Google has run into a controversy that caused some of America’s top advertisers, like Johnson & Johnson, Verizon and AT&T, to pull away from advertising on YouTube. The problem? Lack of choice when it comes to YouTube ad placement. Without choice, brands like these run the risk of appearing next to video content promoting terrorism and hate.

Clearly, no one wants their ad placement to be detrimental to their company’s image. Although the ads themselves don’t promote extremist values, there’s guilt by association. Without choice, advertisers risk a negative brand image — making Youtube ad placement a dicey platform.

The Solution Is Fairly Simple:

• Track down inappropriate, offensive content. Brands don’t want to be associated with messages of hate and terrorism. If videos like these are tracked and/or removed, there would be less risk of brand damage for its sponsors. Obviously, it’s a big feat to monitor every video added, but worthwhile. By creating a system that catches hateful content, YouTube stands to regain trust in many potential advertisers’ eyes.
• Allow for companies to choose which type of video content they would like their ads to be associated with. Simply put, if advertisers had choice when it comes to YouTube ad placement, there’d be zero risk of winding up associated with offensive content.

Google states they are taking steps to allow for brands to have more control over YouTube ad placement. Is this enough to rebuild trust? Or will other brands follow suit and remove their advertising from YouTube as well?