An influencer partnership can be a credible way to explain a product, but an enthusiastic post still needs accurate claims and transparent relationships. In the United States, the FTC's endorsement guidance addresses material connections such as payment, gifts, and employment. Other countries and platforms have their own requirements. This checklist helps teams spot issues early; it is not legal advice or a substitute for counsel in the jurisdictions where a campaign runs.
Agree on disclosure and claim boundaries
Disclose a material relationship in language people can notice and understand near the endorsement itself. The FTC says a disclosure hidden on a profile page, after a 'more' link, or among many hashtags is likely to be missed. Free products or other valuable perks can also create a connection that should be disclosed. A platform's built-in label may help, but it should not be assumed sufficient on its own.
Give creators a short evidence pack that separates approved factual claims from opinions they must form themselves. Do not ask someone to describe a personal product experience they did not have. Claims about health, safety, earnings, or comparative performance need appropriate proof and may trigger additional rules. Review the final post in its actual format, including visual and audio elements.
Put operational terms in writing
Deliverables
Specify format, platform, timing, review rounds, and who may request a factual correction.
Rights
Define whether the brand may repost, edit, run paid ads with, or archive the creator's work and for how long.
Data and privacy
Control access to customer data, unpublished launches, tracking links, and confidential materials.
Exit and records
Set terms for cancellation, takedown requests, and retention of approved copy and disclosure evidence.
Monitor the live campaign
Check what actually appeared after publication, not just the draft. If a disclosure is missing or a claim changes, request a prompt correction and document the response. The FTC's guidance makes clear that brands and endorsers should understand the applicable endorsement principles; an agency or creator agreement does not by itself remove that responsibility.
For cross-border campaigns, obtain jurisdiction-specific review before launch. Local advertising, consumer-protection, privacy, intellectual-property, and sector rules may differ. Keep reporting honest: sponsored advocacy is not independent editorial coverage merely because a creator's audience trusts them.