Morning Consult vs YouGov

Amex Partners with Harry Styles for Fan Experiences

American Express is expanding its music fandom strategy by partnering with Harry Styles on his 'Together, Together' tour and album, offering card members exclusive presale tickets, merchandise, album release events, and a global sweepstakes. The partnership includes album pop-ups across 16 cities and aligns with Styles' 30-show residency at Madison Square Garden. Amex has previously worked with artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish, aiming to deepen emotional connections with card members by leveraging fandom. Research cited shows 92% of music fans want deeper artist connections, and over 70% of engagement comes from Gen Z and millennials. The strategy focuses on authentic collaborations with artists' teams rather than simple logo placements.

• American Express partners with Harry Styles for his 'Together, Together' tour and album, offering card members exclusive presale tickets, merchandise, and pop-up events across 16 cities.
• The partnership includes a global sweepstakes across 26 countries to win tickets and a trip to see Harry Styles on tour.
• Amex's music fandom strategy previously included artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Gracie Abrams, Billie Eilish, Kacey Musgraves, and Tate McRae.

Charting the Growth in Sports Betting

New article from Morning Consult on sports betting statistics.

How Brands Are Putting Morning Consult’s AI Connector to Work

Books Remain Popular, Social Media Gains as Inspiration Source

A YouGov study reveals that books remain a staple of leisure in Germany, with 20.8 million people purchasing books in the first half of 2026. While personal recommendations (42%) and bookstores (39%) are still top sources for discovering new titles, social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are growing in influence, cited by 25% of all respondents and 46% of Gen Z. According to YouGov Shopper, social media drove 7% of book sales in 2025. AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot are also emerging for book recommendations, used by 6% overall and 20% of Gen Z. Among AI users, 80% have turned to these suggestions at least twice in the past year. The study highlights a shift in discovery channels, with digital platforms increasingly competing with traditional ones.

• 20.8 million people in Germany bought books in H1 2026.
• Social media influenced 7% of book sales in 2025, per YouGov Shopper.
• 46% of Gen Z discover books via social media, versus 25% overall.

10-Q Financial Filing Analysis for YouGov (2026-08-05)

Clear Secure, Inc. (operating under ticker YOU) reported strong financial and operational results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026. Consolidated revenue reached $277.8 million, representing a 26.6% year-over-year expansion driven by a 15% increase in Active CLEAR+ Members to 8.33 million alongside pricing adjustments across its membership tiers. Operating income grew 94.9% to $83.0 million, generating an operating margin of 29.9% and net income attributable to Clear Secure of $50.05 million, fueled by operating leverage across direct labor and administrative functions. The company maintained high cash generation, generating $201.2 million in operating cash flow and $189.0 million in Free Cash Flow for the quarter. Growth was reinforced by Total Bookings expanding 33% to $295.9 million. Additionally, the company extended its credit facility maturity to 2031, renewed its strategic partnership with American Express, and declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share.

• Q2 2026 revenue increased 26.6% year-over-year to $277.76 million, with operating income expanding 94.9% to $82.95 million.
• Total CLEAR Members reached 43.50 million (up 30% YoY), while Active CLEAR+ Members reached 8.33 million (up 15% YoY).
• Generated Free Cash Flow of $188.98 million for Q2 2026 ($374.47 million for H1 2026) and maintained $959.27 million in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities as of June 30, 2026.

Making OOH advertising accessible benefits all brands

This article discusses the importance of accessibility in Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising, highlighting that inclusive creative can reach wider audiences and improve brand perception. It cites research showing that many Britons notice OOH ads frequently, and that a significant portion take action after seeing them. The author, Jonathan Hassell, emphasizes that ignoring accessibility risks excluding disabled, neurodivergent, and older consumers who have substantial spending power. Key recommendations include using high contrast colors and clear typography, being mindful of photosensitive triggers like certain colors or patterns, and adding closed captions to video ads. The article also showcases examples like Bupa's Paralympic campaign and HSBC's mural project that successfully implemented accessible features. Overall, accessibility is framed not just as a compliance issue but as a creative and business opportunity to broaden reach and strengthen brand loyalty.

• 34% of Britons notice OOH advertising several times a week, and 28% notice it at least once a day.
• 21% of UK respondents have researched a product after seeing an OOH ad, and 19% discussed the brand.
• Digital OOH accounts for 67% of the industry's annual revenue according to Outsmart.