Short reads for short attention spans

Performance Max now supports vertical 9:16 image ads

Google has expanded Performance Max (PMax) creative specs to include vertical 9:16 image assets (e.g. 1080×1920), allowing advertisers to better align with mobile and short-form placements such as YouTube Shorts and Discover.

Why it matters:

• Lets image creatives match native vertical environments for stronger CTR and engagement.
• Encourages campaigns to include mobile-first visuals rather than just repurposed landscape assets.
• Expect broader rollout of vertical inventory across Shorts, Discover and Display. Be prepared to refresh asset libraries.

Further reading at Thomas Eccel:

PMax now supports 9:16 Vertical Image Ads

Meta to use AI chat data for ad targeting (from 16 Dec 2025)

Meta plans to start using AI chat interactions (text and voice prompts within Meta AI tools) to refine ad personalisation profiles. The rollout covers most markets except the EU, UK, and South Korea, where data-protection laws restrict such use.

Why it matters:

• Expands Meta’s first-party data signals beyond clicks and views to conversational context.
• Raises privacy and transparency questions, brands should monitor sentiment and compliance.
• Could lead to sharper ad relevance in markets where it launches and potential future global expansion.

Further reading at Tech Crunch:

Meta plans to sell targeted ads based on data in your AI chats

YouTube launches new “Brand Pulse” report

YouTube has introduced Brand Pulse, an AI-driven report tracking brand mentions across ads, creator content and organic videos. It uses multimodal detection, visual, audio and text, to map how and where brands appear on the platform.

Why it matters:

• Brings paid, organic and creator mentions together for the first time in one metric.
• Enables advertisers to see share of watch time, brand visibility and category benchmarks.
• Early access is limited, but signals YouTube’s intent to own brand presence measurement beyond impressions.

Further reading at the Google Ads Blog:

YouTube's new report helps brands understand the full value of paid and organic video