Start discussing social media and the talk quickly turns to its merits or lack thereof. Despite their perceived hurdles, with a little strategic creativity, some credit unions have managed to strike the right balance.

Recognizing that getting younger consumers to care about savings, life insurance or even the credit union difference, would be challenge, IC Federal Credit Union turned to robot monsters, clay, zombies, a medieval tale and the blues.

"The majority of videos out there are unwatchable, because no one wants to hear a credit union explaining their services. Moreover, younger consumers either can't relate or are not even listening, when you start talking about dry topics like budgeting," said Jim Pond, co-owner of James and Matthew and Co., the Boston-based digital services agency that created the popular videos. "We wanted to create entertaining, engaging, humorous videos based on what the viewers want to watch, that respect their time. It has to be worth watching," Pond explained.