact how developers and advertisers access and manage accounts.

Driving the news. Google will begin rolling out mandatory MFA for the Google Ads API starting April 21, with full enforcement expected over the following weeks.

The update applies to users generating new OAuth 2.0 refresh tokens through standard authentication workflows.

What’s changing. Users will now need to verify their identity with a second factor — such as a phone or authenticator app — in addition to their password when authenticating.

• Existing OAuth refresh tokens will continue to work without interruption.
• New authentications will require MFA by default.
• Users without 2-step verification enabled will be prompted to set it up.

Why we care. This change affects how you access and manage Google Ads data through APIs and connected tools. While it improves account security and reduces the risk of unauthorized access, it may also require updates to workflows, especially for teams that regularly generate new credentials. Preparing early can help avoid disruptions.

Who’s affected. The change primarily impacts apps and workflows using user-based authentication.

• User authentication workflows: Will require MFA for new token generation.
• Service account workflows: Not affected, and recommended for automated or offline use cases.

The requirement also extends beyond the API to tools like Google Ads Editor, Scripts, BigQuery Data Transfer, and Data Studio.

The big picture. As ad platforms handle more sensitive data and automation, security is becoming a bigger priority — especially as API access expands across teams, tools, and integrations.

Yes, but. While the update improves protection against unauthorized access, it may add friction for teams that frequently generate new credentials or rely on manual authentication flows.

The bottom line. Google is making MFA standard for Ads API access, signaling a broader shift toward stricter security across advertising tools and workflows.

OpenAI is continuing its push into ad-supported monetization — a strategy it began earlier this year — by expanding ads to more countries while keeping premium tiers ad-free.

Driving the news. OpenAI is starting to roll out ads for users on Free and Go plans in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

• The rollout applies only to lower-tier plans.
• Paid tiers — including Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Education — will remain ad-free.

Why we care. This opens up a new and rapidly growing channel to reach users inside AI-driven experiences. As OpenAI expands ads into more markets, it signals early opportunities to test and understand how advertising works in conversational interfaces. It could also shape how future search and discovery happens, making it important to get in early.

The big picture. AI platforms have largely avoided traditional advertising so far, relying instead on subscriptions and enterprise deals.

This move suggests OpenAI is:

• testing new revenue streams,
• exploring how ads fit into conversational interfaces,
• and balancing monetization with user experience.

Yes, but: OpenAI is clearly drawing a line between free and paid experiences — signaling that ad-free usage will remain a premium benefit.

The bottom line: OpenAI is cautiously entering the ads business, starting with limited markets and tiers as it experiments with how advertising works inside AI-driven products.

Google may be streamlining one of the most error-prone parts of campaign setup — conversion tracking — by reducing the need for manual tag implementation.

Driving the news. Google Ads is testing a new “Set up in Google Tag Manager” option within its conversion setup flow, according to screenshots shared by Google Ads Specialist, Natasha Kaurra.

The feature appears alongside existing installation methods and allows advertisers to push conversion tracking setups directly into Google Tag Manager.

What’s new. Instead of copying conversion IDs and labels between platforms, advertisers can click the new button to open a pre-filled tag setup inside GTM.

That means:

• fewer manual steps,
• less room for implementation errors,
• and faster deployment across accounts.

Why we care. Conversion tracking is critical to measuring performance, and this update makes it faster and less error-prone to implement. By reducing manual steps between Google Ads and Google Tag Manager, it can help ensure data is set up correctly from the start. That means more reliable reporting and better optimization decisions.

How it works. Based on early screenshots, the flow prompts users to select a GTM container and then surfaces a suggested tag configuration ready to publish.

This could be especially useful for agencies managing multiple clients, teams working across multiple containers, or advertisers with complex tagging setups.

The bottom line. It’s a small UI change with outsized impact — making it easier for advertisers to get conversion tracking right the first time.

First seen. This update was shared by PPC News Feed who credited Google Ads Specialist Natasha Kaurra for spotting it.

Search remained the largest force in digital advertising in 2025. However, its growth slowed as total U.S. ad revenue climbed to a record $294.6 billion.

Search still dominates. Search generated $114.2 billion, accounting for 38.8% of total digital ad revenue, according to the latest IAB/PwC Internet Advertising Revenue Report. But growth slowed to 11%, down from 15.9% in 2024, as advertisers shifted more budget into faster-growing formats and as AI began reshaping how users discover information.

Overall market growth accelerated as the year went on. It climbed from 12.2% in Q1 to 15.4% in Q4. The fourth quarter alone brought in $85 billion, even without major cyclical events like the U.S. election or the Olympics, which boosted 2024.

Video, social, and programmatic all grew faster than search. Digital video revenue jumped 25.4% to $78 billion, making it the fastest-growing major format. Social rose 32.6% to $117.7 billion, while programmatic increased 20.5% to $162.4 billion — continuing the shift toward automated, performance-driven buying.

The market is more concentrated. The top 10 companies now control 84.1% of U.S. digital ad revenue, up from 80.8% a year ago, reflecting the advantages of scale, first-party data, and AI-driven platforms.

AI is no longer just a tool layered onto campaigns. AI is increasingly shaping discovery, media buying, and measurement as consumer journeys fragment across platforms.

Why we care. Search still delivers the most scale, but it’s no longer growing the fastest. More budget is flowing into video, social, and programmatic, where automation and AI are more deeply embedded. That means more competition for budget, less visibility into performance, and a greater need to prove incrementality.

About the data. The IAB/PwC report is based on U.S. internet advertising revenue data compiled across the industry.

The report. Internet Advertising Revenue Report Full-year 2025 results (PDF)