How I work with brands.
If I choose to work with a brand, it will always be because I've used and evaluated the product or service myself and genuinely trust the brand to provide excellent customer service and support. More importantly, I will always make it abundantly clear that such content is sponsored. If I don't explicitly say that a video is sponsored, then it is not sponsored. Simple as that!
If I do partner with a brand, you can bet they've seen this page and that I've been able to build a relationship with them over an extended period of time based on mutual trust and understanding.
Beyond that, I think it's important to question the purpose behind a sponsorship. For me personally, a sponsor should support and enable what I do, not constrain or control it. Ideally it's a win-win-win situation for the viewer, the brand, and myself. My channel has never been and never will be an extension of any brand's marketing department.
Most of the equipment and products I use and review are purchased by me, but sometimes I will rent or borrow equipment. If a company sends a product free of charge, I will always clearly state in the video and description that it was provided to me at no cost. After the video, these products are either used regularly, returned, or donated. I do not make videos in exchange for free products or services.
Offering free products never guarantees a positive review (or even a review/video at all). Just like with sponsorships, I'm extremely selective about accepting anything for free and will only do so after discussing this Ethics Statement with the brand.
All that being said, there are a few additional non-negotiable points I'd like to share for the sake of clarity. I've made all of this info publicly available to viewers and brands alike so that we're all on the same page:
- My work is my own. I create and produce each video based on what I'm excited about and what I think will be relevant/helpful to my audience at that time.
- My opinions are always my own. I do have my own personal biases and preferences which I try to be as upfront about as possible, and I prefer to approach content from the point of view of an enthusiast rather than an expert or journalist.
- If I work with a brand on a sponsor segment, they may review that segment for technical correctness but not creative direction before the video's release. I do not submit full previews of videos for approval or revisions.
- I have full control over my calendar. While I'm happy to work collaboratively when possible when it comes to scheduling, no outside party can pay or otherwise influence scheduling.
- I only work directly with reputable brands that offer quality products, service, and support.
- It's appreciated when brands offer information about their products/services, but I will only include what I think is relevant and necessary in any videos or projects.
- On that same note, I will work to seek answers for anything about a product/service that I don't fully understand so that my videos can be as accurate and helpful as possible.
- I'm more than happy to let others share my videos as long as the post links directly to the original video uploaded to my YouTube channel. Videos may not be re-edited or re-uploaded elsewhere.
- I do not guarantee any number of views or any amount of engagement on any videos. As much as I want everything I create to "perform" well, there are too many variables beyond my control for me to make any claims regarding potential viewership. All traffic on my channel is organic. I do not purchase ads, views, followers, or subscribers.
Thanks for taking the time to read and understand my Ethics Statement. This probably doesn't cover every scenario under the sun, but it should give you a pretty solid idea of how highly I value the integrity behind what I do and the relationship with anyone who takes the time to check out something I've made.
Ultimately, I just want to keep having fun making videos, and that sustainable fun disappears without these guidelines. If you're a creator yourself, please feel free to take this Ethics Statement and make it your own. It's ethical to steal my Ethics Statement!
Pitching a sponsorship?
Read the statement above first — then send the details here. Include the brand, the product, and what you have in mind.