If you receive money, free products, or any benefit from a brand to mention them in your content, that is advertising — and in Vietnam, there are rules about disclosing this to your audience.
IMPORTANT: This article is a general information overview only — it does not replace professional legal advice. Refer directly to Vietnam's Advertising Law (Law No. 16/2012/QH13 and amendments) and consider consulting a lawyer if needed.
Why disclosure matters
When viewers do not know you were paid to speak positively about a product, they cannot evaluate the information objectively. Disclosure protects both your viewers and your long-term credibility as a creator.
Vietnam regulatory context
Vietnam's Advertising Law requires that advertising be clearly identifiable as advertising. Key points relevant to creators:
- Content that is advertising in nature must be clearly distinguished from editorial content
- Failing to disclose a commercial relationship may be considered deceptive advertising
- Administrative penalty regulations in the advertising sector specify fine amounts for violations
International platforms (YouTube, TikTok, Meta) also have their own policies requiring creators to label content as "Paid Partnership" or "Ad" — comply with both levels.
How to disclose in practice
State it verbally in the video
Say it clearly at the start of the video or just before the branded section: "This video is sponsored by [Brand Name]" or "I received [product] to review in this video."
Include it in the caption or description
Add a clear line such as: "#Ad #Sponsored" or "This video contains content sponsored by [brand]."
Use platform features
- YouTube: Check "Contains paid promotion" in video settings
- TikTok: Enable "Branded Content" toggle in Creator Tools
- Facebook/Instagram: Use the "Paid Partnership" feature when posting
When disclosure is required
- Receiving cash to post content about a brand
- Receiving free products (even without being asked to post)
- Receiving travel, tickets, or any material benefit
- Being an employee of or having a financial interest in the brand
Also see creator legal contract template for Vietnam and creator legal entity setup guide for Vietnam.
Download reference videos on how international creators handle disclosure via Klypio or @KlypioBot.