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From Google Policy Change Deprecates 'Explore More' Product, Affecting Taboola

How could the Google policy change deprecating 'explore more' affect Microsoft?

Possible What happens if… A possibility worth considering, not a forecast.

Microsoft's ad revenue may face pressure from Google policy shift Since Taboola serves display ads on Microsoft properties like Outlook and MSN, a reduction in Taboola's revenue or operational effectiveness could lead to decreased demand for ad space on Microsoft platforms. This could potentially translate into reduced ad revenue or changes in the partnership dynamics for Microsoft.

Reported by 2 independent outlets Written Tuesday
Effect
Mild negative
How direct
Brind's reasoning
When
Within weeks
The story
No new developments lately

How it reaches Microsoft

Reported by news outletsBrind's reasoning

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The facts so far

As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.

  • Taboola's second quarter revenue came in at $476.8 million against guidance of $492 to $505 million.gazettextra.com
  • The Google policy change that deprecated the 'explore more' product was cited as a second headwind for Taboola.gazettextra.com
  • Taboola operates as an advertising partner, serving display ads on Microsoft's properties like Outlook and MSN.gazettextra.com

Why it matters

For Microsoft, which relies heavily on digital advertising revenue across its properties like Outlook and MSN, any instability or reduction in demand from major advertising partners like Taboola is a direct concern. The stability of these partnerships is key to maintaining consistent revenue streams and growth targets.

Taboola itself is a major player in the digital advertising space, competing with platforms like Google. Its financial health is closely watched by investors, as evidenced by the securities class action filed against the company regarding its Q2 2026 revenue miss and guidance cuts.

What we don't know yet

  • Will Taboola seek alternative advertising partners to offset the revenue loss from the Google policy change?
  • How much of Taboola's total ad spend is allocated to Microsoft properties?

Is this still moving?

No new developments lately
Reports
2
Developments
1
Repetition
50%

What would change this answer

Taboola announces a significant reduction in its ad spending budgetThis would confirm a strong negative impact on Microsoft's ad revenue from this partnership.
Taboola successfully diversifies its revenue streams or finds new high-quality publisher inventoryThe negative effect on Microsoft's ad demand could be mitigated or reversed.

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The full eventGoogle Policy Change Deprecates 'Explore More' Product, Affecting Taboola Everything aboutMicrosoft

Brind's analysis is written by AI from the reporting linked above and can be wrong. This explainer is a possibility worth considering, not a forecast: steps marked as Brind's reasoning are not stated in the reporting. It is not investment advice; do your own research.