• YouTube becomes first major platform to penalize AI-generated content.
• Prominent SEO platform Ahrefs releases insights on AI’s digital footprint.
• Data on Google Ad conversion rates suggests link to search query length.
• Perplexity AI platform releases “Comet,” its new AI integrated browser.
• Google’s June update still shaking up search engine rankings in August.

YouTube Will Penalize Repetitive And Low-Effort AI-Generated Content

YouTube has been home to a vast number of AI-generated videos long before now-popular platforms like ChatGPT became available. In response, YouTube has updated its content guidelines, targeting “mass-produced and repetitious content” to better promote original videos.

Content deemed repetitious, unoriginal, inauthentic, or low-effort will no longer be eligible for monetization under YouTube’s Partner Program. Currently monetized channels might be reviewed again. If monetization is revoked, ads may still be shown, but creators won’t be paid for them.

What does it mean? Service-based businesses publishing original content to expand their brand’s reach have nothing to fear from the latest policy update. On the other hand, human video content is poised to become easier to find – and may show up better in regular Google search results, too.

Ahrefs Publishes Report On How AI Is Changing Websites

Ahrefs is one of the most trusted tools in digital marketing, helping businesses improve their search engine optimization. Thanks to its wealth of data, people pay attention when the company offers insights. Recently, it took a close look at how much of current online content is partially AI-generated.

About 4.2% of 900,000 recently created website pages were made entirely with AI, while 13.5% were designated “pure human.” The largest category by far was “Human + AI.” It made up just under 82% of pages listed within the massive cache of freshly updated websites that Ahrefs inspected.

What does it mean? AI tools that exist on the back-end of your website, such as those that help track search engine optimization factors, may now cause websites to be parsed as “AI-assisted.” While there is no search impact yet, it’s vital to ensure your website’s public-facing text is by and for humans.

Google Ads Conversion Rates Show Interesting Query Length Link

Between January and June 2025, researchers noted a change in the way the average Google user approached search. Instead of using one or two words in each search – a pattern that had been common for years – many users began to opt for long, specific queries containing up to four words.

In the subset of Google Ads searches under review, shorter queries dropped from 42% to 31% of searches. At the same time, it was noted that short queries were more likely to predict a future purchase. For example, searches for a specific brand or product name demonstrate high intent to make a purchase soon.

What does it mean? Most service-based businesses maximize their pull on both Google Ads and Google Search when they focus on “long-tail keywords” with three words or more. A shift in traffic to two- or one-word search queries is evidence of improved brand recognition that can show up in mature brands and focused campaigns.

Perplexity Launches “Comet,” Will Directly Compete With Firefox And Chrome

Digital marketing is adjusting to artificial intelligence by finding new ways to raise visibility in AI-based citations. Now, AI search pioneer Perplexity has launched Comet, an AI-powered browser with full LLM integration. The browser will come with its own AI assistant that can field queries and handle other, more complex workflows.

Comet’s “agentic capabilities” are its main selling point. The software can automate a number of complex tasks, including composing social media messages, adding items to a shopping cart, or sending emails. Subscriptions, usage-based pricing, and affiliate transactions are being explored for the ad-free browsing experience.

What does it mean? Since the Comet browser will integrate Perplexity’s existing AI capabilities, it has the potential to wall off an entire segment of your potential audience from conventional search. Luckily, the prospect of widespread adoption is far off, and there’s plenty of time to respond accordingly.

Google’s June Core Update Still Having Effects This Month

Google’s June 30 update has proven to be one of the biggest in years. Ranking volatility is expected during a core update, and things may not settle until September. We’re watching closely to keep our clients informed.

What does it mean? Businesses engaged in good digital marketing fundamentals should stay the course with informative, trustworthy content. Use analytics to make note of page-level adjustments in your search rankings, and reach out to a digital marketing agency if the way forward is unclear.

Change is happening faster every day. Contact New York Ave today to unlock your digital marketing potential.