More and More AI
It’s becoming increasingly unavoidable. AI is playing a bigger role in the world of digital marketing than ever before—and that’s clearly reflected in the latest news.
Let’s take a look:
Meta is increasingly relying on AI for security, Coca-Cola is encouraging young people to put down their phones, and TikTok has introduced a new AI assistant for advertisers.
Get fully up to date with the June edition of Xtracts—your digital news roundup.
Meta officially begins training AI on your photos
At the end of May, Facebook was flooded with posts from users declaring that they did not give Meta permission to use their photos and data to train AI. That’s because June 1st was the final day to file an objection—at least before the official AI training began.
Unfortunately, those posts were largely in vain. Meta requires an official objection to be submitted directly to Facebook before they’ll acknowledge a “no thanks.”
Meta has faced significant pushback over its plans to train AI on Facebook users’ data, largely because it didn’t initially meet requirements designed to protect users’ privacy and safety. But after working with European authorities, Meta received the green light—with the right to object being one of the conditions for approval.
So, training has now officially started—but you can still submit an objection if you wish.
Source: Social Media Today
AI Overview is generating ad revenue on par with traditional search
You may have noticed something new when searching on Google using your phone: you’re no longer just getting the classic search results—you’re also getting answers from Google’s AI Overview.
In the U.S., these AI-generated responses are now being shown alongside relevant ads. And soon, this could become a reality in Europe as well. Google has announced plans to roll out AI Overview for desktop and expand to more markets.
According to Google, these ads are generating as much revenue as those shown in traditional search results. While no breakdown of specific performance metrics has been shared, the results are promising on an overall level.
Does this mean you need to completely overhaul your Google Ads strategy? Probably not. For one, user search behavior is difficult to change. And for another, as the format evolves, a wide range of AI tools will emerge to help automate and support the process.
Source: Search Engine Journal
TikTok’s new AI assistant aims to help advertisers
TikTok has added a new AI assistant to its Seller Center, designed to give advertisers a helping hand in creating effective campaigns. TikTok describes it as groundbreaking, though for now, it’s essentially an AI-powered chatbot that guides advertisers toward the best decisions for their ads.
It can offer advice on how to maximize visibility, provide instant access to key data and insights, and recommend strategies for promoting specific products or services.
Source: Social Media Today
Meta increasingly lets AI handle security
Internal documents from Meta reveal that the company is planning to replace risk assessments—traditionally carried out by humans—with AI. This is part of Meta’s broader strategy to automate 90% of its operations.
These assessments include identifying threats from new technologies across Meta’s platforms, as well as updates to algorithms and security features. Previously, Meta had claimed AI would only be used for minimal-risk scenarios. That position now appears to be shifting.
On the surface, this change could streamline updates and feature rollouts across Meta’s platforms. However, it may also pose risks to user data security and related areas.
Sources: Mashable and Social Media Today
Coca-Cola encourages young people to ‘unplug’ and ‘enjoy Life’
In its latest ads, Coca-Cola is tapping into a trend where brands encourage people to disconnect and embrace the moment. The campaign is particularly aimed at younger generations, who often spend a significant portion of their lives glued to screens.
In one ad, a young woman sits alone in a dark room. She opens a Coca-Cola, and is suddenly transported to the backseat of a convertible, surrounded by friends and bathed in sunlight.
She’s present in the moment, sharing a Coke with her friends—and that’s exactly the kind of experience Coca-Cola wants you to have too.
Source: Marketing Dive