What's Current //
Real vs. AI-Generated Videos For Marketing
Nearly 78% of consumers say they trust videos featuring real people, according to research from video creation platform Animoto. That preference holds even as AI-generated video tools flood the market and brands race to produce more content faster.
The Cost of Starting a Business in 2026
The share of business owners launching with over $500,000 in startup capital jumped to 31.6%, up from 27.5% in 2025. Notably, the $1 million+ category rose 3.6 points — a clear signal that the cost of entry into many industries, particularly food service, retail, and franchising, continues to escalate.
How "Trust" Drives Influencer Marketing
Consumers are increasingly turning to creators for inspiration and validation before buying, and trust is a significant factor. In fact, according to the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, 58 percent of respondents said they trust influencers to give accurate information about a brand, similar to the trust they place in journalists and company CEOs.
Boomers are Transforming the Beauty Industry
The boomer age group – born between 1946 to 1964 – are the ideal beauty consumer due to a number of factors – an ageing generation who purchase based on efficacy and loyalty rather than chasing trends, and with a higher disposable income than their Gen Z and millennial counterparts.
