In an increasingly saturated digital landscape, standing out to Gen Z and future students demands genuine connection, value-driven messaging, and above all, respect for attention. That’s exactly what was explored in Adgen’s recent webinar in partnership with innovative social platform WeAre8.
The session was packed with insights on how higher education marketers can break through the noise and build authentic, purposeful relationships with potential students. Missed it? Don’t worry, we’ve given you the low down right here…
What Is WeAre8, and Why Should Universities Care?
WeAre8 is a revolutionary social media platform built on the principles of choice, safety, sustainability, and social good. Unlike traditional social media, where ads are often intrusive and disruptive, WeAre8 invites users, referred to as ‘citizens’, to opt in to watch brand content. In return, they’re rewarded financially and given the opportunity to support charitable causes, a real pull for those in the Gen Z age bracket.
This opt-in ad model is not only more respectful but also leads to higher engagement, more accurate targeting, and a positive emotional response. These are key aspects when trying to influence big decisions like university selection.
Rewriting the Rules of Student Advertising
During the webinar, Clare James, Group Agency Director at WeAre8, laid out just how different this platform is from the rest:
- Zero toxicity: No anonymous users, no harmful algorithms, and strict content moderation via AI and human teams.
- Sustainable impact: Every ad campaign contributes to climate-positive projects, helping institutions meet their carbon neutral goals.
- Economic empowerment: ‘Citizens’ can earn up to £1 a day through ad engagement. This money can be kept or donated to good causes.
- Transparent data: Advertisers can ask up to three custom survey questions post-ad to collect valuable zero-party insights. This is data that users voluntarily provide.
- High-performance results: Campaigns on WeAre8 regularly deliver 4%+ click-through rates and 100% ad viewability.
Why This Matters for Higher Education
It’s no secret that the higher education sector is under pressure to not only recruit the right students but also reflect values that resonate with a socially conscious generation. WeAre8 offers a space where institutions can do both. By promoting courses or initiatives within this ecosystem, universities can:
- Tap into a youth-heavy audience (mainly aged 18–34)
- Reach audiences not active on other platforms – some 8% of WeAre8’s users are exclusive to the app
- Build brand recall through engaging video ads
- Promote sustainable programs with real credibility
- Get direct feedback and zero-party data through integrated polls and surveys
Emma Price, our very Associate Director, noted how it’s only right why Universities are often hesitant to advertise on platforms where brand safety is questionable. WeAre8 removes that concern entirely, offering a brand-safe, transparent environment that aligns with the values of both students and institutions.
The Results Speak for Themselves
Campaigns already run on WeAre8 by educational institutions have seen impressive outcomes:
- 75% of viewers wanted to learn more about the advertised course
- 69% considered attending the university after seeing the ad
- Average click-through rates of 3–4%matching (and sometimes surpassing) intent-based search campaigns
- Nearly 100% opt-in rates for higher education ads, showcasing the power of genuine engagement
What’s even more compelling is how the platform helps bring awareness to niche or specialist courses. This is a constant challenge in the education sector, especially when traditional social platforms tend to bury content under generalised targeting and algorithmic prioritisation.
Organic and Paid Content: What’s Working
While the platform’s premium video ad model was a focus of the webinar, there’s also scope for organic content. Universities can create verified profiles to share updates, content, and stories that align with their values.
However, one important insight was this: authentic doesn’t mean low quality. On WeAre8, high-production video content performs better than casual, “day-in-the-life” style posts. That’s because users are intentionally engaging with content. Instead of mindlessly scrolling, they expect something worthwhile in return for their attention.
The Opportunity Ahead
Despite all this potential, WeAre8 remains relatively untapped by the education sector, especially when it comes to organic presence and early mover advantage in paid advertising. For Universities seeking innovative and ethical marketing strategies, this presents a rare chance to lead rather than follow.
The platform’s audience continues to grow, supported by strategic partnerships with media outlets like The Independent, creative collaborators like Clash Magazine, and major causes in the climate and social impact space. And it’s not just the size of the audience that matters, it’s the mindset – engaged, values-aligned, and willing to listen.
In Summary: Why Consider WeAre8 for Your Next Student Campaign?
WeAre8 gives Universities a powerful new way to engage future students through choice-driven, ethical advertising. With a socially conscious audience, high engagement rates, and built-in survey tools, the platform helps institutions build trust, gather insights, and promote their values, in a safe, positive, and sustainable environment.
Ready to take your campaigns to the next level?
Get in touch to find out how to launch your next campaign on WeAre8 and start engaging future students on their terms.