Free products require disclosure even if there is no affiliate commission.

Free products require disclosure even if there is no affiliate commission.

The FTC focuses on "material connections." If a brand sends you a free product to review, that is a connection. Even without a commission, viewers must know you didn't pay for the item. This transparency is mandatory because receiving a gift is considered a factor that can influence your perspective.

Compliance requires the disclosure to be "clear and conspicuous." Place it before the "more" button or at the start of a video. Avoid burying it in hashtags. Simple phrasing like "Product provided by [Brand]" or "Sent to me for free" works best for most social platforms.

This rule applies even for negative reviews. The potential for bias exists the moment a gift is accepted. You do not need a formal legal disclaimer, but you must be transparent to avoid being flagged for deceptive advertising.

A quick mention at the start of your content protects your reputation and satisfies regulatory requirements. Always disclose when you receive something of value.