1. Microsoft Launches “Cruise Ads” - Microsoft announced a new Microsoft Advertising format for Bing Search named Cruise Ads.  Cruise Ads appear on the right rail of Microsoft Bing search results and run alongside mainline text ad placements. These ads can be triggered by queries like cruise name, location, length, and more. Cruise Ads use search intent and dynamically-generated elements to deliver relevant ad experiences based on data feeds. Advertiser feed offers are automatically matched to queries without a need for keywords. Advertisers can also use negative keywords for optimization. 

As a reminder, Microsoft Advertising launched automobile ads, health insurance ads, credit card ads, and tour and activity ads.

2. Second Annual 'Pinterest Presents' Conference - The countdown to second #PinterestPresents is on and Pinterest is calling it the “The ads summit you’ll actually want to watch.” And it's all going down on March 10. 

The virtual event will provide new insights into key usage trends, while also enabling Pinterest to preview upcoming platform features and updates for your planning.  You can register for it here.

3. YouTube 2022 Roadmap: Community, Collaboration, and Commerce - Through a blog post, YouTube Chief Product Officer Neal Mohan has shared the platform's roadmap for the year. Here are the updates you need to know of:

Shopping capabilities will expand via shoppable videos, Live Shopping, and via the user interface of the YouTube app.

YouTube plans to keep adding features to its Shorts format, the platform’s answer to TikTok and Instagram’s Reels. In addition to new effects and editing tools, YouTube plans to introduce the ability to reply to individual comments by creating another Short (similar to TikTok).

YouTube is also exploring monetization options for this format. In the coming months, it plans to test BrandConnect for Shorts creators, integration of the Super Chat feature (in which viewers can purchase visually distinct chat messages) as well as the ability to shop directly from a Short.

Collaborative live streaming will also be introduced, enabling creators to go live with other creators. And, YouTube has begun testing gifted memberships, which allow viewers to purchase channel memberships for other viewers in a Livestream.