How Influencers Break The Law (me included) 

Benn has influenced me to think critically and always obtain independent legal advice. Definitely an influencer

I have a simple rule: If a RU-vidr's advertising it, it's at best a crap product and at worst, a scam. This rule has served me quite well.

"Who is doing a minute and a half ad read?" Unfortunately nowadays, a lot of people.

I'm not sure why RU-vid recommended me this, but I appreciate your honesty and transparency in creating such an informative video. Thanks!

I like your transparency and philosophy around what you do. Great video!

Edit: From this video forward, this channel will be operating as a nonprofit organization. More info coming soon, but for now: twitter.com/bennjordan/status/1656681654402838528 Few things: In the original upload, I edited a World War Z product placement scene that complied with FTC influencer disclosure rules. It got copyrighted, naturally. My duck video got copyrighted by a 3rd party I never even heard of, ironically. I disputed. We'll see. 😅 Also missing (due to legal fuzziness) is a section showing how "The Problem With Jon Stewart" (Apple TV+) highlighted savings account yield rates before Apple unveiled their savings account program (and a few other examples). Finally, while the FTC requires me to tell you details about my agreement with, for example, Focusrite/Novation, contracts like that assume confidentiality due to the initial NDA. So I'm breaking a rule by telling you the amount and potentially breaking another rule by not telling you. Sadly, I assume any major audio brand enforces rules far more than the FTC seems to.

Holy Crap Dude... I'd imagine you're not making a ton of friends with brands or content creators with videos like this. I've gotta give you mad props for doing videos like this. MAD. FUCKIN'. RESPECT. >M

All of these _businesses_ look more like scam operations. It's really depressing. Thanks for being honest with your audience

Thank you so much for being so transparent about all of this! More creators need to do this - we can only *all do better* if we communicate with each other about the ins and outs of this whole industry (and all the Good and Bad and Ugly sides of it all). Mad respect from one creator to another 💜

Excellent video as always, but my main takeaway from it was confirming a long-held suspicion that god, I (and others from those I've spoken to) have been getting absolutely screwed when it comes to rates on ad reads. Love to have zero leverage with companies keeping channels in the dark for precisely that purpose!

I love that someone isn't afraid of talking about money made or calling out on all the BS when it comes to things like this. The cultural implication that it is uncouth to talk about money is how classism persists. A lot of companies don't want people to talk about wages, because then they find out that they might be getting ripped off.

"I hope you've learned something" Now that, that's a phrase I'm more familiar with sounding in a new yorker accent, following a board repair video. All in all, your channel is a treasure trove, both for music production, and for cognitive gastronomy, so to speak. The fact that you're behind The Flashbulb, one of my favorite electronic music projects, is just icing on the cake. Another thing to add: the idea about the value of content creator and not content brought my thought towards a certain study. An Australian youtuber Matt Judge, better known as DarkViperAU, has made an in-depth study about reaction content, and its harmful nature towards content providers. Maybe it could interest you.

You are the coolest guy. When i think of role models, not just as musicians but as people too, I think of you Benn. Good guy

Damn bro you just explained the internet today better than anyone in ages, made me even more sickened by meme ads and generated a strong urge to support you. I wish your approach was the dominant way to "influencing" rather than a niche.

I did not see an ad when you pointed top right. I got sick of seeing ads for financial scams and health supplements and alcohol and gambling, so I reinstalled my ad blocker.

Man, I respect the hell out of you. Your principles, your work ethic, etc. I went to school for advertising and graduated in 2013, which was a little bit before the absolute explosion that was SEO, SEM, influencer/social media marketing, etc. I mean, sure it was there, but not like it is today. And as someone who learned a lot about traditional advertising, I cannot stand this new era of advertising/marketing. I'm not saying that billboards, TV ads, radio ads, and magazine/news ads weren't manipulative in some way, or that product placement wasn't a thing, but it felt more out in the open. For the past like, 10 years or so, it has felt like some massive % of the content you consume on the internet is designed to funnel sales in some way, whether that's a web page optimized to exploit Google's SEO algo or half of your search results or social content being influenced by affiliate marketing. The incentive structure doesn't favor quality or truth. It's just optimized for smashing your dopamine buttons. Again, not saying that old-school advertising wasn't guilty of this in some way, but you can't deny that it's far more discrete but at the same time more effective and ubiquitous now. At least you knew when an ad break was happening, or when a page in a magazine was selling you something. I think that advertising, at least in theory, is an important component of a market. But unfortunately, it is now probably the most underregulated part of a market cycle and therefore, the most easily exploitable. The data and tools given to marketers are unlike anything we've ever known, and the incentives towards honesty and integrity are not there. And now, with the advent of AI, everything is going to get a whole lot worse. My only hope is that there will always be a substantial sector of the market that tries not to buy into all of it. That there will be consumers who are hyper concious of these issues and do their best to be critical of the content and marketing they see, and there will be creators who will prioritize integrity and truth over a quick payday. So anyway, thanks very much for this video and everything you do.

As an PR&influencer manager in my day job that was insanely accurate and funny to watch. Stumble across so much of that weird stuff every day.

this kind of transparency is rare, and hugely appreciated!

I randomly got pulled in and intrigued with your great story telling and presentation, even though I’m not in or related to music/sound industry at all; short of being related to a few names or providing services for a few more names - in the movie/tv industry. In short -your content ‘is better then the sum of its parts’ high informative and valuable info; Not to mention simply being highly entertaining! Your work, points of interest, and time applied in creating your content & topics; Is of high value, despite one’s specific ‘walk of life’. To do my small part in helping bring more eyes your direction, I wanted to leave a comment- to say thanks for another great topic,+ being genuine & straightforward! Keep kicking ass!

Singapore Airlines was my ad. That is why I watch your channel, you're always incredibly brutally honest and you make videos about unique topics I've never seen covered elsewhere! Appreciate it loads!

You’re actually a really good investigative journalist!

I found you through Venus Theory. This is the 1st video of yours I’ve watched. This was totally informational, & I’m grateful for your honesty. Thank you.

I really appreciate the content you make. Honesty and transparency have become so rare when it comes to this stuff.

Much love brother! This new direction your RU-vid is going is soooo refreshing!! Thank you 🙏🏻, for your efforts.

I got an ad on this vid about a service that lets me hire influencers to do payed promotions lol

You're not an influencer; you're a synfluencer

Benn, I just found your channel and am absolutely in love with your videos. Kick ass job.

Ben, I first started listening to your music when I was 13 years old, 12 years ago already. I admire the fact that you have a channel, and make videos, participating in this influencer culture. Nothing wrong with that, but I will ALWAYS SEE YOU AS AN ARTIST! TRULY. your music is so inspirational, it truly stikes a chord to whoever listens. Just wanted to put that out there, ur amazing man, and I see your value wether you are posting on RU-vid or not ❤

I swear, 15+ years ago when I was wandering around my city and listening to Benn's music (way too much actually) and knew nothing about him as a person maybe except couple of lines on the web telling he is from Chicago or at some point Georgia, USA, I was imagining him being the exact this guy I know today. This is crazy. Mad respect from Russia

Ben, this was so enlighting to see. The monetary waters of SoMe and RU-vid can be so friggin’ murky, and you just spilled the beans. A standing ovation to you Sir. I hope this gets a lot of views. Please keep educating us on the hidden mechanics of these media that we need to know.

You not only have a new subscriber, you have my utmost respect. Thank you for making this

I have utmost respect for you and your stance!🙏🏻 And thank you a lot for sharing the rates and the names, so that we all can have a glance behind the scenes at something creators rarely talk about!

As always you're a great voice of reason for creators and musicians everywhere and im glad that there are people out there with your level of success that still hold themselves to a high ethical standard. Serious role model vibes and im proud to say i've been a fan of yours since Arboreal.

Thank you Benn! This was a video many wouldn't make, I kinda feel dirty now as how much I've watched youtube but never understood what you all do. The product placement companies vying for your/our time has made me realize what a smarmy set up they have made all this. Love your content! Cheers!

You're awesome, dude! The 'what other animals hear' video was how I found your channel, subscribed! Thanks for your content!

Easily the best RU-vid I've come across in recent days. Thank you for what you do, my man! You're a gem.

Hi Ben. As somebody who has little to no knowledge reguarding the behind the scenes of sponsors spots and affiliate programs, this has been very eye opening. I really value your dedication to transparency and honesty, even if its not entirely for our sake. Please keep making the good content, I seldom find other creators who are willing to share so much. Also got Macca's and Amazon prime ads on this video. Add Bunnings and Tiffany&Co

You're a class act, Benn. I wish most other content creators had even an ounce of your integrity.

This is an incredible video, and I’m fascinated this is the first thing I’ve ever seen of your channel and it has a meager 90,000 views. This should be required viewing by anyone using RU-vid and/or social media. You’ve earned a new sub and I’ll send this far and wide.

i've binged 10-20 videos from you in the last 2 days, but this one made me subscribe. your values are insanely well aligned with mine and i hope more youtubers act like you act

You sir, are an influencer in the purest sense, like certain poets and philosophers and musicians and intellectuals have influenced me, an influencer of the days of old. Besides that, your transparency and honesty is truly an influence to all those who want to know about this industry you’ve dived into.

Quality, sincerity, openness makes you Benn unmached human being and influencer in good meaning of this word.

Videos like this are honestly why I’m subscribed. Incredible info thanks so much!

Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude for sharing this video. Not only was it informative, but it also sparked some great ideas. For instance, I found the tip about changing locations during long videos particularly helpful as it helped my ADHD brain stay engaged and focused on the valuable information you presented. Furthermore, I have come across several videos from so-called "influencers" attempting to shed light on their earnings and the process behind it. However, after watching your transparent video, I realized that no one had honestly taken the time to explain the real details and the shady dealings that can occur behind the scenes. Lastly, it's concerning to think about how many innocent people are falling prey to these scammy agencies. Even those with some experience in the industry are likely falling for these scams in one way or another. Thanks again for shedding light on this topic in such an honest and insightful manner. On another note. I uploaded a song that I found on a very old version of Adobe Audition, It was Audition 2 I believe, and I asked people if they knew the band. It turns out that the band recorded the demo specifically for Adobe, and they hold the rights to the song. However, a random Brazilian music group has claimed the rights to any monetization on that song, and despite me contacting Adobe about the situation three years ago, the monetizations are still going to this shady group. This makes me wonder what they can do to anyone who shares their original creations with the world, regardless of whether they register their intellectual property first or not.

Huge respect for you Benn!

The transparency is as refreshing as it is rare. Good stuff my dude. Subbed.

Your videos are so on point. This one in particular was eye opening and jaw-dropping to say the least. Appreciate your candor and insanely well-researched points about how this influencer world works.

I used to be subscribed to your patreon, but had to cancel because of financial problems. This video reminded me to subscribe again. :) Long time fan of everything you do!

Very important topic, as a GAS-patient I can relate. It has been dawning on me that reviewer + affiliate links is a dangerous combination. Sufficient scrutiny applies because their income depends on it and probably compromises their honesty even with (kinda) good intentions.

Thank you, thank you for this. These are the concepts that I don't know how to phrase and don't know who to ask. You covered ads, media, vanity, content, authenticity, monetizing one's passion, etiquette while doing so... Thanks pal.

I saw an ACE hardware ad. My I say I love your honesty. Ad revenue is definitely starting to dry up. Other channels I follow have suffered from this.

I love how strict the rules on endorsements are for RU-vid content creators and other social media influencers, compared to the non-existent laws regarding insider trading and campaign contributions for US Representatives.

Pinterest was the ad 😁 Thank you for the great videos. Truth is what, we, the people are desperately needing.

Your open and honest discussion is as always refreshing and enlightening. Thankyou.

such a good video omg. genuinely awesome and super informative, thank you so much for making this !!im definitely recommending this to others!!

Great video. Very good information for anyone thinking about jumping into this snake pit. I received Mint Mobile and Allbirds ads. I don’t allow targeted ads anymore because when I was, I was getting 20 minute epics from Perfect Circuit!

This is my favourite type of content of yours, this is why I watch you. I've struggled with the idea of monetization, even though my channel is no where near yours, but I had to think about it because, should it come to it, I want to be able to say no to dirty money like you have. This solidifies I was on the right track and helps my future self make better choices, not the quick cash/regret for life ones. Those meme/influencers...man, ty for the tip, i n v a l u a b l e!

Found this channel by chance and maaan you're nice. Feels honest and I suspect you're really just a music nerd who likes stuff. Nice to see. Great Videos, keep going.

First time watching, came here for the topic shared by a friend. Interesting to see the numbers on what people are willing to pay you for and how this kind of arrangement wouldn't work on television at all. Good luck on your channel and Patreon. Will be sharing this video to some friends, at least one of whom is a musician. :)

I started watching synth channels when I first started with synth 2 or 3 years ago. At first I was just amazed by all the great stuff, the cool videos from a short demo to a full in depth review, and always felt like the synths I was discovering were unique. And then I started to see a pattern. Whenever a new synth would come out I'd see always the same guys doing a video on it. Each time it was one of their favorite synths of all times. Each time they'd say how unique it was. Then I started to see music chanels, I mean chanels with the word music in it, uploading non sense, like drama content, or just videos saying that this plugin sucks, or that hardware synth is a scam. Then I started to see chanels growing in real time: people starting with music they loved and progressively doing the RU-vid thing, surfing on the likes, and going deep into the synth reviewing stunt, or the setup explanation. Which was alright I thought in the beginning. Then most of them started doing talks about GAS, what you should and shouldn't do, how to grow a RU-vid chanel... And then most of the time it came to "how to get creative again" etc. So it went full circle. I went from naive dude thinking everyone who's into music is something special, far from the influencer thing, to realizing that I don't watch most of the youtube chanels I used to enjoy because I'm just sick from either seeing people selling me things or just slowly diving into the small/medium youtuber hell where I can see them lose their soul and will to make music little by little. And then there are some chanels like yours, that are frankly most of the time a step on the side. Something reflective on music or behaviours. And it's cool. Not judging anyone but me here. I'm 35 yo I should've known better when I first watched the videos about a world of synths I didn't know. But the thing you're saying about not willing to set everything up just to do negative reviews rang a bell here. And some of the chanels you linked really shocked me with that kinda stuff. Anyway thanks for the vid. Let's make more music all together and less influencing.

Oh no. plz Benn dont do it, you'll give all the synthfluencers an existential crisis again, and they'll all start doing these semi tearful direct to camera monologues about how honest they are, and crying about how they have to pay tax on their earnings etc. I want to see them messing around with new gear and showing how it works, not blurting out some boring video essay about how depressing it is that they have just realised that they are a one person teleshopping channel. 😅

Thanks for making this informative, and humorous at times, video! I am thanking about finally starting to make time to create and share content on RU-vid. I’ve recently read a book on the impact the way we share information online has been changing our minds. About the importance of keeping and open mind just as much as a healthy dose of skepticism when it comes to information. (Published in 2011 and still holds up super well because it’s different passionate professionals sharing on the subject. I.E. physicist director from MIT) Your video resonates with some of what a read very well. I might just subscribe, because I appreciate your realness and maybe you’ll inspire some of my animation sound design or electronics build. 😊

Thank you for your honesty. Certain ones I watch, are not like you, it’s join, join, join. Get so tired of it. Being elder and trying to make it alone on Brandon’s watch, it’s been hard and stressful. I would do at least 5 member/pat. I know of now, but going to the food bank I use to volunteer, I have to pass for now. But seriously. Thank you for breaking this down. May your future be bright and happy.

I've often wondered what those ad reads paid. I get bombarded with the equivalent folks who want me to post their blog trash on my website. They always ask for my rates, so I don't know what they're offering.

I am truly fascinated how Benn is Navalny from the world of music, exposing dubious business practices and sharing this knowledge with us so that we all see it for what it actually is! Benn, you are remarkable❤

This video confirmed a lot of things I suspected about influencer marketing and viral video networks, but also a lot that I had no idea were far worse than I imagined. Thanks for always being a great content creator, and having integrity.

Frank and honest and an excellent pitch for new subscribers. So I was hopefully not dumb by subscribing as a first time viewer of your channel.

Right up until you paused to ask who was buying ads on this video, I had forgotten that most people see ads. I've had RU-vid Premium for years and years, every since it was first available and was called RU-vid Red. It recently jumped from ten bucks to twelve bucks, but it's still a great value proposition relative to how much I like and use it. I have RU-vid playing pretty much around the clock (music during my workday, podcasts, lectures, and documentaries at night). We pay for RU-vid in one of two ways: with our money or with our time. My time is worth way more than twelve bucks, and I hate sitting through ads.

10:35 I see no ad cause i'm a degen who uses adblocker.

Dear Mr Jordan, i rearly comment on a video but i feel you are a special case. Ive watched a few of your vids now and id like to thank you for bringing to light the not so glossy side that is tied to the glamour side. I am fortunate in life not to have fallen for any tricks, and use the principle regularly taught to me by my father, "if it sounds to good to be true..." and "money and respect must be earned" . However some of our younger brothers and sisters too readily fall for quick cash offers with no thought on whether it is good for the next person. So please keep up the great work! Im now subscribed. Andrew UK 🇬🇧

A very interesting post Benn... Thank you for being so honest and transparent. As a very, very small RU-vid creator I think your info and experience is invaluable. Thanks

Sorry, I pay for RU-vid, so no ad at that point for me.

New summer drone light show- damn you timed the ad perfectly I still watch so many channels who’s ad times seem random, even if sometimes they seem to be putting purposeful ad times RU-vid won’t use that and makes it all awkward…so weird.

Super informative! BTW, the ad you asked about.. mine was Mint and it was skippable. Thanks for the great work!

Thanks as always for your honesty. RU-vid (as a career) seems exhausting-and not for me-but I'm glad you're still sharing your thoughts.

Awesome video. Love your transparency and honesty here! (Got here from the Alex Goldman substack)

Ad I am seeing: keyboard rich (book) just found your channel, love it! I particularly liked your reply to the dog torture device! (I am a trainer, and the only use for a shock collar is for desnaking. I am in Texas, so rattlesnakes abound.). Your pup makes me smile, btw, as do you for your defense of the tyke.

This is one of the most informative videos I have ever watched on RU-vid! Thanks for lifting up the veil on how this monetizing and influencer world works; I knew it was bad, and I know aiy of people make millions, and it's a dirty (and inane!) and fucked up business, but this is a pearl of a videoan! THUMBS UP!

This was one of the most useful videos I have seen in months regarding the business of being a RU-vid “influencer.” Your’s is the first video I have seen that actually explained what the different companies like Brilliant are paying for their sponsorship spots. Thank you for shining a light on these typically hidden transactions.

You're the best. This is indeed my thing. Keep it honest and real, I'll keep watching. Influenced by reality, vs whatever they're tryna sell me.

this video is crazy, im so glad i watched it and that im pursuing patreon as a main source of income as a "content creator", whatever that might be or mean. really appreciate you putting this out

man i looove these videos of yours, please keep them coming!! :)

Thanks so much for this, a serious eye opener! Good to know about all the scams out there so thanks for the warning

Just fully engaged with your channel for the first time today. Man, what a breath of fresh air. It’s absurd what the all mighty dollar will do to people. This just reaffirmed why i immediately disregard half of what most influencers say and almost completely disregard nearly all adds as complete bullshit. Bill Hicks was always right about the concept of marketing and advertising.

I appreciate your openness about the subject of how you get paid, and what you've been offered by whom. Keep up the great work.

Totally fascinating! Thanks for all your hard work :)

Got this in my recommendations and hearing all this behind the scenes stuff is fascinating.

Thank you for making this. Your integrity is invaluable to the community

I love this Video Benn. Super insightful for someone like me trying to avoid making sponsored sponsored content

The folks I like to watch most are all influencers. They influence me to think and feel more, to be more introspective, to explore my curiosity, to not give up on doing the right thing, to value people instead of products and corporations, to stay engaged in the political process, and to just be a better person. Thanks, man. You're one of the good ones

Man I started watching your videos when I was playing around with hobbyist audio stuff, and I’m not really doing much of that at the moment, but ever since you made the LRAD video, I always click on your stuff, because you always have something insightful to say. Oh and btw I got a Spanish android phone advertisement on this video, no idea why, I don’t speak Spanish and I use an iPhone.

This was tremendously informative. Thank you for making this video, and for being who you are as a person.

Love this. Thank you I got an ad for Roli Seaboard at that spot which is great

I've been a huge fan of your music through the band The Flashbulb. Didn't know you ran this youtube channel!

Great video, as usual. Ad was the Monster for Back Market

Once again great content Benn, certainly for a small channel dreaming of becoming bigger... Love the sharing of experience.

Thank you for this. I came to find out about YT practices. Very good video. Best of luck to you.

Very informative young man 😀!!! No really i loved it and the other i commented on!!! 😊 Cant wait to see more! Dope!

I'm glad you are honest! I bought my PolyBrute because of your review. I love it! It was my first real synth!

Kudos for being so transparent about the finances of the channel. I think Patreon should always show Patrons the numbers.