Ä¢¹½AV

The news: A study commissioned by UK Bank TSB found that 55% of people who acted on financial advice found on social media lost money. This highlights the substantial risk associated with such advice and a real opportunity for banks to build brand trust online. Our take: Financial institutions (FIs) have a role to play in dispelling financial misinformation on social media. In addition, they have a chance to build trust with young social media users, especially when responding to viral trends with facts and informing consumers whether they should take the steps recommended in viral videos. Responding to viral trends in a meaningful way can boost brand awareness and cause social media users to turn to an FI first, before their favorite influencers.

The news: A Sprout Social report found that 41% of Gen Z turns to social platforms first for finding information, ahead of search engines (32%), AI chatbots (11%), and friends and family (9%). In an exclusive conversation with Ä¢¹½AV, Thomas Markland, founder of creator company HYDP, discussed the shift and the need for brands to adopt a social-first strategy. Our take: As social media users, especially younger generations, increasingly turn to social for product discovery, brands that are willing to adapt and are strategic with their creator partnerships stand to gain most.

The news: Reddit published a report Thursday highlighting its increasing relevance for advertisers as social media users gain trust in the platform for purchase decisions. Reddit routinely delivers promising ad results. Adding Reddit to ad campaigns leads to $6.94 higher incremental ROAS across channels. Our take: Despite lingering brand hesitancy to adopt Reddit as a core advertising channel, the platform is increasingly becoming a reliable source that promises high returns—making it a key part of an effective campaign for advertisers who know how to navigate it.