Streets Ahead: TikTok Returns, Google AI-Powered Q&A

In this week’s Streets Ahead update, SOCi discusses the return of TikTok and a new AI-powered Google feature for local answers.

TikTok Returns to App Stores Amid Uncertainty

The News After weeks of being unavailable for new downloads, TikTok is back in Apple and Google app stores. From January 19 until last week, new users were unable to install the app after both companies removed it. However, following assurances from the new administration, the app has been reinstated. According to Bloomberg, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi sent letters to Apple and Google confirming that the ban “would not immediately be enforced.”

Despite its uncertain future in the U.S., TikTok continues to expand its offerings. The latest addition is Automotive Ads, a new suite of ad formats designed for auto manufacturers and local dealers. These purpose-built, templated ads allow brands to reach consumers across different stages of the purchase funnel, from national branding to localized dealer inventory promotions.

Even as regulatory challenges loom, TikTok remains focused on innovation in advertising and eCommerce.

Why This Matters TikTok’s return to app stores signals a temporary win for the platform, but its long-term fate in the U.S. remains uncertain. The decision to allow downloads again suggests regulators are open to a resolution rather than enforcing an immediate ban. However, with the 75-day extension set to expire on April 5, questions linger about potential policy shifts.

At the same time, TikTok isn’t slowing down. By continuing to roll out new features—like Automotive Ads—it’s proving its commitment to growth and innovation despite regulatory challenges. For brands and advertisers, this means TikTok remains a powerful platform for audience engagement, but staying agile and informed is key as the situation evolves.

Google’s AI-Powered Local Q&A Expands Across Mobile Search

The News Google has begun broadly rolling out a new AI-driven feature in Search, enhancing how users discover business details. When searching for a business by name, a new section titled “Learn Something Specific” now appears beneath “Popular Times,” offering six prepopulated questions like “Are dogs allowed?” and “What are some popular dishes?” This feature, currently mobile-only, carries the label “Generative AI is experimental.”

Expanding each question reveals AI-generated answers, often accompanied by photos and a carousel of links to first-party and third-party sources. For example, a bar and grill’s Q&A might include “Do they have a full bar?” with an AI-generated response, photos of the bar, and links to the business website, local chamber of commerce, and review sites. Additionally, Google reviews are surfaced when relevant, highlighting key terms like “large bar” or “full menu of drinks.”

Users can also pose their own questions, like “Do they have vegan options?” and receive an AI-powered response pulled from sources such as city guides, with a disclaimer: “Based on Google data: Local info is compiled from a variety of sources.” The feature mirrors Google Maps’ recently launched “Ask Maps” function.

While this AI Q&A is available in mobile search for various business categories—including restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, beauty salons, and service franchises—it is currently absent for large retail chains, smaller retailers, grocery stores, moving companies, and florists. On desktop, the traditional Google Q&A section remains, offering community-driven responses rather than AI-generated insights.

As Google continues refining its AI-powered local search experience, businesses should monitor how these updates impact customer engagement and visibility.

Why This Matters The shift is clear: Google Q&A is being phased out in favor of a more advanced, AI-powered alternative. Businesses should take note of the common questions appearing in this new section of their profiles, as it’s likely to gain far more traction than its predecessor. To stay ahead, companies should optimize key sources Google pulls from—especially Google Business Profiles, official websites, and top third-party sites. Ensuring accurate, easily accessible answers on local landing pages and Google profiles will be essential for visibility and customer engagement.