• Updated digital advertising options hit LinkedIn and YouTube to kick off 2026.
• Fresh research indicates that a large majority of AI chats have no commercial intent.
• Google confirms core algorithm updates happen continuously without notice.
• AI-driven policy enforcement leads to chaos and complaints on YouTube.

2026 Sees a Bevy of New Advertising Options on Popular Social Platforms

Both LinkedIn and YouTube are starting the year off with new advertising and interactivity options. On LinkedIn, Reserved Ads make it possible for brands to bid on premium placement with high visibility in the feed. The new ad category comes with personalization baked in, so basics like “viewer first name” always get used correctly.

If you’ve been using short-form video content in your brand marketing, YouTube’s latest moves can help you expand your reach through core digital marketing practices, not more ad spend. It’s now easier than ever to direct viewers to your website through YouTube Shorts and leave creator comments that get attention.

What does it mean? In a world where advertising is expanding into more digital spaces, it’s a wise idea to look at platforms that are working to deepen value. LinkedIn is addressing long-term complaints about ad visibility, while YouTube is enabling Shorts to fold more easily into digital marketing best practices.

Whoops: Majority of AI Conversations Have No Commercial Intent

For all that’s been said about “GEO” and brand visibility in AI output, one piece of the puzzle was conspicuously absent: Do people use apps like ChatGPT intending to engage with brands, buy products, book services? For the time being, the answer appears to be no. That casts doubt on the big push to introduce ads into AI apps.

According to an analysis published by AI agency DEJAN, users of AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini don’t behave like ordinary searchers. About 65% don’t plan to buy a product or service in connection with an AI dialogue. Roughly 35% of chats held commercial intent: 10% in the awareness stage, 8.5% in consideration.

What does it mean? As OpenAI moves closer to introducing ads in ChatGPT and Google denies ads are coming to Gemini, small and mid-sized service-based businesses are firmly in the crosshairs of the next wave of digital advertising. Be wary of becoming an early adopter, and work out any plans with a digital marketing partner.

Google Confirms Everything Savvy Digital Marketing Pros Already Knew

If you could take a time machine to 2015, you would find yourself in a world where major Google updates had names like “Penguin” and “Panda” and were analyzed in breathless detail. That’s because, by and large, major Google updates were discrete, distinct, and rare. They happened once, twice, or perhaps three times a year.

That started to shift in recent years, and major announcements have become rarer. Now, Google is confirming what experienced digital marketing teams already figured out: significant updates happen all the time, usually without any fanfare. It’s partly down to new technology and partly a shift in communication strategy.

What does it mean? Nothing and everything. Google updates can completely upend search results, reducing your visibility just as you gain traction. At such a frenzied pace, it’s all but impossible to stay ahead of all that Google might do. That makes it more important than ever to work with a marketing agency you can trust.

YouTube Drops the Ball on Rule Enforcement with AI Channel Cancellation Mishaps

Any brand that uses YouTube as its video-sharing platform – and that’s most, since posting on YouTube can get you preferential positioning in search – should look at the mess that’s been unfolding there. As YouTube shifts to AI for things like age verification and spam policies, more channels are getting banned for unclear reasons.

A rash of channel shutdowns for “spam, deceptive practices, and scams” has led to outcry among creators, who say appeals are being denied in seconds by AI systems without human oversight. YouTube claims that there are no widespread issues and only a few channel terminations have been reversed; creators have a different story.

What does it mean? YouTube is vital for anyone using video in digital marketing. Since terminations happen fast and often offer no appeal, it’s essential to ensure that you take every precaution to safeguard your channel and data. Audit videos for policy compliance and back them up before you post.

2026 Is Already Shaping Up to Be a Fast-Moving Digital Marketing Year

For many businesses, 2025 was a challenge. 2026 is on a different level.

Your decisions today could influence your success all year.

Don’t go it alone. Contact New York Ave today to get ahead of the trends.