What disclosures or disclaimers should I include in my video ads (e.g., for sponsored content or health claims)?

Including appropriate disclosures and disclaimers in your video ads is crucial for transparency, compliance with regulations, and building trust with your audience. Here are key considerations for various types of disclosures and disclaimers you might need to include:

### 1. **Sponsored Content**
- **Clear Identification**: Clearly state that the content is sponsored or paid for by a third party. Use phrases like "Sponsored by [Brand]" or "Paid Partnership with [Brand]."
- **Placement**: Display the disclosure prominently at the beginning of the video and/or include it as a text overlay throughout the video.
- **Platform-Specific Requirements**: Follow specific guidelines provided by the platform. For example, Facebook and Instagram have tools for tagging branded content that should be used.

### 2. **Affiliate Links**
- **Disclosure Statement**: If your video includes affiliate links, clearly disclose this. Phrases like "This video contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase" should be included.
- **Placement**: Include the disclosure in the video description and mention it within the video if possible.

### 3. **Health Claims**
- **Substantiation**: Ensure all health claims are truthful and supported by scientific evidence.
- **Disclaimer**: Include a disclaimer stating that the claims have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) if applicable, and that the product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
- **Consultation Advice**: Advise viewers to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen or using a health-related product.

### 4. **Financial Products and Services**
- **Risk Disclosure**: Clearly outline any risks associated with financial products or services. For example, "Investments are subject to market risk, including the potential loss of principal."
- **Regulatory Compliance**: Include necessary disclosures to comply with regulations from authorities like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
- **Performance Disclaimer**: Use disclaimers such as "Past performance is not indicative of future results."

### 5. **Sweepstakes and Contests**
- **Official Rules**: Direct viewers to the official rules and terms of the contest or sweepstakes.
- **Eligibility Requirements**: Clearly state eligibility requirements, including age and geographic restrictions.
- **No Purchase Necessary**: If applicable, include a statement that no purchase is necessary to enter or win.

### 6. **Testimonials and Endorsements**
- **Authenticity**: Ensure testimonials and endorsements reflect the honest opinions and experiences of the endorsers.
- **Material Connection**: Disclose any material connection between the endorser and the company (e.g., if the endorser is paid or received free products).

### 7. **Subscription Services**
- **Terms and Conditions**: Clearly outline the terms of the subscription, including any automatic renewal features and how to cancel.
- **Pricing**: Provide clear information about pricing, trial periods, and any additional fees.

### 8. **Environmental Claims**
- **Accuracy**: Ensure environmental claims are specific, truthful, and substantiated.
- **Certification**: If applicable, mention any third-party certifications that validate your environmental claims.

### 9. **Age-Restricted Content**
- **Age Verification**: For products like alcohol, gambling, or adult content, include age verification mechanisms and state that the content is intended for a specific age group.
- **Legal Compliance**: Comply with all local and international laws regarding age restrictions.

### 10. **General Disclaimers**
- **Accuracy and Timeliness**: "The information provided in this video is accurate as of the date of publication and may be subject to change."
- **Personal Opinion**: "The views expressed in this video are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of [Company]."

### Best Practices for Disclosures and Disclaimers
- **Clarity and Conspicuousness**: Ensure disclosures and disclaimers are clear, easy to understand, and prominently displayed. Avoid using jargon or small fonts that are difficult to read.
- **Timing**: Display disclosures at appropriate times during the video, such as at the beginning, before key claims, and/or at the end.
- **Consistency**: Use consistent language and format for disclosures across all your ads to avoid confusion.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your video ads are transparent, compliant with regulations, and trustworthy for your audience.