In Episodes 3 and 4 of our podcast, we discussed how “social media influencers” are facing more scrutiny for not disclosing their paid endorsements.
As it stands, a number of them are posting images and videos of themselves in which they are seen displaying, using or discussing a product yet, there is no indication in these posts that they are being paid. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued warnings to 45 celebrities/influencers. Thanks to a Freedom of Information request by Women’s Wear Daily, we have the list.
So, if you should happen across a product post by one of these celebrities, you might want to look a little more closely to verify that what you think are hashtags aren’t actually dollar signs.