Paid disclosure

Why disclosure matters

Payment or another benefit can create a material relationship that viewers should know about. If a share mentions, recommends, demonstrates, or otherwise endorses the offered subject, disclose the paid relationship clearly and conspicuously.

Both the offer creator and the Vyralizer have responsibilities. The offer creator must not request a hidden, false, or misleading endorsement. The Vyralizer must make the relationship clear in the actual share whenever disclosure is required.

Make it clear and conspicuous

• Place the disclosure with the share or endorsement where people are likely to notice it.
• Use plain words such as “Ad,” “Sponsored,” or “Paid.” A clear phrase such as “Paid to share” may also work when it accurately describes the relationship.
• Make the disclosure readable, understandable, and prominent enough for the way people view that format.
• Use the same language as the endorsement when needed for the intended audience to understand it.

Where not to hide it

Do not place the only disclosure in a profile, biography, separate terms page, comments, a crowded hashtag block, or content hidden after a “more” control. Do not use vague shorthand that an ordinary viewer may not understand.

A destination platform's built-in disclosure tool can be useful, but it may not be sufficient by itself. Add your own clear disclosure when necessary.

Video, live, and visual content

For a video endorsement, put the disclosure in the video, not only in the description. A disclosure that viewers can both hear and see may be easier to notice when the format supports it.

For live content, repeat the disclosure often enough that people who join later can understand the relationship. For an image or temporary story, keep the disclosure on screen long enough and with enough contrast to be noticed and read.

Keep the message honest

• Do not say you used or experienced a product or service if you did not.
• Do not claim to like, recommend, or believe something if that is not your honest opinion.
• Do not repeat an objective claim that the offer creator cannot support, especially a health, safety, financial, or performance claim.
• Do not imply that payment depended on giving a positive opinion unless that fact is clearly disclosed and lawful.

Offer and evidence responsibilities

An offer should state the disclosure requirement before a person begins. Completion evidence should show the disclosure when it is part of the offer or required by law or destination-platform rules.

A missing or materially unclear disclosure may support a specific correction request. It does not permit an offer creator to demand a false statement or to change the committed terms after sharing begins.