Subscribing is the best way to get our best stories immediately.
Under the YouTube Partnership Programme (YPP), YouTube has announced to update its monetisation policy, which will go into effect from July 15, 2025, officially.
According to the latest update, the revised policy will replace the previous “repetitive content” category with “inauthentic content” with clearer definitions
René Ritchie, YouTube’s head of creator liaison, explained that “Content that viewers perceive as spammy, highly repetitive, or mass-produced is not eligible for monetisation. The YouTube Partner Program is designed for creators who produce original, meaningful content.”
YouTube will prioritise original and authentic creation. The change is more about clarity, accuracy and originality than a shift in enforcement.
The platform emphasised that there has been no change to its “reused content” policy, which continues to evaluate videos like commentary, compilations, and reaction clips. Monetisation in such cases is still allowed if the creator adds original commentary, educational value, or significant editing.
YouTube also clarified not to ban the usage of AI in content generation. It affirmed to support the use of AI to enhance creativity and already offers tools like Auto-Dubbing and Dream Screen to its creators.
However, creators must now disclose whether their content is AI-generated or has been significantly altered using AI. This is part of YouTube’s push for transparency and viewer trust.
All channels under the YPP are required to comply with these updated monetisation and disclosure policies. YouTube says the goal is to reward creators who are genuine and transparent while discouraging deceptive or low-effort practices.
For the latest news, follow us on Twitter @Aaj_Urdu. We are also on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

source

Jul 17, 2025
Discover the latest updates to Gemini Code Assist.

Gemini Code Assist has new updates to help you code faster. The new agent mode acts as an AI pair programmer to analyze your entire codebase and implement new features. You can also enjoy IDE enhancements like more control over context and a more responsive chat experience.

• This article covers new Gemini Code Assist features like agent mode and IDE enhancements.
• Gemini Code Assist’s agent mode acts as an AI pair programmer, handling complex, multi-file tasks.
• Agent mode analyzes your entire codebase, proposes a plan, and awaits your approval before changes.
• IDE enhancements give you more control over context and improve the chat experience.
• You can try Gemini Code Assist for free with Visual Studio Code or JetBrains IDE.

Last month, we released numerous updates for Gemini Code Assist, Google’s AI coding assistant for both individuals and businesses. These updates include the Gemini CLI and Gemini Code Assist agent model, as well as IDE enhancements that make the day-to-day workflow smoother and more intuitive.
Individuals can get started for free by installing the Visual Studio Code plug-in or JetBrains IDE extension. Here’s a closer look at what’s new.
Google recently released two major AI updates for developers. Gemini CLI brings AI directly into the command line, eliminating context switching by letting developers ask questions, generate code and debug right in their terminal.
Taking this further, Gemini Code Assist’s new agent mode acts as an AI pair programmer. It analyzes your entire codebase to plan and execute complex, multi-file tasks — like implementing new features or performing large refactors, all from a single prompt, significantly accelerating the development process. Think of it less as a tool and more as a way to delegate your tasks. Developers in the Insiders channel got access to agent mode last month.
Agent mode’s power is its comprehensive project understanding. It analyzes the entire codebase, not just the open file, to model your application. This includes its architecture, dependencies, coding patterns and the relationships between different components.
Because suggestions are now contextually aware, the agent knows how to implement features across all necessary components. It respects your existing coding style, leading to higher-quality, consistent code. This project-wide awareness means fewer errors and less time spent fixing mismatched suggestions or explaining context.
With a full understanding of the project, Code Assist’s agent can then enable multi-file editing. Before this, implementing significant features may have been a piecemeal process. You’d generate code for one file, then another, manually stitching everything together. With agent mode, you can now make a single request, and Code Assist will orchestrate all the changes across the codebase.
Large-scale tasks that once took a lot of manual effort can now be initiated with a single prompt. Consider prompts like these:
Relying on an AI coding assistant may feel daunting — but when using Code Assist, you are always in control of the agent mode experience. The agent never acts blindly. Before modifying any code, it presents a detailed plan, outlining the files and summarizing all proposed changes for your final approval.
You can review the agent’s plan, ask for clarification, suggest alternative approaches and approve or deny any change. This collaborative loop combines the speed and scale of AI with your domain expertise and architectural vision. It ensures the final result is not just functional but is precisely what you intended.
And for added peace of mind, the June update introduced the ability to revert to a checkpoint. If you accept a series of suggestions and find they aren’t quite right, you can easily roll back all affected files to their state before the changes were applied, encouraging fearless experimentation.
Last month, we released an update giving you more granular control over context. Code Assist now automatically enforces your .gitignore and lets you create a .aiexlude file to ignore sensitive or legacy code. Conversely, you can focus the chat on specific code snippets for more precise questions. You can also now attach terminal output directly to the chat to ask about commands or debug errors, eliminating the need to copy-paste logs.
These features give you precise control over the signal-to-noise ratio. By excluding irrelevant files and focusing on specific snippets or terminal logs, you get faster, more accurate and more relevant answers, dramatically speeding up debugging and analysis.
We’ve also made the chat experience more responsive and intuitive. For better readability, code suggestions now appear in clean preview blocks, which you can configure to be collapsed or expanded. Navigating your project is also easier, as filenames Code Assist mentions in chat are now clickable links that instantly open in your editor.
For long responses, the chat now scrolls automatically as Gemini Code Assist types, though you can disable this if you prefer. And if you ever ask a question and realize it was the wrong one, or the response is taking too long, you can now stop the in-progress chat response immediately, saving you time and frustration.
These refinements make Gemini Code Assist smoother and more efficient to use. You spend less time scrolling, parsing text and manually navigating files, allowing you to stay in a state of flow and focus on what matters most: solving problems.
Try Gemini Code Assist for free, and learn more about our recent updates in our release notes.
Your information will be used in accordance with Google’s privacy policy.
Done. Just one step more.
Check your inbox to confirm your subscription.
You are already subscribed to our newsletter.
You can also subscribe with a different email address .
Let’s stay in touch. Get the latest news from Google in your inbox.
Follow Us

source

Instagram’s Google Integration: Transforming Travel Marketing Strategies – Image Credit Unsplash+   

Instagram’s integration with Google search is reshaping travel marketing by allowing public posts to be indexed, thus merging social media with search engine optimization strategies.

As of July 10, 2025, Instagram has initiated a significant shift in the digital marketing landscape by allowing public posts from professional accounts to be indexed by Google. This move transforms Instagram from a closed social platform into a searchable content hub, with profound implications for the travel industry. The integration is not just a technical enhancement; it represents a strategic realignment that could redefine how travel companies approach marketing and consumer engagement.
The Visual Revolution in Travel Discovery
Instagram has long been a pivotal tool in travel discovery, evolving from a simple photo-sharing app to a dynamic platform akin to a real-time travel magazine. Visual storytelling has become the primary mode of inspiration and decision-making in travel, and Instagram’s integration with Google search amplifies this trend. By indexing Instagram content, travel companies can now leverage their posts to compete directly with traditional web pages and AI-generated content in search results.
Key Recommendations for Travel Companies
With Instagram content now part of Google’s search ecosystem, travel companies must rethink their content strategies. Here are two critical recommendations:
1. Transform Instagram Posts into Search-Optimized Mini-Landing Pages
Travel companies should treat each Instagram post as a potential search result, focusing on “search-intent-driven storytelling.” This involves optimizing captions, alt text, and videos to align with search queries. For instance, instead of generic captions, posts should answer specific user questions, thus functioning like mini-landing pages.
2. Develop an Integrated Social-SEO Content Strategy
A unified content strategy that addresses both social engagement and search intent is crucial. This requires collaboration between social media and SEO teams to create content that is both visually engaging and optimized for search. Prioritizing educational content, such as how-to guides and local insights, can provide genuine value to potential travelers.
Beneficiaries of the New Landscape
The integration particularly benefits businesses adept at visual storytelling. Two categories stand out:
1. The Boutique Hotel Renaissance
Boutique hotels, with their authentic and unique content, can now compete more effectively with large hotel chains in search results. The integration levels the playing field, allowing smaller properties to leverage their distinctive storytelling to attract travelers.
2. Adventure Tourism and Experience Providers
Companies offering experiential travel, such as adventure tours and unique local experiences, are poised to benefit significantly. Their visually compelling content, which captures memorable moments, can now appear in relevant search queries, enhancing visibility and engagement.
The Role of Social Media in Future Travel Marketing
Looking forward, the integration of Instagram with Google search marks the beginning of a broader convergence between social media and search engines. As AI-powered tools evolve, the distinction between social platforms and traditional search will continue to blur. Travel companies that adapt to this new reality by optimizing content for both engagement and search will be well-positioned for success.
In the emerging “credibility economy,” AI systems are increasingly evaluating and synthesizing content from diverse sources. User-generated content from social media platforms serves as a powerful credibility signal. Travel brands that create content that is both emotionally engaging and informationally valuable will thrive in this new paradigm.
Instagram’s integration with Google search represents a transformative shift in travel marketing, merging social media engagement with search engine optimization. Travel companies that embrace this change, optimizing their content for both platforms, will lead the way in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. As the lines between social media, traditional search, and AI engines blur, the ability to create credible, engaging content will be key to long-term success.
Discover more at PhocusWire.
Click here to join your colleagues and stay up to date on the latest hotel news and trends.
Copyright © Hotel News Resource & Nevistas | All rights reserved.

source

Google Map of a Lagos street
Google Maps has updated its database to reflect the renaming of 24 streets by the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA) of Lagos State.
A memo authorising the renaming was originally issued in 2024, although the exact date remains unknown. The memo signed by unnamed “council manager” resurfaced on social media in July 2025 and quickly went viral.
“This is to notify the general public that the old names of the aforementioned streets have been revoked… the names have been replaced with new ones,” the document stated.
An X user who posted the memo also shared Google Maps screenshots reflecting the new names of the affected streets in the area.
On Thursday, a check by PREMIUM TIMES confirmed that Google Maps has already effected the changes, showing the newly assigned street names.
With the changes, Imo Eze Street is now Layiwola Oluwa Street, George Street has become Daddy Showkey Street—in honour of the famous Ajegunle-born musician— and Queens Street is now Kola Balogun Street. Other renamed roads include Kirikiri Road, now Moruf Oyekunle Road, and Uzoh Street, now Kalejaiye Adeboye Street.
The full list, which sparked ethnic exclusion controversy and concerns about due process, saw many Igbo names replaced with Yoruba names.
Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you.
Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation.
Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories —no paywalls, just quality journalism.
Some residents have expressed dismay over the disproportionate number of streets previously with Igbo names affected by the name change.
“We were not informed or consulted about the renaming,” said Mr Agu, a resident of the former Uzoh Street who has lived in the area for over 40 years. “Adjusting to these new names will not be easy. This feels like an erasure of our presence.”
The lack of public engagement, residents argue, has left many confused and alienated.
The development comes amid growing calls in Lagos to review colonial-era place names. In 2020, the Lagos State House of Assembly passed a motion, urging the renaming of streets and monuments named after colonial figures.
Lawmakers asked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct relevant ministries to remove “all vestiges of colonialism and slave trade” from public infrastructure.
Lawyers and social commentators are divided on the matter.
Olukoya Ogungbeje, a Lagos-based lawyer, supported the move, saying it reflects national pride and preserves cultural heritage.
“It’s a patriotic effort to celebrate our own heroes,” he said.
But Ebun Adegboruwa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), opposed it, describing the effort as “emotional” and lacking constitutional basis.
“Street naming falls under local government authority. The House of Assembly has no legal power to interfere,” he said.

Want more fans to actually find your music? This easy-to-follow musician’s guide to SEO shows you how get noticed online and grow an audience.

by Randi Zimmerman via Symphonic Blog
Good SEO is what gets your music in front of fans looking for artists in your genre, the name of that song stuck in their head, or upcoming shows nearby. It’s an undeniably effective tool for growing your audience, especially for independent artists, and that’s why we’re breaking down everything you need to know to utilize it for yourself. ⚡️ From what it is and why it’s important to how to apply it to your own online strategy, let’s dive in…
Search Engine Optimization is what helps content show up higher in search results on platforms like Google and YouTube, but also streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, etc. For artists specifically, it’s not just about ranking, it’s about discoverability. Whether someone is searching for your lyrics, trying to remember the name of your latest release, or looking for new artists in a specific genre, good SEO is what helps your name appear in those moments.
Whenever you publish something online, like a track description, YouTube video, bio, or website, you’re giving search engines clues about who you are and what you do. So, the clearer you can make these clues, the easier it’ll be for listeners to find you.
Easy as that.
Not sure where to begin? Start with what you already have. Your artist bio, track descriptions, and YouTube captions are all great places to work in keywords to boost your visibility. Not just on Google, but also within platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
📚 Artist Bios: These show up everywhere: your website, streaming profiles (Spotify for Artists, Apple Music for Artists), press kits, and social platforms like Instagram or TikTok. (And with public IG posts starting to appear in Google results, it’s one more reason to be intentional about how you describe yourself.) Make sure you use clear, descriptive language that includes your genre, location, and musical style. For example, instead of “just vibes,” try something like “Chicago-based R&B artist blending neo-soul and electronic influences.”
✍️ Track Descriptions: You’ll find these in your DSP backends like Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, and SoundCloud, plus in social media posts. Describe the song’s theme, mood, collaborators, and include keywords people might search for, like “melancholy indie pop breakup song” or “summer reggaeton anthem.” In addition, make sure to fill out all metadata fields like genre, mood, instrumentation, and language. (These details influence how your music gets recommended by these platforms, and even surfaced by voice assistants like Siri or Alexa when someone asks to play your track.)
🎬 YouTube Captions: YouTube is a massive search engine, and its algorithm reads your video titles, descriptions, and tags. Add your lyrics, artist bio, links to your socials, and searchable terms related to the video.
Even small changes make your content easier for search engines (and fans) to understand. You don’t have to overdo it, just be specific and intentional with the info you give each platform.
Google is typically the first place someone goes when they’re curious to learn more about an artist. Optimizing how your name shows up in these search results can help you reach more fans and build credibility in the industry. How can you do that? Great question!
By keeping these areas updated and connected, you’re making it easier for both fans and search engines to find accurate, relevant information about you. This simple groundwork not only boosts your online presence but also helps grow your audience organically.
Your website is one of the only places where you have full control, making it an important piece of your SEO strategy! At the very minimum, make sure each page on your site has a clear title and meta description. These are those little snippets that show up in Google search results, so they need to be accurate, relevant, and really reflect who you are as an artist. Something like, “(Your Name) | Official Website” and a short line about your music or a recent release goes a long way.
For example, here’s how the title and meta description for our company website show up with a quick Google search:

Next, it’s important you work in keywords across your website that fans may be searching for, like your genre, hometown, song titles, or phrases like “new single” or “2025 tour dates”. Put these into your page copy, headlines, image alt text, and anywhere else it makes sense to you.
Lastly… backlinks matter! These are the links from other websites that point back to your website. The more reputable sites that link to your page, the more trustworthy your site looks to Google. (As a good rule of thumb:include your website in every bio you write, and whenever you’re featured in a publication or guest post, ask them to include a link.)
You don’t need to be an SEO expert to make smart moves. There are tons of free (or relatively cheap) tools that can help you find the right keywords, track what people are searching for, and figure out how to improve your visibility.
Google Trends is great for spotting rising search terms over time. With it, you can compare interest in different keywords, see seasonal patterns, and stay ahead of what’s gaining momentum in your genre or region. Keywords Everywhere is a browser extension that shows you search volume and related keywords as you browse Google or YouTube. Ubersuggest is another free tool that shows you suggestions, search volume, competition level, and even gives you content ideas based on what people are searching for in your niche.
“The first step in any SEO project, whether for musicians or otherwise, is keyword research,” writes Dayna Young (Founder of Fred & Augustus, FANDA, and music marketer of 10+ years). She continues, “To best structure your website, content, and online presence, you need to know what people are searching for about your artist brand. This means conducting research into your personal artist keywords, building a master list of those keywords, and then applying those keywords to your online strategy.”
Tools like these can give you insight into how your fans (and potential new fans) are searching online. Once you know what people are looking for, you can start shaping your content and strategy around it.
Successful SEO isn’t about chasing algorithms, it’s about making your content easier to find for the people who are already looking for it. Start with the things you can control, stay consistent with them, and utilize the tools at your disposal until SEO becomes second nature. The more intentional you are about how you show up online, the easier it becomes for the right people to find you. You never know who’s looking at your work… they might just be your next biggest fan.
Good luck!

With the internet and digital technologies driving rapid change within the music industry, articles about new releases and who has been hired and fired are no longer enough. Our up to the minute industry news alongside insightful commentary helps our readers sift through the rumors and developments to find the information they need to keep their businesses moving forward.
Hypebot is read daily by more than 30,000 music industry professionals including executives and senior staff of music related tech firms, internet based music sites, every major label group and most indies as well as many managers, artists and members of the live music community:
Contact us for the latesst stats, ad rates and sponosorship opportunites. We also offer combined rates with MusicThinkTank.
“I swear by Hypebot every morning over breakfast.”
Derek Sivers
Founder, CD Baby
“Hypebot is the most focused music business centric resource we have.”
Celia Hirschman
One Little Indian, Downtown Marketing & KCRW-FM
“Well done.”
Seth Godin
Marketing guru

source