When running Facebook ads, it is important to include a disclaimer to inform users about who is sponsoring the ad. This helps increase transparency and comply with Facebook’s advertising policies. Here are some tips on how to write an effective Facebook ad disclaimer.
Why Do You Need a Facebook Ad Disclaimer?
Facebook requires all ads to be clearly distinguishable from non-commercial content. Ads must not be misleading, deceptive or use sensationalized headlines. Having a clear ad disclaimer helps comply with these policies.
In addition, a disclaimer informs users who is sponsoring the ad. This increases transparency and helps build trust with your target audience. Users like to know who is promoting content to them.
A disclaimer also differentiates organic content from paid advertising. Without it, users may think the content is an unbiased recommendation instead of a paid promotion.
What Should You Include in the Disclaimer?
Your Facebook ad disclaimer must clearly state that the post is a paid advertisement. Here are some other details to include:
- Your business name
- “Paid Ad” or “Sponsored Ad”
- Your website URL
For example:
“Paid ad by ABC Company. www.abccorp.com”
Where Should You Place the Disclaimer?
The disclaimer must appear prominently and be hard to miss. Avoid placing it in areas easily cropped out or requiring users to click “see more.”
For image ads, overlay the text directly onto the image itself. Use a high contrast color that is easy to read. White or black text tends to stand out well on most images.
For video ads, include the disclaimer in the first 3 seconds of the video. It should be on screen long enough for the average user to notice and read it.
For carousel ads with multiple images or videos, include the disclaimer on every image or video.
Disclaimer Placement Examples
Here are some examples of proper Facebook ad disclaimer placement:
Image Ad
Video Ad
The disclaimer is clearly visible in the first 3 seconds.
Carousel Ad
The disclaimer appears on every slide.
Tips for Writing an Effective Disclaimer
- Keep it short and concise – Stick to basic details like company name and “paid ad.”
- Use a high contrast color – White or black text tends to stand out best against image backgrounds.
- Make it noticeable – Overlay it over images or place it prominently in videos so users can’t miss it.
- Be consistent – Use the same disclaimer style across all your Facebook ad campaigns.
- Proofread for errors – Double check for typos, spelling or formatting mistakes.
Do All Facebook Ads Require a Disclaimer?
Almost all Facebook ads require a disclaimer, but there are some exceptions:
- Job listings – Ads for open job positions do not need a disclaimer.
- Real estate – If you are advertising specific properties for sale or rent, you do not need a disclaimer. But real estate agent ads do require one.
- Political ads – These have special rules covered under Facebook’s political advertising policy.
For any regular advertising of products, services or businesses, you need a clear Facebook ad disclaimer.
What Happens If You Don’t Include a Disclaimer?
If Facebook detects that your ads do not have a disclaimer, they will be rejected or disapproved. Some potential consequences include:
- Your ad being declined for publishing
- Your ads being paused or stopped completely
- Your ad account being banned
- Fines from regulatory bodies
Having proper disclaimers prevents compliance issues down the road. Make sure all your current Facebook ads have necessary disclosures so your account stays in good standing.
Facebook Ad Disclaimer Examples
Here are some example Facebook ad disclaimers for different business types:
Ecommerce Store
Paid Ad by MyEcommerceSite.com
Local Service Business
Paid Ad by AC Repair Co, acrepairco.com
B2B Company
Paid Ad by ProjectTools Inc, www.projecttools.com
Law Firm
Paid Ad by Johnson & Partners LLC, JohnsonPartnersLaw.com
Creative Ways to Add a Disclaimer
While disclaimers need to be clear and noticeable, you can get creative with how you incorporate them into your ad design:
- Part of a graphic/image – Overlay or add the text onto visuals as part of the design.
- On a product/sign/billboard – Add the disclaimer to objects or signs within the ad creative.
- Work it into the copy – Seamlessly mention “this is a paid ad” in the ad copy.
- End frame of a video – Add a screen at the end with disclaimer text.
Just ensure it remains clearly visible and identifiable as a disclaimer.
Common Facebook Disclaimer Mistakes
Some common mistakes to avoid when adding your Facebook ad disclaimer:
- Making the text too small and hard to read
- Placing it somewhere easily cropped or not immediately visible like the very bottom
- Only having it on one slide of a carousel ad
- Not having one at all
- Using vague language that doesn’t identify it is an ad
- Letting it appear blurry or blend too much into the image background
Keep these in mind when designing your next ad with a disclaimer. Preview the ad and test it thoroughly before submitting for review.
Facebook Disclaimer Examples by Objective
Your disclaimer may differ slightly depending on your ad objective and placement. Here are examples tailored to different goals:
Brand Awareness Ad
Paid Ad for Brand Awareness by Company XYZ
Lead Generation Ad
Paid Ad by MyCompany, 123-456-7890
Mobile News Feed Ad
Paid Ad – MyBusiness.com
Instagram Stories Ad
@mybrand – Paid Partnership
Click-to-Site Ad
Paid Ad by MyWebsite.com – MyWebsite.com
Compliant Facebook Disclaimer Examples
Here are some compliant disclaimer examples for Facebook ads:
| Ad Format | Example Disclaimer |
|---|---|
| Image Ad | “Paid Ad by ABC Corp, www.abccorp.com” |
| Video Ad | “Paid Ad – XYZ Company, xyzco.com” |
| Carousel Ad | “Paid Ad for Company 123, www.company123.com” |
| Collection Ad | “Paid Ad – My Business Name, mybiz.com” |
| Dynamic Ad | “Paid Ad, My Website URL” |
| Lead Ad | “Paid Ad by My Company” |
Ad Disclaimer Inspiration
Check out these real-life examples of Facebook ad disclaimers for inspiration:
Purple Mattress
Simple and clean disclaimer matches the ad’s modern aesthetic.
KitchenAid
Created as part of the image itself in a way that fits the visual style.
Audible
Hard to miss disclaimer in a bold, high contrast color.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big should the disclaimer text be?
Make sure the disclaimer text is readable and legible. Avoid fonts smaller than 10-12pt size. Large text like 20+ pt is ideal for readability.
Do I need a disclaimer for Instagram ads too?
Yes, the same disclaimer requirements apply for Instagram ads. Add it prominently to image/video ads and clearly state it’s an “#paid partnership” for influencer partnerships.
Where do I place the disclaimer on a Facebook video ad?
Your disclaimer should appear within the first 2-3 seconds of a Facebook video ad. This ensures viewers see it even if they only watch part of the video.
Can the disclaimer be animated or spoken?
Yes, you can have an animated or spoken disclaimer, as long as it’s clearly identifiable as a disclosure. The spoken word must match any text shown.
How can I create compliant carousel card ads?
Create a text overlay that includes your disclaimer and place it prominently on every image card in the carousel. Use the same disclaimer text on each card for consistency.
Conclusion
Adding a clear Facebook ad disclaimer is a must for complying with policies, informing consumers and maintaining transparency. Include basic identifying details like “paid ad” and your business name prominently on each ad you run.
Keep it noticeable, consistent and concise every time. With the right disclaimer in place, you can create effective Facebook ads that drive results while following proper regulations.