While a number of Google Search features are impacted by Google’s core update, favicons showing up or not is not one of them. Yes, your site can drop in the rankings, or not show up in Google Discover, or be removed from Top Stories and other features but favicons are not impacted by core updates.

We have seen ads in AI Mode before but there may be a new Google Ads format coming to AI Mode results, not the just the Direct Offer ads, but Explore guides and article ads.

Google has added Gemini to the Google Trends Explore page to help you find new and fresh search terms. It will also compare those search terms automatically for you, all in a new design. This is rolling out now, but you might not see it just yet.

Google has added Gemini to the Google Trends Explore page to help you find new and fresh search terms.

YouTube is updating advertiser-friendly guidelines so some non-graphic videos on “controversial issues” may be eligible for full monetization. The post YouTube Expands Monetization For Some Controversial Issues appeared first on Search Engine Journal .

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today…

Foundational strategy remains the quiet force behind whether automated campaign models elevate results or compound inefficiencies. The post Why Paid Search Foundations Still Matter In An AI-Focused World appeared first on Search Engine Journal .

Bots, fake reviews, and undisclosed AI are eroding trust on social media, creating a competitive advantage for brands that prioritize authenticity and real human experience. The post Social Media Trust Is Breaking Down (And How You Can Rebuild It) appeared first on Search Engine Journal .

The other day, I saw the Google News channel on X respond to claims that Google is going to allow merchants to overcharge you for products sold through the new AI checkout protocol.

Google’s John Mueller was asked if it was acceptable to link your brand websites together on a brand page to communicate to your users that the company owns multiple brands.