Did Proton covertly sponsor an ad on Subway Takes? And is it ethical?

[PurpleDime]

@fria

They’re supposed to use the built in feature for disclosing this but it doesn’t seem like they did?

Indeed.

@fria

That might be on the channel and not proton though. I would hope Proton checks and makes sure all sponsorships are properly disclosed before they go out however.

Yes. That is possible. So far neither Proton or SubwayTakes have posted the video on their Twitter accounts. However, they both shared the video on their respective Instagram accounts.

Last year, YouTube introduced a new display feature that shows you all the different channels that collaborated in the same video. You don’t just see one profile, but the profiles of all the channels involved.

https://www.businesstechweekly.com/technology-news/youtube-enhances-creator-collaboration-new-feature-boosts-visibility-for-partnerships/

I am surprised that neither Proton nor Subway Takes took advantage of this feature for their YouTube video. That being said, I am seeing that Instagram has this feature too, and the video on Proton and Subway Takes’s IG profiles, indicate that it’s a collaboration between the two.

So my guess is, this is a mistake on Subway Takes and/or Proton’s part.
Or there is an issue with YouTube.

@Valynor

@PurpleDime

You have to click on the description to know that it’s ad.

Is it really an ad when Proton is not mentioned in the video?
It only becomes an ad when you read the description IMHO .. and in the description it is disclosed as an ad.

It’s a sponsored video. Subway Takes have their own unique link on Proton’s website.
Is that not a form of advertising?