Creators who take/want to take sponsorships!

It occurs to me that while a lot of people may be familiar with the FTC's endorsement guidelines in a general sense, many may not have... actually read them?

So I want to give you the good news: They're not that dense. [thread]

In fact, the vast majority of the document is made up of examples of circumstances in which things would/would not be considered an endorsement, and examples of when you do/do not have to provide disclosure.

Here's the full endorsement section: https://www.ftc.gov/sites/default/files/attachments/press-releases/ftc-publishes-final-guides-governing-endorsements-testimonials/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf

That document is 12 pages (already not too bad, for a legal document... I've had contracts longer than that!) but huge chunks probably won't apply to you at all. (e.g., the "expert endorsements" section)

You don't have to read every word, but I HIGHLY recommend skimming it.

The FTC seems actually invested in making these guidelines comprehensible, which is

They've even put together an FAQ that answers a lot of the things I see creators asking about: https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/ftcs-endorsement-guides-what-people-are-asking

You don't even have to read them now, but I think it's a smart idea to bookmark these pages so that if/when you do get a sponsorship opportunity, you can be clear on the rules.

Especially since the rules are ...surprisingly straightforward!

Good luck, get that bread