Branded Content
Content created by influencers or publishers that features or is influenced by a brand, requiring proper disclosure and platform tagging.
What Branded Content means
Branded content (also called sponsored content or paid partnerships) is content created by influencers, creators, or publishers that promotes a brand's products or services. Major platforms require branded content to be properly tagged using platform-specific tools — Meta's Branded Content tool, TikTok's Branded Content toggle, YouTube's paid promotion checkbox, and similar features. Regulatory requirements from the FTC, ASA, and other bodies mandate clear disclosure of commercial relationships. Failure to properly disclose branded content can result in FTC enforcement actions, platform penalties, and consumer trust erosion. The EU Digital Services Act adds requirements for transparency around commercial communications.
Related terms
Endorsement Disclosure
A clear statement revealing a material connection between an endorser and a brand, required by FTC guidelines and platform policies.
Influencer Marketing
Marketing through partnerships with social media influencers who promote brands to their followers, requiring proper disclosure.
Spark Ads
TikTok's native ad format that lets brands boost existing organic posts from their own account or a creator's account.
Paid Partnership
A commercial arrangement between a brand and a creator that must be disclosed through platform tools and proper labeling.