We have created disclosure automation technology that helps ensure compliance with the FTC’s .com disclosure guidelines. The software programmatically inserts disclosure into Status Updates, Blog posts, Photo posts and Video posts in a way that is clear and transparent for consumers. The specific disclosure type is chosen by you while creating your content. Creators and Brands/Agencies are each responsible for complying with FTC guidelines when creating and publishing content. Below is a simplified list of the requirements for each of the Opportunities offered in the system.
Blog Post Disclosure Options
For blog posts, the disclosure must appear at the beginning of the post before any of the content, but below the header of the piece. You will have the option to select one of the following disclosure types to include:
- "This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of *Brand Name* for The Partner. All opinions are 100% mine."
- "This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of *Brand Name*. All opinions are 100% mine. "
Twitter Disclosure Options
You will craft your Tweets inside the platform. You are then able to choose a disclosure from one of three different disclosure styles which may appear at either the beginning or at the end of your content, before the required link.
- #ad
- AD:
- #sponsored
Facebook Disclosure Options
For Facebook Status Updates and Photos (“posts”), only the first 400 characters of text will appear before the See More button. The disclosure must appear before this button in your post. Posts must also include the Facebook Handshake tool, which can be programmatically set up in your Facebook Opportunity. The Facebook Handshake tool is not a substitute for required FTC disclosure. Posts will include the following disclosure, without option:
- #ad
- AD:
- #sponsored
Video Disclosure Options
For captions or descriptions, only the first 180 characters of text will appear before the Show More button. The disclosure must appear before this button. Marketers will be asked to include the credit that they provide you in your Video. It will be in the form of text (pre-roll or overlay) or verbally mentioned and you will be provided with a timestamp where the disclosure can be found.
- Pre-roll: At the beginning of the video, the Creator will insert a brief (5-10 second) still image or title card with the text “This video is sponsored by *Brand Name* ."
- Overlay: Creator will overlay the lower third of the image/frame with the text “This video brought to you by *Brand Name* ." which must remain up throughout the video.
- Verbal: At the beginning of the video, the Creator will clearly speak the disclosure, inserting the brand name. For example: “This video is sponsored by *Brand Name*."
Instagram Disclosure Options
For posts, in your feed, only the first three lines of a caption will be displayed or the first 126 characters. The disclosure must appear before the More button in your post. You will have the option to select one of the following disclosure types to include in the Photo description:
- #ad
- AD:
- #sponsored
For Instagram Stories, Marketers must utilize a banner disclosing that the images are sponsored or are an #ad. The banner may be placed in the lower third of the image to comply with disclosure requirements, in addition to the disclosure appearing in the description of the Photo for single Instagram Photos with captions:
General Guidance
Hashtags
- Disclosure should appear before hashtags at the end of the caption so that it is clear and conspicuous
- Disclosure can go after hashtags in your content as long as it is easily identifiable and the disclosure appears before any “Show More,” “See More,” or similar command
Mentions
- Disclosure should appear before mentions at the end of the caption so that it is clear and conspicuous
- Disclosure can go after mentions in your content as long as it is easily identifiable and the disclosure appears before any “Show More,” “See More,” or similar command
URLs
- Disclosure must always appear before URLs If a you includes a URL in your content, the disclosure must be at the beginning of the content
- If your content does not include a URL, disclosure can go after the content as long as it is before any system added URL, it is clear and conspicuous, and the disclosure appears before any “Show More,” “See More,” or similar command
- Disclosure cannot be placed after URLs
Product Sampling
For all product sampling Campaigns, you must disclose that they received the product(s) free of charge from the brand.
