Facebook is helping users to fast track to the most engaging parts of Live Video with a new visual timeline powered by reactions. Facebook claims that the feature will encourage viewers to spend more time with the content they watch on the site and help them to navigate longer streams and video replays more easily.

Google has announced that a new Real Time Search Indexing API is on its way to make it easier for search engine users to find more up-to-date and relevant content and enable publishers to speed up indexing for new articles.

Google is appealing a ruling made by French data regulator CNIL that requires the search engine giant to remove “right to be forgotten” (RTBF) URLs worldwide. Google claims that such a move may result in a “global race to the bottom,” as those with strict censorship policies could force their standards on more liberal countries.

Google has introduced a new visual format for web pages in SERPs called rich cards. The format is an extension of rich snippets and is aimed at giving publishers the ability to enrich how Google displays pages in order to boost engagement on smartphones and tablets.

Instagram is reportedly preparing to launch a new suite of analytics tools called “Insights” for brands and publishers. According to Later, the visual networking site’s offering will focus on follower demographics and post analytics, giving enterprises a better view of who is engaging with their content and how people are doing so.

Google has now officially rolled out product listings ads in image search to make it easier for users to find the products and services they want to buy in SERPs. The launch was announced alongside several other additions that aim to make search more useful for shoppers on smartphones.

American football fans will now be able to watch NFL video content and news in Google Search results following a new deal, which will also include the addition of more “memorable” games and action from each of the 32 teams in the league on YouTube.

Publishers and brands will soon be able to see Google Analytics and Search Console metrics side-by-side in the same report as part of a new major update, which will be rolling out in the coming weeks. This means that users will get a complete overview of how a website is performing in organic search results for the first time.

Amazon is taking on Google’s YouTube with its own “self-service” online video platform for content creators. Amazon Video Direct will enable publishers, brands and other users to upload clips on the platform and earn money via purchases, rentals, subscriptions and advertising.