Today’s digest spans discovery, commerce, advertising, benchmarks, and calling.
Snap reports on Snap Map data for brands
Snap says Snap Map discovery can help drive engagement. It also notes that most users still turn to Google Maps for location information.
TikTok Shop offers U.K. merchants more engagement tools
TikTok Shop has added group deals and auction functions for U.K. merchants. It also offers an easier way to create shoppable carousels.
Google Launches A Video Series For Odd Technical SEO Questions via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern
Search Engine Journal reports a new Google Search Central video series. It starts with emoji, non-English characters, and keywords in URLs.
Google Ads Introduces Channel Prioritization And Budget Allocation via @sejournal, @brookeosmundson
Search Engine Journal reports new channel-prioritization and budget-allocation controls. They provide more spending flexibility across Search, Performance Max, and other campaigns.
Average engagement rates for 13 industries in 2026
Hootsuite puts cross-industry Instagram engagement at 4.2%, versus LinkedIn’s 3.9%. Its engagement-rate denominator can be followers, reach, or impressions.
LinkedIn Recommendations Strategy, YouTube Scripting, and Industry News
Social Media Examiner’s roundup covers strategic LinkedIn Recommendations and business YouTube scripting. It also lists a five-part script framework and industry news.
More Than Three Quarters of Small Business Owners Say AI Makes Them More Productive, But Most Need More Guidance
Meta reports a commissioned YouGov survey of nearly 4,000 owners across nine APAC markets. Among those surveyed, 84% use AI and 76% report a positive productivity impact.
Now You Can Invite Anyone to a WhatsApp Call
Meta says WhatsApp call links can admit guests without accounts. Hosts approve guests, who cannot view participants’ phone numbers or send messages.
Which seems more consequential for members: TikTok Shop’s merchant tools or Google Ads’ spending controls?