The Sunday Scroll - Issue #1

Issue #1 7/20/25

EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Here’s what’s new in the digital world this week: From Google’s latest move to index Instagram content, to YouTube tightening the rules on AI-generated videos, and a big leadership shake up at X. These updates could shape how we create, share, and discover content online.

Read on to get the breakdown.

📰Breaking: Instagram Content Now Discoverable on Google

Instagram has started allowing professional accounts (Creators and Business profiles) to have their public content indexed by Google. This means posts, Reels, and even some profile info can appear directly in Google Search results, similar to how TikTok and X (Twitter) posts do.

⚙️ How does it work?

• You must have a Professional Account (Creator or Business).

• Your profile and posts must be public (private accounts won’t be indexed).

• Google indexes it gradually, so not every post shows up immediately.

• Instagram likely uses structured data to feed Google the right info.

🚀 Why does this matter?

1️⃣ More discoverability: Your Instagram content isn’t stuck inside the app anymore. If someone Googles your name, brand, or relevant keywords, your IG posts can show up.

2️⃣ Better SEO opportunities: You can optimize captions, alt text, hashtags, and profile bios for relevant keywords. Google will crawl them just like it does with web pages.

3️⃣ More referral traffic: If people find your Instagram posts via Google, they’re more likely to follow you or visit your website and/or store.

📰Leadership Shakeup: Linda Yaccarino Resigns as X’s CEO

On July 9, 2025, Yaccarino posted on X: “After two incredible years, I’ve decided to step down as CEO of X,” praising the team and their business turnaround. Musk replied with a simple “Thank you for your contributions,” with no indication of next steps.

🧭 Why Now?

• Ongoing Struggles with Advertisers: Yaccarino, an NBCUniversal alum, was charged with reviving ad revenue after ad boycotts hit under Musk’s management. Though she reclaimed 96% of top advertisers, ad sales remain far below pre-Musk levels.

• Clashing Leadership Styles: Many industry insiders suggest she was set up to fail. Musk retained decision-making power, and her authority was limited.

• AI Model Controversies: Just before her exit, the company's AI’s chatbot Grok spewed antisemitic content praising Hitler. While Yaccarino’s departure wasn’t directly attributed to this, it underscored the ongoing trust challenges.

🔮 What’s Next

• Vacancy at the Top: No successor has been named; Musk is likely to consolidate further control or appoint a lower-profile leader.

• Brand Safety Concerns: Advertisers remain cautious. The Grok incident may cause renewed scrutiny and potential ad pullbacks.

• Platform Evolution: X continues expanding under the AI acquisition. The path forward appearing to be tying AI deeper into its features.

📰YouTube’s New Monetization Rules: No Pay for AI Slop and Repetitive Content

YouTube has just updated its monetization rules under the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), effective July 15, 2025, to better identify and curb “inauthentic” (formerly “repetitious”) content.

🔍 What’s Changing

• Renamed policy: The “repetitious content” policy is now called “inauthentic content", making it clearer that mass produced, spam like videos aren’t eligible for monetization.

• Stricter scope: Using AI and human reviewers, YouTube is ramping up detection to flag content made with minimal human input or high-volume template based uploads.

✅ What’s Still Allowed

Creators can still monetize:

• Reaction videos, compilations, commentaries, and AI-assisted content IF they add substantial personal insight, narrative, context, or creative edits.

• AI tools to enhance storytelling (autodubbing, Dreamscreen, etc.) are fine so long as content remains original and human guided.

🎯 Why This Matters

• Viewer experience: YouTube wants to reduce low-quality, automated content that frustrates audiences.

• Advertiser trust: Ensuring ads appear next to genuine creative work upholds brand safety.

• Platform integrity: As AI-made “slop” proliferates, YouTube needs to reinforce the importance of authentic human creativity.