October has been all about AI-driven efficiency, smarter ad tools, and enhanced creative control with Instagram’s New Reels Algorithm, Googles AI Tools for Ads + much more. There are plenty of updates across Meta, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google and TikTok they all share one thing in common – they’re making digital marketing faster, more intelligent, and more human again.

Whether you’re running a professional service, brand or practice, these October Digital Marketing Updates are worth knowing, because they’ll directly influence how you attract, convert, and retain your dream clients.

Let’s dive into the Digital Marketing Updates for October! Shall we?

What’s new with Meta?

Meta adds new options for lookalike audiences in Ads Manager

Meta has expanded its lookalike audience tools to allow advertisers more granular control over size, similarity and data source selection. You can now better tailor who sees your ads and how wide your targeting net should be, giving far more flexibility when it comes to refining lead quality.

If you’ve struggled with high cost-per-lead or irrelevant clicks, this update could be your solution. Meta’s smarter segmentation means more strategic use of your budget and better ROI, AKA a huge win for service brands that rely on consistent client flow!

📔 Other noteworthy updates from Meta this month:

• There have been some updates to Lead Ad Terms, which changed on October 10, 2025. This is to better reflect Meta’s recent changes to their products and services.
• Meta has introduced a broad range of AI-driven updates aimed at improving creative production, personalisation, and performance across its platforms. Even interactions with Meta’s AI will improve Ad targeting.
• Meta has added warnings to protect older users from common scams.
• Meta has shared new features to make creating, discovering, and sharing Reels on Facebook easier and more fun!
• Meta is introducing new format and display options for Advantage+ Catalogue Ads, however, is also prioritising Automated Ads in Favor of Advantage+

If you’re a business owner or marketing team that wants to solidify your point of difference, win customers and grow your market share — enquire now to meet your dream team.

What’s new with Instagram?

Instagram is introducing a new algorithm control tool for Reels

Instagram is introducing new Reels algorithm control options, giving users the ability to fine-tune the type of content they see on their feeds by selecting or muting topics. Essentially, it’s putting more personalisation power in the hands of the user, and by extension, influencing how brands can reach their audiences organically.

This change could reshape discoverability for brands. If your content consistently hits the right emotional and topical notes, it’s more likely to land in front of users who genuinely care, improving engagement rates and retention.

Our tip:

• This is a reminder to keep your Reels strategy tight and intentional. Your best bet is to focus on topics your ideal clients actively care about, eg. industry insights, success stories, or behind-the-scenes moments that reflect your expertise and values.

📔 Other noteworthy updates from Instagram this month:

• Updates are coming to Instagram’s UI.
• Instagram adds shareable performance data for Creators.
• Instagram has introduced tougher content restrictions for Teen Accounts
• Instagram has added the option to draw on DM Chats.

👀 Tests spotted on Instagram this month:

• Meta is testing skippable Ads on Instagram Reels, borrowing from YouTube’s playbook.

Whether it’s the first time you’re outsourcing, it’s time to break up with your agency, or you need a dream team to help you fill the shoes of your Marketing person while they’re out of action. Consider us your plug and play marketing team. With a wide range of skills and specialties, flexible packages and monthly contracts, we’re here to support you through every season of business. You ready? Book your free 30-minute call here.

What’s new with Google?

Google launches new AI tools for Ads

Google has announced major upgrades to its AI-powered advertising suite, including automated asset generation, Predictive Performance insights, and enhanced integration with Performance Max campaigns. The goal? Streamline creative production and optimisation to help advertisers get better results, faster.

These AI tools can help generate ad copy, visuals, and audience targeting insights — saving hours of manual testing. But it’s not about replacing strategy, it’s about amplifying it! We love AI for its time-saving potential, but don’t hand over your creative completely. Use these tools to enhance, not define, your campaigns.

Our tip:

• Review your existing Google Ads setup and ensure your brand voice is consistent across automated assets. AI can optimise — but your human touch still wins trust.

📔 Other noteworthy updates from Google this month:

• Google Adds AI Features to Search with new Search Ads controls.
• Google introduces Gemini 2.5 Computer Use model via the API, which outperforms leading alternatives at browser and mobile tasks.
• There have been some updates to Demand Gen campaigns, especially for acquisition.
• Google updates its iconic ‘G’ logo
• Google announces AI training programs for SMBs.
• YouTube is dominating AI search results with 200x advantage.
• YouTube has launched member livestream updates and expanded access to channel media kits.
• Editing is coming to YouTube Shorts.

What’s new with TikTok?

TikTok is simplifying Ad campaign creation on the platform

TikTok has launched a new suite of automation updates to simplify campaign setup, optimise creatives, and boost performance. Highlights include AI-generated ad variations, dynamic budget allocation, and enhanced targeting.

These tools are perfect for small business owners or teams with limited time — helping them automate ad delivery while maintaining strong ROI. Remember, automation doesn’t mean losing control, it means freeing up your energy for creativity and strategy. The smartest campaigns blend automation with intention.

Our tip:

• Always create your own branded creatives, even with automation on your side. TikTok’s AI can optimise content, but it can’t replicate your brand’s personality or values.

📔 Other noteworthy updates from TikTok this month:

• TikTok shares pointers on successful AI adoption for marketers.
• TikTok is launching a new cybersecurity awareness campaign in partnership with industry experts.
• Report suggests that posting more often increases TikTok performance.
• TikTok launches Travel Ads to capture trip planning moments.

What’s new with LinkedIn?

LinkedIn has just rolled out a new tool called the Company Intelligence API

LinkedIn’s new Company Intelligence API gives businesses and advertisers real-time insights into company data — from growth signals to hiring trends and engagement metrics. This feature integrates directly with sales and marketing tools to improve audience understanding and targeting precision.

This is a game-changer for service-based firms using LinkedIn for B2B outreach or account-based marketing. You can now target potential clients based on verified company movement, reducing wasted effort on unqualified leads.

Our insight:

• Think of this as LinkedIn’s answer to predictive analytics; it gives your outreach context and confidence. Align this with your CRM for seamless, strategic lead nurturing!

📔 Other noteworthy updates from LinkedIn this month:

• LinkedIn introduces new standardised naming for campaigns.
• LinkedIn has some new rules for B2B Marketing Measurement.

📔 Other noteworthy updates or tests:

• Pinterest has added some new AI recommendation tools: highlighting items in boards that users might like, based on usage and saved Pin history.
• Reddit has launched legal action to block AI companies from scraping its data: This is off the back of the platform looking to maximise its revenue potential, and capitalise on the value of its data.
• Adobe’s new AI audio tools can add soundtracks and voice-overs to videos: This is a new generative AI audio tools that can quickly add thematically appropriate backing tracks and narration to videos. 
• Threads is hiding hashtags on certain posts to de-clutter the feed — a reminder that SEO and keywords now matter more than hashtags.
• Meta is officially rolling out advertising placements within the Threads “For you” feed and search results, managed through Meta Ads Manager.

These October Digital Marketing Updates highlight a clear direction: automation and intelligence are only as powerful as the humans who use them. The platforms are doing more of the heavy lifting, freeing up time for strategy, storytelling, and relationship building — the things that truly move the needle for service-based brands.

So as algorithms get smarter, your job gets simpler: keep your message meaningful, your systems efficient, and your strategy client-first.

💘 Ready to show your marketing the love it deserves? Book your free discovery call and let’s design a digital strategy that feels as good as it performs.

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XOXO

Oh My Digital Team