Bonded Bitesize – Your Midweek Roundup

As of early January 2026, the UK has implemented a nationwide ban on junk food advertising on TV before 9 pm and online at all times in a bid to curb childhood obesity. The rules, enforced by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), target products high in fat, sugar and salt, and follow voluntary industry compliance since late 2025. Although critics argue some “healthy” items are also restricted and brand-only ads are still permitted, advertisers are having to rethink seasonal campaigns and redirect spend to less-regulated channels such as outdoor media.

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Internal documents reviewed by Reuters reveal that Meta (Facebook & Instagram) developed a strategic “playbook” aimed at managing regulatory pressure over scam advertising rather than fully solving the issue. The guidelines were designed to delay mandatory advertiser verification and make scam ads less visible in regulatory tools like Meta’s Ad Library. While the company claims it is taking action, critics say this approach prioritises revenue over platform safety. This highlights escalating tensions between regulators and social platforms over advertising transparency and fraud.

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Ofcom’s latest report shows UK adults spending an average of 51 minutes per day watching YouTube across devices  which highlights the platform’s dominant role within the digital video landscape. With around 94% of adults accessing YouTube and users spending 4.5 hours daily online overall, digital platforms continue to take share from traditional broadcasters. The data reinforces why planners should treat YouTube and similar on-demand video formats as a cornerstone of video advertising strategies.

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New figures show Reddit has overtaken TikTok to become the fourth most visited social media platform in the UK, with around 60% of internet users now engaging with the site, which is up from about a third in 2023. This surge has been driven in part by changes to Google search algorithms that promote forum-style content and growing appeal to Gen Z users seeking deeper discussions and community insights. For advertisers and media planners, this shift underscores how search influences social discovery, and suggests Reddit is becoming not just a community hub but a viable channel for brand reach and niche audience targeting.

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ITV has agreed to invest up to £3 million in The Body Coach fitness app, through its media-for-equity fund (ITV AdVentures Invest). The deal includes advertising support on ITV and ITVX channels, starting with a high-visibility TV spot on 1 January 2026. This media-for-equity approach allows ITV to directly support growth-stage businesses with brand exposure in exchange for equity, while offering innovative routes to commercial returns. For media buyers and planners, such deals showcase how broadcasters are blending traditional ad inventory with strategic investment models that align media exposure with startup scaling.

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