Local Memo: Instagram Tests AI-Powered Search in Comments, Google Adds Local to AIO, TikTok Updates

Instagram Tests AI-Powered Search in Comments

The News

Instagram is experimenting with an AI-driven search feature integrated directly into the comments section, according to AdWeek. The tool, currently being tested, generates AI-powered search summaries, providing users with relevant contextual information as they browse comments. The feature will generate suggested search prompts based on the content of a post. This allows users to quickly access additional information about a topic without leaving the app. Instead of manually looking up details elsewhere, Instagram will display related search results within the comments section.

Additionally, a Google search tab is available for those who want to explore further, along with suggested queries. If a search involves locations, Apple Maps provides relevant place-based information.

Why It Matters

AI-generated search summaries are becoming more common across platforms. Companies like Google, Reddit, and TikTok have all introduced AI-powered search tools to keep users engaged. Google has rolled out AI Overviews and is developing an AI Mode, while Reddit has also announced plans to feature AI-driven search summaries at the top of its results.

For Meta, integrating AI search into Instagram could reduce its reliance on external search engines like Google and Microsoft Bing. Reports suggest that Meta is actively working on its own search engine to boost engagement and retain user traffic within its ecosystem.

Google Reintroduces Local Pack to AI Overviews After 2023 Removal

The News 

Google has reintroduced the local pack in its AI Overviews, previously known as the Search Generative Experience (SGE). The local pack was initially available in early versions of SGE but was removed in September 2023 after displaying a five-pack format. Now, it appears to be making a comeback.

Greg Sterling was the first to notice this change, sharing on X that he saw an AI Overview for the query “best fish tacos near me.” Notably, this update is not exclusive to users in the AI Mode beta. However, AI Overviews are only triggered for some local queries whereas others return traditional results. At SOCi, we’ve also seen AIO examples where local results are shown in a different format.

Barry Schwartz shares this photo on Search Engine Roundtable:

Why It Matters

Google’s decision to restore the local pack highlights the importance of local search and maintaining an optimized Google Business Profile. With this feature now integrated into AI Overviews, businesses have a prime opportunity to appear at the top of search results. Ensure your Google Business Profile is complete with accurate details, high-quality photos, and positive reviews.

TikTok’s U.S. Future: Potential Deal Before April 4 Deadline

The News

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which passed into law on January 19, required TikTok to be sold to a U.S.-owned company to address national security concerns. Since that didn’t happen, the app faced removal from the U.S. market. However, when Donald Trump took office on January 20, he granted TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, an additional 75 days to reach an agreement. That deadline is now fast approaching and Vice President J.D. Vance, who is leading negotiations for a resolution, believes a deal will likely be in place before the April 4 extension deadline.

Social Media Today shares this quote reported from the AP: 

“Vice President JD Vance said Friday that he was hopeful a deal to keep TikTok operating in the U.S. will be wrapped up by the early April deadline. ‘There will almost certainly be a high-level agreement that I think satisfies our national security concerns, allows there to be a distinct American TikTok enterprise,’ Vance said in an interview with NBC News abroad Air Force Two.”

While President Trump has mentioned that there are four strong offers for TikTok’s U.S. operations, reports state that Oracle is the government’s preferred partner.

Why It Matters

If an agreement is finalized, TikTok is expected to remain available in the U.S. under a new structure involving Oracle and ByteDance. However, the challenge remains in gaining approval from the Chinese government.

How to Use TikTok’s Creator Search Insights to Boost Your Content

The News

While TikTok Search insights is not a new feature, it is one that is often overlooked. TikTok’s Creator Search Insights is a powerful tool designed to help creators discover trending search topics and optimize their content for visibility. By using this feature, you can identify what people are actively searching for on TikTok, track your post performance in search results, and even spot content gaps to capitalize on. 

To get started, open the TikTok app and tap the Search button, then type “creator search insights” in the search bar and select View at the top of the results. Once inside Creator Search Insights, you can:

• Browse frequently searched topics and discover content ideas that are in demand
• Use filters like Content Gap to find topics with high search volume but low content availability.
• Apply the Searches by Followers filter (available for creators with 1,000+ followers) to see what your audience is searching for.
• Tap on a topic to view its search popularity, related videos, and associated search terms.
• Review overall performance or Inspired Posts to track content you created based on search trends.

Why It Matters

Leveraging TikTok’s search insights allows you to create relevant content that aligns with user search trends, increase discoverability and engagement by targeting high-interest topics and stay ahead of trends by identifying content gaps. By incorporating Creator Search Insights into your content strategy, you can make data-driven decisions that enhance your visibility and engagement on TikTok.