Welcome to the latest edition of Social Commotion, Motion’s roundup of social media updates and news. Check out our top social media updates from June 2025.
Will Google Lost its Place Atop the Search Market to AI?
“Just Google it” has remained the predominant method for discovering answers to many of life’s questions. By supplying direct access to the entire web through search engine results pages (SERPs), Google continues to be the world’s most visited website. This has been a profitable model for Google in that it has packaged its high traffic and user search specificity into an attractive advertising proposition for brands that will pay to appear at the top of SERPs and modify their website and content strategies to rank higher for organic searches.
Today, Google’s position is being threatened by the rising use of AI. While Google is at the forefront of AI development, implementing Gemini AI overviews at the top of many SERPs, many users are turning to AI tools not owned by Google, such as OpenAI ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilo and Perplexity.
So, how quickly is the gap closing? According to new data from Visual Capitalist, emerging AI platforms still have a long way to go. ChatGPT, the leading AI tool on the list of platforms with the highest number of daily searches, is ranked 12th, just below Facebook, Yahoo! and TikTok with one billion searches per day. That said, ChatGPT reached the 1 billion milestone 5.5 times faster than Google—indicating more room for growth before closing in on Google’s 13.7 billion daily searches or even Instagram’s 6.5 billion daily searches.
Althoough AI isn’t replacing Google for search yet, it is changing how search is defined at a rapid pace. The continued splintering of search share will need to be monitored by brands to understand the nuances in how audiences search for business-driving concepts on multiple platforms—and optimize for each.
Meta Unveils New AI Ad Tools, Including Improved Video Generation Options
Speaking of AI, Meta has introduced a range of new AI-powered ad tools designed to make ad creation more dynamic, automated and personalized. These include a next-generation image-to-video generator that transforms static images into short, animated video clips with music and text overlays, which aims to help brands create more engaging content.
Meta is also testing a “Video Highlights” feature that uses AI to identify key segments of a video, allowing viewers to quickly access the most relevant parts. Custom branding capabilities have also been enhanced, allowing logos and brand colors to be embedded in AI-generated content, along with persona-based text generation for more consistent brand messaging.
Beyond creative content, Meta is piloting AI-driven “Business AIs” that can interact with users directly through ads and answer frequently asked questions about products via text or voice. These AI assistants are tailored to specific brands and campaigns and offer a more personalized experience that could potentially increase conversion rates. Additional ad innovations include call-to-action stickers for Stories and Reels, virtual try-on features using generative AI and tools that allow businesses to present their products on models of diverse body types, improving inclusivity and user experience.
Meta’s overarching goal is to streamline the advertising process by leaning heavily on AI automation. The company reports that its Advantage+ ad campaigns, which use AI to optimize placement and targeting, have boosted return on ad spend by an average of 22%. Ultimately, Meta envisions a future where advertisers may only need to upload a product URL, with AI systems handling everything else—from content creation to audience targeting. Although this could revolutionize digital marketing, Meta acknowledges that the most effective results will still come from a strategic blend of human insight and AI capabilities.
Facebook Announces That All Video Uploads Will Now Be Reels
Facebook is making a major change to how video works on the platform by merging all video uploads—except live streams—into its Reels format. Soon, any video you post will automatically be shared as a Reel, removing the need to choose between regular videos and Reels. There will no longer be length or format limits on Reels, making them more flexible and accessible. Live streams will still be treated separately, but they may still appear in the Reels feed for discovery purposes.
Along with this change, Facebook is simplifying the video posting process and updating analytics. All video insights will now be combined under Reels metrics, though creators will still be able to see important stats like 3-second and 1-minute views. Historical video data will remain available through Meta Business Suite until the end of the year. Monetization payouts won’t be affected as long as creators continue posting and getting similar levels of engagement. Facebook is also renaming the “Video” tab to “Reels,” showing just how central this format has become.
This update reflects the growing success of Reels, which now drives the most user engagement on the platform. Meta sees this change to keep people watching longer and interacting more. While the shift should be smooth for most users, there may be some confusion among those who aren’t familiar with Reels or expect a traditional video upload option. Still, Meta is aiming for a seamless transition and is counting on Reels’ popularity to help guide the change.
Stay up to date on the latest in social media with Social Commotion, The Motion Agency’s monthly roundup of social media updates, or contact us today to help your brand navigate the ever-changing landscape of social media.
