FTC endorsement disclosure checklist for paid game creators
The FTC Endorsement Guides require clear disclosure of material connections. YouTube paid-promotion controls are platform tooling, not a substitute for the Guides.
Paid game creators who receive money, free currency, early access or other perks must disclose material connections.
Checklist
- Material connection — Payment, free product, creator-code commission or expected endorsement triggers disclosure (FTC FAQ; 16 CFR Part 255).
- Clear and conspicuous — Hard to miss; mid-caption
#adafter several lines fails conspicuousness discussion in the FAQ. - Every post — Prior disclosures do not cover new posts.
- Honest opinion — Pre-written posts allowed only if truthful.
- YouTube paid promotion — Mark in Studio for the platform label (YouTube Help); legal duties remain.
- Exceptional results — Clarify generally expected results when showing atypical payer outcomes without proof of typicality.
- Advertiser responsibility — Brands remain responsible for what paid creators say.
Facts versus limits
| Field | Evidence or limit |
|---|---|
| Material connection disclosure | FTC FAQ |
| YouTube Studio checkbox | Platform tooling |
| Non-US regimes | Not audited here |
| Safe harbour | FAQ says guidance is not a safe harbour |
