Free or discounted products count as a 'material connection' that influencers must disclose
Verified Confidence: high
Primary source found; it says the same thing, the scope matches, and it is reasonably current.
- Commonly cited as
- "You only need to disclose if you were paid" (false)
- True origin
- Federal Trade Commission — Disclosures 101 for Social Media Influencers (Nov. 2019)
- Type
- Reference fact: A frequently needed number or rule taken directly from a primary source (e.g. Pew, Census, IAB/PwC, FTC), with its as-of date.
- Year
- 2019
- Data as of
- FTC staff brochure (Nov. 2019), consistent with the 2023 Endorsement Guides
- Last checked
- What the source says
A "material connection" to the brand includes a personal, family, or employment relationship or a financial relationship – such as the brand paying you or giving you free or discounted products or services. ... make a disclosure even if you weren't asked to mention that product.
- Method & sample
- FTC staff guidance brochure.
- Drift between quote and source
- None
- Interest
- n/a (federal regulator).
Safe rephrasing
FTC guidance says free or discounted products, payment, employment and family ties are all material connections an influencer should disclose.
Sources we opened
Machine-readable: /api/claims/ftc-free-products-are-material-connection.json · Last checked 2026-10-16