The TikTok Saga: How It Changes The Game For Financial Advisors

Everyone’s talking about TikTok. Will it get banned? Will Microsoft buy it? Will it be forced to spin off?

Honestly, no one knows for sure. But here’s what we do know: whether TikTok survives or not, video isn’t going anywhere.

And if you’re not using video to engage your clients, you’re already behind.

Let’s talk about what’s happening, why it matters for financial professionals, and how you can use it to your advantage.

TikTok Might Disappear—But Short-Form Video is Only Getting Bigger

Here’s a quick recap:

• Microsoft is in talks to acquire TikTok’s U.S. operations. If they do, expect some changes.

• If the deal doesn’t happen, TikTok could be banned in the U.S. That means 170 million users suddenly looking for a new platform.

• Even if TikTok stays, social media is shifting. Platforms are already making moves to compete.

💡 What this means for you: The short-form video explosion isn’t slowing down—it’s accelerating.

• LinkedIn just added a dedicated video tab to compete with TikTok, Shorts, and Reels.

• Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube are prioritizing short-form video in their algorithms and increasing maximum video length to attract more creators.

• Every social platform is pushing video harder than ever. If you’re not doing it, you’re losing visibility.

Why Financial Professionals Need to Pay Attention

“My clients are adults, nearing retirement. They’re not scrolling social media and watching TikToks.”

I hear this all the time.

And I get it—if your clients are 55+, they might not be on TikTok. But do you know where they are spending time?

🔹 Facebook. Still the #1 social platform for 50+ adults.
🔹 LinkedIn. Professionals and business owners checking in daily.
🔹 YouTube. The top video platform for all age groups, including retirees.

My 67-year-old dad sends my “tiktoks” (reels on Instagram and Facebook) daily. He gravitates to the videos because his algorithm feeds him things that inspire him and teach him new skills.

People aren’t just using social media for entertainment anymore. They’re using it to learn.

• 78% of Gen Z & Millennials get investment advice from social media.

• 50% of Americans trust financial info from social media more than other sources.

• Short-form video is becoming the #1 way people consume news and financial content.

Here’s the problem: A lot of what’s out there is bad information.

TikTok and Instagram are filled with so-called “finfluencers” giving questionable advice. AI-generated content is growing at an insane rate. And people are looking for trusted, human voices to help them navigate financial decisions.

This is where you come in.

Financial professionals have the opportunity to be the go-to trusted source. But if you’re only posting text updates while streamers buying fartcoin dominate the video space, you’re losing potential clients to bad advice.

The solution? Start creating video content in a way that fits your brand and expertise.

How to Talk About Finance in a Way That Works on Social Media

So, you know video is important. But how do you make it work for finance without sounding boring—or worse, coming off like a clickbait influencer?

1. Keep it Human, Not Stock-Market-Centric

Most of your audience doesn’t naturally care about “market movements” or “economic indicators.” Your advanced clients who do care about those things don’t need you for that information. You want to reach the people who aren’t comfortable navigating the Wall Street Journal or watching CNBC. They care about what those things mean for their home, job, business, or savings - not market expectations.

✅ Instead of this: “Accelerating wage growth sent markets lower.”
🚀 Say this instead: “Good news! Wages are rising. But why do markets freak out when that happens? Because investors worry rising wages could fuel more inflation. Let’s break it down….”

Make it relatable. Tie everything back to real-life impact.

2. Short, Simple, and to the Point

Most people won’t sit through a 5-minute breakdown of CPI data. But they’ll watch a 30-90 second clip if it’s engaging.

✅ Start with a strong hook—a surprising stat, a bold statement, or a question.
✅ Keep it clear and conversational. No jargon. No complicated charts.
✅ If you can explain it over coffee with a friend, you can explain it on video.

3. Consistency > Virality

You don’t need to go viral. You just need to show up consistently.

✅ Post 2-3 short videos per week.
✅ Repurpose them for LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and Reels.
✅ Use a simple CTA. “Follow for more” or “Subscribe for weekly financial updates.”

The goal isn’t to be a TikTok star. It’s to make sure that when someone in your network needs financial guidance, you’re the person they think of first.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line? Whether TikTok survives or not, short-form video is here to stay.

All major platforms are pushing it. Algorithms are favoring it. And financial professionals who get ahead of this trend will dominate online visibility and trust.

You don’t need fancy equipment or a viral strategy. You just need to show up, keep it simple, and make financial concepts human and relatable.

If you’re not sure where to start, just film a 60-second take on a financial topic you already talk about every day. Post it. Learn as you go.

And if you need help making content effortlessly? Schedule a quick demo today.