Sponsorship Disclosure: A Simple YouTube Checklist For Creators

Disclosure

The FTC has done an excellent job helping influencers, brands and agencies better understand how to safely promote on social media. However, many brands have yet to rigorously follow these disclosure guidelines as closely as they should. As a creator, it is your responsibility to understand how to properly disclose your financial relationship with a brand, for your safety, the safety of your audience, and the future relationship with the brand. At InfluenceLogic we have a simple checklist we use when approving content that I think you might find valuable. 

  1. Audible disclosure at the beginning of the ad: We suggest that creators start ads the same way every single time: “This video is sponsored by BRAND.” This is so important because we want to ensure the audience knows right from the start that you are being paid for this endorsement. Hiding the sponsorship disclosure at the end of the ad read can be deceptive and confusing for audiences. Tell your audience this portion of the video is sponsored and clearly articulate the name of the brand doing the sponsorship!

  2. Text disclosure in the description: People watch YouTube videos differently. Some listen in, pop between tabs, etc. In a long YouTube video, it can be easy to miss you mention a sponsorship disclosure audibly. For that reason, we ask all content creators to include, “This video is sponsored by BRAND” next to, above or below the text link and call to action. In any video you mention a brand, this should be at the top of the video description. A user should not have to click “show more” in order to see the disclosure.

  3. “Includes Paid Promotion” Checkbox: YouTube makes it easy for you to ad a visual disclosure to your video with the “Includes Paid Promotion” Checkbox. As you are uploading your content in the Creator Studio, you will be able to check this box, which will add another layer of disclosure to the video and ensure your audience’s safety. 

Ultimately, the FTC wants to ensure that you are being clear in your disclosure and not trying to deceive your audience. Deception is not okay, and you will pay a big price for it. You’ll lose the trust of your audience, you put yourself at legal risk, and you put your brand partner at legal risk. 

By following these three rules, you’ll put yourself in a great position and ensure a high level of brand and compliance safety. If a brand ever asks you to break one of these rules, have an honest conversation with them about why sponsorship disclosure is absolutely necessary. Any brand that insists you break the rules after that is not worth working with, and you should immediately terminate your relationship with them. 

Share This Article:

Download Our Mobile App

Partner With Us:

Grow Your Revenue with Brand Partnerships

More Posts:

Overcoming Creative Blocks: Tips for Reigniting Inspiration and Innovation

Creative blocks are an inevitable part of the creative process, affecting everyone from artists and writers to entrepreneurs and influencers. Creative blocks can be frustrating and discouraging, whether you’re struggling to come up with fresh content ideas, feeling stuck on a project, or experiencing a lack of motivation and inspiration. However, they are also natural and temporary obstacles you can overcome with the right mindset and strategies. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips for reigniting inspiration and innovation when faced with a creative block.

Content Repurposing Strategies: How to Maximize Your Content’s Reach and Impact

In the fast-paced world of digital content creation, one of the biggest challenges for creators is maintaining a consistent stream of fresh and engaging content across multiple platforms. However, constantly churning out new content can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. That’s where content repurposing comes in. Content repurposing involves adapting existing content for use across different platforms and formats, maximizing its reach and impact while minimizing the time and effort required. In this blog post, we’ll explore the art of content repurposing and sharing strategies for leveraging it effectively to extend the lifespan of your content and reach new audiences.

From Passion to Profit: Turning Your Hobby into a Full-time Influencer Career

In today’s digital age, turning a beloved hobby into a lucrative career as a full-time influencer is more enticing than ever. With the rise of social media platforms and the increasing demand for authentic and relatable content, individuals across the globe are exploring opportunities to monetize their passions and expertise. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, fashionista, foodie, or gaming aficionado, the journey from passion to profit as an influencer is exciting and rewarding, albeit filled with challenges and uncertainties.

How Long Should YouTube Shorts Descriptions Be?

In the bustling world of YouTube Shorts, where attention spans are short and content is consumed at lightning speed, every detail matters. As creators, we often focus on crafting captivating visuals and engaging narratives, but one aspect that can easily be overlooked is the description. Yet, the length and content of your YouTube Shorts description can play a crucial role in driving views, engagement, and ultimately, success. So, how long should your YouTube Shorts descriptions be?

Performance Partnerships
for Creators & Brands