Performance Marketing News: 29 October 2026 Roundup
In short: On 29 October 2026 the main updates were Google Ads API v26.1 (network priority, PMax income exclusions, new-customer recommendations, reach buckets), an observed expansion of Google Business Profile AI messaging in selected non-India markets, a Google and NielsenIQ measurement partnership, Shuttlerock's AI creative engine, Shopify's GS1-backed GTIN suggestions and Adobe's US data on AI referral revenue.
- Google: API v26.1 brings network priority and caps plus PMax, new-customer and reach changes.
- Local: AI messaging for Business Profiles is expanding in selected markets, not India.
- Measurement: Google and NielsenIQ announced plans around Meridian and retail data.
- Ecommerce: Shopify GTIN suggestions and Adobe's AI-referral revenue data.
Ads API v26.1. Network priority tiers and spend caps for secondary networks now reach the API (guide). The same release adds PMax income exclusions, a new-customer value recommendation and 1+ to 10+ reach buckets (guide).
Business Profile AI messaging. Observed expanding in selected markets. Not listed for India. What to prepare.
Google and NielsenIQ. A partnership to link retail intelligence with AI commerce and bring Meridian and GeoX to NIQ Cadence. Announced plans, not a Google Ads feature. Explained.
Creative
Shuttlerock announced an AI creative engine for ad variations. It is a vendor announcement, so test before you trust it. How to evaluate AI creative tools.
Ecommerce
- Shopify GTIN suggestions: audit barcodes for Google Shopping
- Adobe: AI referrals earn 83% more revenue per visit. What to measure
Missed yesterday?
Read our 28 October roundup.
Your to-do list
- If you use the Google Ads API or an automation tool, ask which version it runs.
- Audit barcodes on your top Shopify products.
- Add an AI-referral segment in GA4.
- Check that your Google Business Profile details are current.
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Sources
- Google Ads API release notes · Google Developers
- Google Business Profiles AI-powered messaging · Search Engine Roundtable
- NIQ and Google Partner to Advance Agentic Commerce · Google Cloud Press Corner
- Shuttlerock intelligent creative engine · LBB
- Admin supports GTIN suggestions and autocomplete · Shopify Changelog
- AI traffic higher revenue per visit · Adobe
Facts in this article come from the sources above, checked on 30 October 2026. Platform features roll out in phases, so check your own account before acting. We update this page when official details change.