Let's talk about money.
Making content for the internet is my side gig. During the day, I work in IT as a NOC Manager & SysAdmin. As a creator who financially benefits from reviewing and recommending products & services, I need to be careful about what I say, when I say it, and how I say it. Just talking about a product and using my platform to share it could sway someone to buy or not to buy. I realize this is a lot of power and influence, so I believe I owe it to the audience to over-disclose the money side of this. You should know what brands I have relationships with.
How does Naaackers generate revenue?
Platform revenue and ad revenue is platform specific and differs based on the platform. Tiktok will pay based on views alone since their aren't very many ads, while YouTube will pay out based on ad revenue and gives creators more control over the ads.
Brand deals include direct payment for (1) creating content like an unboxing, showcase, or product activation/integration in short or long form (2) creating UGC content [User Generated Content] that the brand will post on their socials or website in the form of social media marketing or ad spots. (3) sponsoring a video (4) creating ad or marketing material for brand use (5) raw or edited media like photo, audio, or video.
Recurring subscriptions will come from platforms like Twitch, YouTube, Kofi, etc. You pay a flat rate every month and that goes directly to me.
Affiliate links are used on all platforms, and generate revenue per click & amount sold. My primary affiliate link revenue generator my Amazon storefront, where I get a small kickback for any purchases you make.
Do you ever turn down money?
Watch your mouth. Yes. Sometimes. Only when your mom offers to pay for dinner. Regardless, let me be clear.
I do not accept payment for product/service reviews. I do not believe that paid reviews are ethical, or that anyone on this planet can deliver a truly unbiased review. A review is a piece of content where my experience, opinion, bias, and feedback are shared with the audience to assist you in choosing whether it’s a good fit for you to spend your money on. For me, reviews are thorough overviews and deep dives.
I do not create "review" content on short-form content platforms. There is no way to review a product in 60 seconds. Short-form platforms are reserved for showcases and quick looks at products, and my in-depth looks at products are shown on YouTube.
I do not agree to deals where compensation is an affiliate code or commission based on sales after the fact. Brand-owned affiliate links usually include tracking, and if I can avoid the collection of user data to pass along to the brand I will. Sometimes, the only way to pass along a coupon code to the audience is through said link. While I may include a coupon code in my video description so that that audience can get a deal on a sale, I turn down affiliate code deals. It’s already bias-shifting enough that I’m getting a free product. I do not want to inflate any unconscious biases further by having that incentive hanging over my head. I’d rather just party on without it.
How does Naaackers go about disclosing brand relationships?
My goal is for the viewer to never have to question “is this an ad?”. Proper disclosure means you should be able to see it, read it, AND hear it.
When product is received for free, that is not considered “payment for services rendered”. It is a form of compensation, but it is not payment. Regardless, it has to be disclosed and you should consider it a form of reward. If I was given a paid product or service for free, and I’m creating content that is meant to elicit an action from you as a consumer, I’m going to disclose this within the video with my voice, with an on screen pop up, and a note in the description and/or hashtags. Always all three.
When Naaackers is paid with money to make a video on a product or service. Each platform has their own tag system for marking which videos are brand deals. That way there is a ‘sponsored’ tag that’s visible. This looks different on each platform, but is always in plain view. I will always include a #ad at the beginning of a video description, as well as a graphic on screen near the beginning of the video to make sure the audience knows it’s an ad.
Who has Naaackers been paid by?
Paid directly for services rendered:
Beacn
StreamKit
NZXT
Viture
Ongoing Affiliate or Ambassador agreements:
Amazon
Elgato
PretzelRocks
What brands has Naaackers received free product from?
Any brands listed in this section have sent something of value, for free or in exchange for content coverage.
1UP Keyboards
3DConnexion
AVAccess
Antlion
Beacn
Diety
Dygma
DeepCool
Ekster
Elgato
Headamame
Fanttik
Flexispot
Fifine
GoXLR (TC-Helicon)
Grovemade
Headamame
Keychron
Lewitt
Lark
Mackie
Moment
Maono
NZXT
NeatMics
OBSBOT
OdinLake
Pretzel Rocks
Sub2r
Scribe
UPLIFT Desk
UTechSmart
Work Louder
Viture
This seems like a good place to stop talking.
Works for me. Let’s do that. Have a great day <3