This week: Google rolled out new conversion attribution tools and Performance Max transparency features, Meta embedded AI assistance directly into Ads Manager while cracking down on third-party tool metrics, TikTok launched AI-powered personalized ads for entertainment marketers, and Reddit transformed community recommendations into shoppable product carousels in search results.

The common thread? Platforms are simultaneously giving advertisers more AI-powered automation while restricting the data needed to validate it works. Classic walled garden move.

Features & Improvements

Features & Improvements

This week: OpenAI officially launched ads in ChatGPT with "clearly labeled" sponsored messages, Google faced another EU antitrust probe over search ad auction practices while rolling out new AI-powered campaign tools, Meta continued pushing AI capabilities with new creative testing features and ad integrity units, CTV publishers grappled with ad fraud concerns despite massive streaming growth, and the IAB introduced new AI disclosure frameworks leaving plenty open to interpretation.

This week: The IAB unified its measurement initiatives under Project Eidos, the MRC pushed for auction transparency, Amazon opened beta testing for its MCP server integration, Nielsen piloted new co-viewing measurement for the Super Bowl, and Reddit’s ad revenue surged 75% YoY despite stock volatility.

The industry is waking up to a harsh reality.

While everyone has been throwing money into the wind based on platform metrics, the underlying infrastructure for measurement and attribution has been crumbling. This week brought solutions: some promising, some overdue, and one that feels like the industry finally admitting we’ve been flying blind for years.

This week: Meta invested heavily in AI infrastructure while its ad machine continues to print money, TikTok returned to the US with new privacy questions, Pinterest rolled out campaign oversight tools, LinkedIn saw 30% video ad growth, and Prebid took ownership of sell-side AI agent code for publishers.

The big story? Meta's betting $115-135 billion on AI dreams, funded entirely by its ad business. Meanwhile, the industry continues wrestling with AI agents, attribution challenges, and the ongoing platform truth vs. back-end truth problem.

Features & Improvements

This week: Google upgraded AI Overviews with Gemini 3 Pro and launched shoppable CTV formats across YouTube, Meta expanded Reels distribution across Instagram profiles and rolled out new ad placements, OpenAI officially launched ads in ChatGPT after years of resistance, Netflix doubled ad revenue and projects similar growth for 2026, and Amazon Publisher Services released its Prebid adapter for open beta testing.

This week: Google rolled out new Shopping features and AI-powered measurement tools while launching Gemini extensions for Search, Meta shifted priorities with Reality Labs cuts and new leadership appointments, Pinterest unveiled trend predictions and enhanced user controls, TikTok expanded AI creative tools for Shop listings, and industry leaders debated the courage gap in ad tech transparency.

This week: Google rolled out new AI-powered shopping capabilities and measurement tools while updating its ad policies, TikTok enhanced trust features for in-stream shopping as its U.S. future remains uncertain, Meta continued building Washington connections while testing new features, Reddit improved its AI targeting transparency, and Amazon Ads shared new research on interactive video advertising at CES 2026.