Friday, February 27

🌟 Today’s Highlights:

• Threads is testing a shortcut to make DMs easier

• Google rolled out updates to its Flow and Nano Banana AI image tools

• Here’s why your competitors are still winning clicks over you

• 📊 Stat of the Day: ChatGPT ecommerce traffic converts 31% higher than non-branded organic search. (Source: Visibility Labs)

• 💡 Today’s Insight: TikTok’s dominance as a Gen Z search engine is falling

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⚡️ Today’s Headlines ⚡️

✉️ Threads is testing a shortcut to quickly start DM conversations. The new shortcut is currently in a limited user test where users can type “DM me” or “Message me” in a post or reply to automatically generate a hyperlink that invites others to start a private conversation with them.

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✨ Google updated its AI-powered Flow AI image and video tool. The updates, alongside a new version of Google’s Nano Banana 2 AI image generator, aim to make it easier to create complex compositions and enhance content in the app.

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🗣️ YouTube expanded voice replies to all creators. The new option is now available to all creators, allowing channel managers to respond to comments under their videos with voice clips.

💡 Today’s Insight 💡

TikTok’s dominance as a Gen Z search engine is falling

🗞 TL;DR - While more U.S. consumers are using TikTok for search than in previous years, a new Adobe Express survey found that the social platform’s position as a Google challenger may be weaker than expected... especially among younger generations. We’ve got the key survey highlights for you below…

💡 Insight - While nearly half (49%) of U.S. consumers report having used TikTok for search-like behavior, the share of Gen Z users who prefer TikTok over Google for search has fallen sharply — from 8% in 2024 to just 4% in 2026.

That said, 85% of consumers said they find Google the most helpful for search. 14% of consumers across all age groups say they’re more likely to rely on ChatGPT than Google, making the AI platform a more emerging alternative.

So, what can growth marketers take away from this data?

Diversify your discovery strategies. TikTok lends itself well to discovery-based behavior with broader intent, while Google still reigns supreme for strict search. Don’t assume one will replace the other entirely.

Prioritize platform-specific content. While TikTok can drive awareness and engagement, especially among younger users, ensure your SEO and content are strong on Google and AI-driven tools since they remain primary discovery points.

Monitor AI search trends. With ChatGPT gaining traction, experiment with content formats optimized for AI answers (FAQs, structured data, concise value statements) to capture emerging AI search traffic. This might be where Google’s search competition is truly coming from, not TikTok.

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