Google sunsets continuous scrolling in search results
Google has ditched continuous scrolling in search results on desktop. Google told Search Engine Land that it planned to sunset the feature on 25 June. It’s only been 18 months since scrolling was introduced. However, it hasn’t had the impact Google envisaged after it failed to “significantly” improve user satisfaction. Search results will now revert to pagination on desktop with the same to follow on mobile in the “coming months”.
Live streaming to be Premium-only feature on X
Live streaming is being paywalled on X. The platform formerly known as Twitter will make the feature Premium-only this summer. X is reportedly struggling with privacy and copyright violations in the app and live streaming is the prime culprit. Users often stream illegal content, which is difficult to moderate. The move is a blow for accounts that rely on video for higher-quality journalism and breaking stories. X Premium is currently priced at $8 per month, or $84 for an annual subscription.
Google adds AI insights to GA4
Another Google product is getting artificial intelligence. Google Analytics 4 introduced AI-generated insights this week. Users can now access summaries of key data events and other interesting trends on the fly. Google says these insights are written in a “natural, easy-to-understand way” to help marketers make faster, more informed decisions.
TikTok files official motion as sell-off date closes in
TikTok’s ban in the US is looming but the ByteDance-owned app isn’t going down without a fight. It filed a brief with the Federal Court this week which highlighted its position as an “innovative” platform for 170m Americans. TikTok said these Americans are part of a global community “with whom they create, share, and view videos speaking and listening in the modern public square, and otherwise exploring the vast realms of human thought and knowledge.” The Federal Court will now examine the complaint.
Pinterest adds video sharing feature
Pinterest’s ‘boards’ have been a mainstay of social media for years; at the last count there were roughly 10bn online. Now, they are finally set to break free from their host platform. On Tuesday, Pinterest added a new feature which allows users to turn their boards into videos and share them on Instagram and TikTok. These videos will include links that, when clicked on, will direct viewers on other platforms back to the complete board. Pinterest sees it as a neat way to tap into Gen Z social sharing trends while broadening its reach and driving more traffic to its platform.
Threads tests ephemeral posts
Threads was spotted testing a new ‘self-destructing’ post option this week. Meta’s social app is working on a feature that automatically deletes content after 24 hours. The replies also vanish.
Google confirms completion of spam update
Finally, Google confirmed on Thursday (27th June) that the June 2024 spam update is complete. It was a short rollout period by Google’s recent standards; the latest broad core algorithm update took more than a month to finish. The June spam update, which was described as broad and general and not targeted at specifics such as links, went live last week.
