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Comment by epoxyhockey | Hacker News Reader

This article (probably intentionally) left out some detail from the official FTC source [1] stating:

Instead, according to the complaint, Warner Bros. instructed influencers to place the disclosures in the description box appearing below the video. Because Warner Bros. also required other information to be placed in that box, the vast majority of sponsorship disclosures appeared “below the fold,” visible only if consumers clicked on the “Show More” button in the description box. In addition, when influencers posted YouTube videos on Facebook or Twitter, the posting did not include the “Show More” button, making it even less likely that consumers would see the sponsorship disclosures.

[1] https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2016/07/warne...

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Looks like the YouTubers followed the contract that was vetted by Warner Brother Lawyers and other Warner Agents. Sadly the YouTuber should have placed the information first but I see them more as a victims. They should have seen the need to help their viewers and their channel more by fully disclosing in the video and with graphics.

"Sadly the YouTuber should have placed the information first but I see them more as a victims."

Please. Youtubers have only to put "sponsored stream" in the title to remove all doubt and be honest about it. It is a common practice, and many fans are not bothered when it happens, or think less of the youtuber since it is understood their need to monetize.

If they purposely accepted a contract that told them to hide the fact that they were being sponsored, they are as reprehensible as WB.

Poor victims getting their money.

Their most valuable thing is entertainment and credibility.

Their credibility took a hit which could destroy your whole enterprise.

PewDiePie was the Click Bait Name

Added Video (Never saw a video of him before) Here is his reply https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JqJDRkKlt8

They were the ones who chose to tank their own credibility by taking money to produce paid promo videos that looked like ordinary non-promotional content. They're not the victims here; the viewers they deceived for profit are.

Well I actually watched a PewDiePie video of it. He just played the game which he would have probably done anyways. There wasn't even a review just fun game, which it was to the vast majority of people.

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