In Sunday Rundown #136, we’re spotlighting three pivotal developments shaping the future of digital marketing: Meta’s ambitious plan for truly automated advertising, proven strategies for PPC-powered international expansion, and a new ad format reshaping livestream monetisation on YouTube. Let’s dig in.
Meta Aims to Enable Fully AI-Automated Ads by 2026
Meta is quietly building toward a future where advertisers can launch complete ad campaigns by simply inputting their business URL, product image, or budget—then letting AI handle creative, targeting, and delivery. By the end of 2026, this AI-powered workflow could be the standard for campaign setup on Facebook and Instagram.
The platform’s AI would generate visuals, video, and copy, select audience targeting, and even suggest budget allocations. This automation powers personalised ad variations, potentially supercharging advertiser ROI—but it raises questions around transparency, creative control, and data-driven biases.
Breaking Into New Markets with PPC: What Brands Need to Know
As tempting as it may be to deploy PPC campaigns overnight, entering a new market requires more than turning on performance ads. Mark Sansum warns that while PPC (particularly Google Ads) offers rapid activation, it’s not a standalone market-entry strategy.
In detail, success hinges on building full-funnel media plans—combining brand awareness with direct response tactics—and robust measurement systems like Media Mix Modelling to capture indirect and long-term impact across the funnel. Cultural nuances, local search behaviour, and evolving customer journeys also demand tailored localisation, comprehensive planning, and adaptable budgets.
YouTube Introduces Side-By-Side Ads for Livestreams
YouTube is rolling out a new ad format designed to monetise livestreams more smoothly: side-by-side ads. These split-screen mid-roll ads shrink the live stream video and mute its audio while the ad plays, then seamlessly return the view when done.
Available for compatible livestreams on CTV and web, this feature allows creators to monetise with minimal disruption—keeping viewers connected to the content while preserving engagement. Therefore, advertisers benefit from reaching highly engaged live audiences in a less intrusive way.
Bonus links
- Instagram Stories Strategy for 2025
- Maximise Your Instagram Growth: Attracting the Right Followers
- Effective Marketplace SEO: Best Practices
Thanks for catching up with Sunday Rundown #136—see you in two weeks for more must-know marketing insights!