Disclosure basics
- FTC-style disclosure: sponsored posts need a clear label such as #ad or the platform's paid partnership tool, visible without clicking more.
- Political content: paid political posts often also need a paid for by line.
- Platform rules: TikTok doesn't allow paid political content from creators. Other platforms have their own political content policies.
- Say it out loud too: in video, a spoken or on-screen disclosure early in the video is clearest.
See also political content disclosure rules.
Usage rights basics
- Organic only: the content lives on the creator's accounts.
- Reposting: the organization can repost it on its own pages.
- Time limits: how long reuse is allowed.
- Edits: whether the organization can cut or caption the content.
Put it in writing before production starts.
How Erfan Media handles it
Every paid post we run carries the disclosure the law and the platform require, and we agree usage with creators and clients before work starts. This is general information, not legal advice. Check with your counsel for your situation.
Related: how to run a UGC campaign, UGC agency.
Questions
Does paid UGC need to be disclosed?
Yes. Paid UGC needs a clear disclosure such as #ad or the platform's paid partnership label, and political content often needs a paid for by line too.
Who owns UGC made for a brand or cause?
Usually the creator, unless usage rights are agreed in writing. Agree where and how long the organization can reuse it before production.
Can creators post paid political UGC on TikTok?
No. TikTok doesn't allow paid political content.
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