The week of February 7-14, 2026, marked a pivotal moment in advertising technology. OpenAI launched ads in ChatGPT, while Google expanded AI-driven commerce with new shopping ad formats in AI Mode. The Discover algorithm update impacted publishers significantly, prioritizing local content and reducing sensationalism. Spotify revealed it has stopped manual coding, raising concerns about AI’s role in software development. Notably, OpenAI’s ad testing began on February 9, targeting certain user tiers, but faced criticism over transparency and privacy—a resignation from a former researcher highlighted these issues. Concurrently, AI accounted for 23% of Super Bowl ads, illustrating the increasing relevance of AI in marketing. Google’s updates enhanced its AI advertising infrastructure, challenging publishers who must adapt to evolving algorithms. As strategies shift toward AI integration, the advertising landscape grows increasingly complex, highlighting the ongoing convergence of AI technologies with advertising methods that directly impact consumer engagement and brand visibility.
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