One block per post, after tracking-parameter variants of a link collapse to one. The letter is the verdict: T in scope, U the pack could not settle it, F no row reaches it. Under each is the row that decided it and the text that row quotes.
T
https://instagram.com/p/CxA1northlight
northlight · @marla.builds · instagram · published 2026-04-11
$53,088 · one post, one chargeable violation
caption nothing found · on-screen notRead · transcript notRead
ftc-255-5-no-disclosure-in-any-channel · DRAFT · effective 2023-07-26
A connection is established and no disclosure term was found in any channel the engine could read. Section 255.5(a) requires the connection to be disclosed clearly and conspicuously; section 255.0(f) defines that as difficult to miss and easily understandable by ordinary consumers. Text absent from every readable channel meets neither.
When there exists a connection between the endorser and the seller of the advertised product that might materially affect the weight or credibility of the endorsement, and that connection is not reasonably expected by the audience, such connection must be disclosed clearly and conspicuously.
16 CFR § 255.5(a) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
“clear and conspicuous” means that a disclosure is difficult to miss (i.e., easily noticeable) and easily understandable by ordinary consumers.
16 CFR § 255.0(f) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
T
https://tiktok.com/@deshawnmakes/video/7311220098
northlight · @deshawnmakes · tiktok · published 2026-05-02
$53,088 · one post, one chargeable violation
caption nothing found · on-screen nothing found · transcript nothing found
ftc-255-5-no-disclosure-in-any-channel · DRAFT · effective 2023-07-26
A connection is established and no disclosure term was found in any channel the engine could read. Section 255.5(a) requires the connection to be disclosed clearly and conspicuously; section 255.0(f) defines that as difficult to miss and easily understandable by ordinary consumers. Text absent from every readable channel meets neither.
When there exists a connection between the endorser and the seller of the advertised product that might materially affect the weight or credibility of the endorsement, and that connection is not reasonably expected by the audience, such connection must be disclosed clearly and conspicuously.
16 CFR § 255.5(a) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
“clear and conspicuous” means that a disclosure is difficult to miss (i.e., easily noticeable) and easily understandable by ordinary consumers.
16 CFR § 255.0(f) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
ftc-255-5-gift-no-disclosure · DRAFT · effective 2023-07-26
A free or discounted product was received and no disclosure term was found in any channel the engine could read. Example 7 under section 255.5(b) puts a gifted lathe squarely inside the rule: the endorser should clearly and conspicuously disclose receiving it for free.
If a significant minority of viewers are likely unaware that the influencer received the lathe free of charge, the woodworker should clearly and conspicuously disclose receiving it for free, a fact that could affect the credibility that viewers attach to the endorsements.
16 CFR § 255.5(b)(7) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
T
https://reddit.example/r/woodworking/comments/1abc/best_planer
northlight · u/nl_tools_kev · blog · published 2026-03-19
$53,088 · one post, one chargeable violation
caption nothing found · on-screen notRead · transcript notRead
ftc-255-5-no-disclosure-in-any-channel · DRAFT · effective 2023-07-26
A connection is established and no disclosure term was found in any channel the engine could read. Section 255.5(a) requires the connection to be disclosed clearly and conspicuously; section 255.0(f) defines that as difficult to miss and easily understandable by ordinary consumers. Text absent from every readable channel meets neither.
When there exists a connection between the endorser and the seller of the advertised product that might materially affect the weight or credibility of the endorsement, and that connection is not reasonably expected by the audience, such connection must be disclosed clearly and conspicuously.
16 CFR § 255.5(a) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
“clear and conspicuous” means that a disclosure is difficult to miss (i.e., easily noticeable) and easily understandable by ordinary consumers.
16 CFR § 255.0(f) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
ftc-255-5-employee-no-disclosure · DRAFT · effective 2023-07-26
The endorser is an employee of the seller and no disclosure term was found in any channel the engine could read. Example 8 under section 255.5(b) says the poster should clearly and conspicuously disclose their relationship to the manufacturer, and extends the same duty to employees posting reviews on retail sites and review platforms.
Unbeknownst to this community, an employee of a leading home robot manufacturer has been posting messages on the discussion board promoting the manufacturer's new product. Knowledge of this poster's employment likely would affect the weight or credibility of the endorsements. Therefore, the poster should clearly and conspicuously disclose their relationship to the manufacturer.
16 CFR § 255.5(b)(8) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
T
https://instagram.com/reel/CyPaidLabel
northlight · @thefinishroom · instagram · published 2026-06-08
$53,088 · one post, one chargeable violation
caption nothing found · on-screen nothing found · transcript nothing found
ftc-255-5-no-disclosure-in-any-channel · DRAFT · effective 2023-07-26
A connection is established and no disclosure term was found in any channel the engine could read. Section 255.5(a) requires the connection to be disclosed clearly and conspicuously; section 255.0(f) defines that as difficult to miss and easily understandable by ordinary consumers. Text absent from every readable channel meets neither.
When there exists a connection between the endorser and the seller of the advertised product that might materially affect the weight or credibility of the endorsement, and that connection is not reasonably expected by the audience, such connection must be disclosed clearly and conspicuously.
16 CFR § 255.5(a) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
“clear and conspicuous” means that a disclosure is difficult to miss (i.e., easily noticeable) and easily understandable by ordinary consumers.
16 CFR § 255.0(f) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
T
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Kz9CaptionOnly
northlight · @thefinishroom · youtube · published 2026-05-21
$53,088 · one post, one chargeable violation
caption 1 found · on-screen nothing found · transcript nothing found
found: #ad full teardown on the channel · caption · opening
ftc-255-0-f-disclosure-outside-the-endorsement-channel · DRAFT · effective 2023-07-26
The endorsement runs in the video and the only disclosure sits in the caption beside it. Section 255.0(f) says a disclosure for a representation made through audible means should appear in at least the audible portion, and through visual means in at least the visual portion. Example 3 puts the same point sharply: a disclosure in the closing credits would not be clear and conspicuous.
If a communication's representation necessitating a disclosure is made through visual means, the disclosure should be made in at least the communication's visual portion; if the representation is made through audible means, the disclosure should be made in at least the communication's audible portion; and if the representation is made through both visual and audible means, the disclosure should be made in the communication's visual and audible portions.
16 CFR § 255.0(f) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
A disclosure during the show's closing credits would not be clear and conspicuous.
16 CFR § 255.5(b)(3)(i) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
U
https://instagram.com/reel/CyToolOnly
northlight · @saltandpinegoods · instagram · published 2026-06-14
no dollars · the pack could not settle it
caption platform tool only · on-screen notRead · transcript notRead
ftc-255-5-platform-label-is-the-only-disclosure · DRAFT · effective 2023-07-26
The platform declared the post paid, and the only disclosure text the engine found is the platform's own tool. Section 255.5(a) requires the connection to be disclosed clearly and conspicuously and section 255.0(f) says what that means, but neither settles whether a platform's built-in label carries it alone. This row returns unresolved and prints the reason.
When there exists a connection between the endorser and the seller of the advertised product that might materially affect the weight or credibility of the endorsement, and that connection is not reasonably expected by the audience, such connection must be disclosed clearly and conspicuously.
16 CFR § 255.5(a) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
“clear and conspicuous” means that a disclosure is difficult to miss (i.e., easily noticeable) and easily understandable by ordinary consumers.
16 CFR § 255.0(f) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
the only disclosure found is the platform's own paid-partnership tool. Whether that tool, standing alone, is difficult to miss and easily understandable under section 255.0(f) is a question about how one platform renders one label, and the Guides do not answer it.
U
https://instagram.com/p/CzHashBlock
northlight · @marla.builds · instagram · published 2026-07-02
no dollars · the pack could not settle it
caption 1 found · on-screen notRead · transcript notRead
found: …working #shoptour #cabinetmaking #maker #ad · caption · hashtag_block
ftc-255-0-f-disclosure-in-trailing-hashtag-block · DRAFT · effective 2023-07-26
A disclosure was found, and it sits inside a trailing run of hashtags. Section 255.0(f) says that in an interactive electronic medium the disclosure should be unavoidable. The Guides do not say whether a hashtag block clears that bar, so this row returns unresolved and prints the reason rather than charging the post.
In any communication using an interactive electronic medium, such as social media or the internet, the disclosure should be unavoidable.
16 CFR § 255.0(f) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
the disclosure sits inside a trailing block of hashtags. Section 255.0(f) asks for a disclosure that is difficult to miss and, in an interactive medium, unavoidable, and the Guides do not settle whether a hashtag block clears that bar. Whoever settles it is looking at how the post renders on the device it was seen on.
U
https://x.com/deshawnmakes/status/1799112233
northlight · @deshawnmakes · x · published 2026-08-04
no dollars · the pack could not settle it
caption nothing found · on-screen notRead · transcript notRead
ftc-255-5-material-connection · DRAFT · effective 2023-07-26
The gate. Section 255.5(a) reaches a post only where a connection exists between the endorser and the seller that might materially affect the weight or credibility of the endorsement. A declared connection of paid, gifted or employment establishes one; so does a platform's own paid-partnership label. A declared connection of none denies one, and no row in this pack reaches the post.
Verbal statements, tags in social media posts, demonstrations, depictions of the name, signature, likeness or other identifying personal characteristics of an individual, and the name or seal of an organization can be endorsements.
16 CFR § 255.0(b) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
an “endorsement” means any advertising, marketing, or promotional message for a product that consumers are likely to believe reflects the opinions, beliefs, findings, or experiences of a party other than the sponsoring advertiser, even if the views expressed by that party are identical to those of the sponsoring advertiser.
16 CFR § 255.0(b) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
When there exists a connection between the endorser and the seller of the advertised product that might materially affect the weight or credibility of the endorsement, and that connection is not reasonably expected by the audience, such connection must be disclosed clearly and conspicuously.
16 CFR § 255.5(a) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
They can include monetary payment or the provision of free or discounted products (including products unrelated to the endorsed product) to an endorser, regardless of whether the advertiser requires an endorsement in return.
16 CFR § 255.5(a) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
connection was not declared for this post — the operator has not said whether one exists
F
https://instagram.com/p/D1NoConnection
northlight · @marla.builds · instagram · published 2026-07-19
no dollars · no row in the pack reaches it
caption nothing found · on-screen notRead · transcript notRead
ftc-255-5-material-connection · DRAFT · effective 2023-07-26
The gate. Section 255.5(a) reaches a post only where a connection exists between the endorser and the seller that might materially affect the weight or credibility of the endorsement. A declared connection of paid, gifted or employment establishes one; so does a platform's own paid-partnership label. A declared connection of none denies one, and no row in this pack reaches the post.
Verbal statements, tags in social media posts, demonstrations, depictions of the name, signature, likeness or other identifying personal characteristics of an individual, and the name or seal of an organization can be endorsements.
16 CFR § 255.0(b) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
an “endorsement” means any advertising, marketing, or promotional message for a product that consumers are likely to believe reflects the opinions, beliefs, findings, or experiences of a party other than the sponsoring advertiser, even if the views expressed by that party are identical to those of the sponsoring advertiser.
16 CFR § 255.0(b) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
When there exists a connection between the endorser and the seller of the advertised product that might materially affect the weight or credibility of the endorsement, and that connection is not reasonably expected by the audience, such connection must be disclosed clearly and conspicuously.
16 CFR § 255.5(a) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
They can include monetary payment or the provision of free or discounted products (including products unrelated to the endorsed product) to an endorser, regardless of whether the advertiser requires an endorsement in return.
16 CFR § 255.5(a) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
F
https://instagram.com/p/D2Disclosed
northlight · @thefinishroom · instagram · published 2026-08-09
no dollars · no row in the pack reaches it
caption 1 found · on-screen notRead · transcript notRead
found: #ad Northlight sent me the new stain line a… · caption · opening
ftc-255-5-material-connection · DRAFT · effective 2023-07-26
The gate. Section 255.5(a) reaches a post only where a connection exists between the endorser and the seller that might materially affect the weight or credibility of the endorsement. A declared connection of paid, gifted or employment establishes one; so does a platform's own paid-partnership label. A declared connection of none denies one, and no row in this pack reaches the post.
Verbal statements, tags in social media posts, demonstrations, depictions of the name, signature, likeness or other identifying personal characteristics of an individual, and the name or seal of an organization can be endorsements.
16 CFR § 255.0(b) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
an “endorsement” means any advertising, marketing, or promotional message for a product that consumers are likely to believe reflects the opinions, beliefs, findings, or experiences of a party other than the sponsoring advertiser, even if the views expressed by that party are identical to those of the sponsoring advertiser.
16 CFR § 255.0(b) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
When there exists a connection between the endorser and the seller of the advertised product that might materially affect the weight or credibility of the endorsement, and that connection is not reasonably expected by the audience, such connection must be disclosed clearly and conspicuously.
16 CFR § 255.5(a) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
They can include monetary payment or the provision of free or discounted products (including products unrelated to the endorsed product) to an endorser, regardless of whether the advertiser requires an endorsement in return.
16 CFR § 255.5(a) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
This row reaches the post, and no other row in the pack caught what was read in the channels that carried text.
F
https://instagram.com/p/OldPost2022
northlight · @marla.builds · instagram · published 2022-11-04
no dollars · no row in the pack reaches it
caption nothing found · on-screen notRead · transcript notRead
ftc-255-5-material-connection · DRAFT · effective 2023-07-26
The gate. Section 255.5(a) reaches a post only where a connection exists between the endorser and the seller that might materially affect the weight or credibility of the endorsement. A declared connection of paid, gifted or employment establishes one; so does a platform's own paid-partnership label. A declared connection of none denies one, and no row in this pack reaches the post.
Verbal statements, tags in social media posts, demonstrations, depictions of the name, signature, likeness or other identifying personal characteristics of an individual, and the name or seal of an organization can be endorsements.
16 CFR § 255.0(b) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
an “endorsement” means any advertising, marketing, or promotional message for a product that consumers are likely to believe reflects the opinions, beliefs, findings, or experiences of a party other than the sponsoring advertiser, even if the views expressed by that party are identical to those of the sponsoring advertiser.
16 CFR § 255.0(b) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
When there exists a connection between the endorser and the seller of the advertised product that might materially affect the weight or credibility of the endorsement, and that connection is not reasonably expected by the audience, such connection must be disclosed clearly and conspicuously.
16 CFR § 255.5(a) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
They can include monetary payment or the provision of free or discounted products (including products unrelated to the endorsed product) to an endorser, regardless of whether the advertiser requires an endorsement in return.
16 CFR § 255.5(a) · 16 CFR Part 255 - Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising · retrieved 2026-09-10
the post was published 2022-11-04, before this row's provision took effect on 2023-07-26