RIP Ask Jeeves, Meta teases AI Agents & more
This week's highlights across Search, Social, PR and AI.
Search
1. Google’s AI search results lean into Reddit and forums
Google is updating its AI-powered search features to surface more “firsthand perspectives” from places like Reddit and social platforms. The update introduces dedicated “Expert Advice” sections within AI Search, making it easier for users to find opinions and experiences from real people alongside traditional web results.
AI responses will also add more links to useful sites deemed “relevant” to the user’s query, as well as suggestions for related topics to encourage deeper exploration.
2. OpenAI launches self-serve ads platform for ChatGPT
OpenAI has officially rolled out a beta self-serve Ads Manager for ChatGPT, alongside CPC bidding and expanded conversion tracking tools. Advertisers can now manage campaigns directly through the platform, upload creative, control budgets and track downstream actions more similarly to traditional ad platforms.
The update pushes ChatGPT further into performance marketing territory, with OpenAI building out the infrastructure needed to compete more directly with established search and ad ecosystems.
3. RIP to an icon: Ask Jeeves shuts down after nearly 30 years
Ask.com – formerly Ask Jeeves – has officially shut down after nearly 30 years online. Originally launched in 1996, the platform was built around answering conversational questions in natural language, something that now feels surprisingly ahead of its time in the era of AI chatbots.
While it never managed to compete with Google at scale, there’s something fitting about one of the earliest “AI-like” search experiences disappearing just as conversational search becomes mainstream.
Social
4. Meta reportedly building AI agents for shopping and task automation
Meta is reportedly developing new AI agent tools capable of carrying out tasks on users’ behalf across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp. Potential use cases include summarising chats, finding trending topics, monitoring competitor activity and even completing purchases directly through Instagram.
With the proliferation of AI agents in recent months, the move points to consumer AI continuing to head toward systems that can proactively take action with minimal input from users, rather than simple chatbot interactions.
5. Instagram punishes content aggregators
Instagram is tightening its recommendation policies to reduce the reach of accounts that primarily repost other people’s content. Accounts that rely heavily on reposted photos and carousels will no longer be eligible for recommendations across feeds and Explore, with the platform instead prioritising originality and creator attribution.
The update reflects a wider push from platforms to reward original content creation over low-effort reposting, particularly as AI-generated and duplicated content continues to flood feeds.
6. Meta expands AI age detection tools for underage users
Meta is rolling out new AI-powered systems designed to identify users under 13 by analysing signals like height, bone structure and behavioural patterns in photos and videos. The company says the technology doesn’t identify individuals, only estimate approximate age ranges.
The move comes amid increasing regulatory pressure around child safety online, with Meta also expanding its “Teen Accounts” protections across more regions and platforms.
PR
7. IKEA’s FRAKTA bag becomes star of new campaign
IKEA Sweden has launched a new outdoor campaign shot entirely from inside its iconic blue FRAKTA bag, using the bag itself as a framing device for everyday scenes. Each execution highlights a different use case for the bag, from laundry to picnics, while maintaining the instantly recognisable blue-and-yellow visual identity throughout.
It’s a smart example of a brand building creative consistency around an existing cultural asset, rather than reinventing the wheel with every campaign.
8. The Met Gala’s real competition happens after the red carpet
The 2026 Met Gala reportedly generated a record-breaking $42 million for the Costume Institute, but much of the real value for brands came in the 48 hours afterwards. Luxury houses, beauty brands and PR teams quickly moved to turn celebrity placements into search traffic and media coverage through aggressive post-event storytelling.
This coverage is an interesting reminder that major cultural moments are increasingly less about the event itself, and more about how effectively brands extend the conversation afterwards.
AI
9. OpenAI updates ChatGPT’s default model
OpenAI has rolled out GPT-5.5 Instant as ChatGPT’s new default model, promising more accurate, concise and personalised responses. According to OpenAI, the update significantly reduces hallucinations, improves factual accuracy and delivers shorter, cleaner answers without losing conversational tone.
10. Anthropic boosts Claude usage limits through SpaceX deal
Anthropic has announced a new compute partnership with SpaceX that will significantly expand capacity for Claude users. The deal gives Anthropic access to more than 220,000 NVIDIA GPUs, allowing the company to raise usage limits across Claude Code and its API products.
11. Image AI continues to outperform chatbots in driving downloads
New data suggests image-generation tools are now far more effective at driving AI app downloads than chatbot model updates. Google’s Gemini reportedly gained more than 22 million additional installs following the launch of its Nano Banana image model, while OpenAI saw similar spikes after releasing GPT-4o image generation.
While chatbot improvements may matter for retention and monetisation, visual AI features are currently proving far more effective at capturing mainstream attention.
That’s a wrap for this week! We’ll be back next Friday with another round-up of the best and biggest stories from across the Search-Verse™.