In this week’s digital news, Google is testing 3rd party endorsements in Search ads, adding publisher logos and quotes to introduce external validation into paid results. OpenAI is asking select advertisers to commit at least $200,000 as it rolls out beta ads on ChatGPT.
From finance to SaaS, different LLMs win different jobs, which is why a single-platform AI strategy won’t work in 2026. Google published new documentation about how to influence their Preferred Sources program to get more traffic from Top Stories.
Google is testing the inclusion of third-party endorsements within Search ads. Short statements from external publishers appear beneath ad copy, alongside the publisher’s name and favicon, making ads resemble product reviews. The experiment, confirmed by Google as limited in scope, was spotted via a PCMag endorsement in a travel-related ad. Details around eligibility, controls, and sourcing remain unclear. If expanded, the feature could give advertisers with strong independent validation a competitive edge, shifting emphasis from advertiser claims to external credibility directly at the point of search.
A study of two million AI interactions has revealed that while ChatGPT remains the most popular tool for general queries, specialised AI models are rapidly becoming the “workplace default” for professionals. The report from Search Engine Land shows that platforms such as Microsoft Copilot and Claude are seeing growth rates up to ten times faster than ChatGPT in sectors like finance, software, and education.
This means that instead of searching on Google, people are increasingly asking AI tools directly within their work apps to find and summarise information. This marks a shift from a “Google-only” strategy to one that encompasses multiple AI platforms. Businesses must ensure their content is easily “readable” and cited by these specific models, focusing on building a trusted brand reputation and high-quality data that AI agents can verify and recommend.
OpenAI is testing beta ads on ChatGPT, asking selected advertisers to commit at least $200,000. The tightly controlled trial aims to assess user value, with plans for future ad formats. Some Adthena clients were reportedly quoted $250,000.
Google has released new technical guidance for its “Preferred Sources” program, a feature designed to help news publishers gain more visibility in the highly coveted Top Stories section of search results. This update allows websites to use “deep links” that encourage readers to set a specific publication as their preferred news source within Google’s settings. This means search results will become more personalised, prioritising the news outlets they trust most.
This highlights a move away from purely algorithmic rankings toward a “loyalty-based” model. To succeed, publishers must now focus as much on building a direct relationship with their audience as they do on technical keywords. By encouraging readers to “follow” them via these new links, brands can secure a permanent advantage in the Top Stories carousel, ensuring their content appears first during breaking news events.
Social platforms are moving toward paid add-ons, not full subscriptions. Meta Verified, LinkedIn Premium, and YouTube Premium all gate extra features while keeping core access free. Ads still drive most revenue, so platforms cannot force everyone to pay. Instead, they push optional upgrades for new income and bot control. As AI tools normalize subscriptions, users may accept paying for extras. However, reach still matters most, so social apps stick to hybrid models rather than fully paid access.
Read more here.
OpenAI is holding informal talks with Wall Street banks about a potential initial public offering in the fourth quarter of this year. 2026 is expected to be a blockbuster year for stock market debuts after a drought. Some on Wall Street are speculating that this year could be the biggest year ever for IPOs. OpenAI, Anthropic, and SpaceX are among the most closely watched tech companies that could go public.
Read more here.
For more information on any of this week’s stories or for support with your digital marketing efforts. Our friendly team would be more than happy to discuss your requirements. Drop us an email at team@modo25.com
