In today’s Digest, we cover AI summaries on Google Discover raising publisher concerns, Omnicom topping estimates on APAC strength but seeing its profitability decline, and generative AI adoption in video ads soaring. 

AI Summaries on Google Discover Raise Publisher Concerns

Google has begun rolling out AI-generated summaries in Discover, its main news feed within the Google Search app on iOS and Android. This has prompted renewed concern among publishers already grappling with declining referral traffic. The new feature replaces headlines with a carousel of publisher logos in the top-left corner accompanied by publications with AI-generated story briefs. 

Summaries are clearly labelled as AI generated, with a disclaimer noting that AI can make mistakes. The feature is rolling out on iOS and Android in the US, focused on trending lifestyle topics such as sports and entertainment. Google says the update is designed to help users more easily decide which pages to visit.

Omnicom Tops Estimates on APAC Strength but Sees Profitability Decline

Omnicom has reported organic growth of  3.0% for Q2 of 2025, with total revenue up 4.2% year-on-year to USD$4.02bn (£3.10bn). Asia Pacific led growth across regions, with a 6.5% organic lift outpacing the US and major developed markets.

The group’s core media and advertising businesses led performance with 8.2% global growth, followed by precision marketing (+5.0%) and experiential (+2.9%). Weaknesses were noted in PR (–9.3%), healthcare (–4.9%), and retail commerce (–16.9%).

Despite the topline growth, profitability declined. Operating income fell 13.9% to US$439.2m, impacted by USD$66m (£51.2m) in mergers and acquisitions related expenses and USD$88.8m (£66.3m) in restructuring costs tied to its pending merger with Interpublic Group (IPG). Net income dropped 21.5% year-on-year.

Omnicom CEO John Wren said, “Our continued investment in our innovative operating platform, Omni, is driving superior business outcomes for our clients while enhancing operational efficiency across our organisation.”

Wren and his team pointed to macroeconomic shifts, the pending IPG acquisition, and accelerated AI deployment as key drivers of Omnicom’s performance and competitive positioning.

Gen AI Adoption of Video Ads Nears 90%, IAB Finds

According to the IAB’s “2025 Digital Video Ad Spend & Strategy Full Report”, generative AI is fast becoming a standard tool in video ad production, with 86% of buyers currently using or planning to use it to build creatives. Conducted with Advertiser Perceptions and Guidelines, the report outlines how generative AI is reshaping ad production, what advertisers are demanding from CTV and live sports, the focus on business outcomes, and more. 

David Cohen, CEO, IAB said “The pool of potential advertisers is growing, as it is easier than ever to plan, buy, optimise and creatively connect with consumers utilizing new technologies across all forms of media.”

Buyers estimate that gen AI-driven creative will account for 40% of all video ads by 2026, with adoption led by small and mid-sized brands seeking to scale quickly without large production budgets.