Insta360 Asks People To Hide Sponsorships, So I Dropped Them.

I officially dropped Insta360. Overtime Insta360 became more intrusive and toxic towards me as a content creator. They weren't always like this, in fact, one of their first e-mails to me says they like me because l'm honest. However there is no place for honesty in Insta360 projects anymore. I have endless stories about Insta360, but I'll keep it short here.
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[@iPhonedo]

If you catch a X4 review with that "50 free selfie stick" promotion, chances are they are sponsored. Jeven Dovey caught one and guess what happened? >> www.threads.net/@jevendovey/post/C6g2BuCRa5l

[@TomHofmann]

Pretty much any review that comes out on launch date I assume is "sponsored". Even if the reviewer doesn't get any pay in return for a favourable review just by having early access alone makes a review questionable in my opinion. I really appreciate your honesty. Sadly I don't think a lot of other content creators have the same ethics.

[@AdityaDixit03]

I’ve been struggling trying to return my x4 since Apr30. There is NO easy way to return it, except for frustrating in app chat with support who have difficulty communicating in English and reply 3am at night. How are these KZbinrs endorsing this product that has such a shady return procedure and NO staff in US to help in timely manner? My first and last product from insta 360 and I am never preordering because these youtubers BS.

[@DFMurray]

What a surprise it's Roman Atwood... One of the many influencers caught up in crypto scams scamming their own viewers.

[@hoover.studios]

Peter McKinnon did one. I unsubbed and blocked his channel. That is a horrible thing to do to your audience.

[@stefpix]

@@hoover.studioswhat dine McKinnon do exactly?

[@cameraconspiracies]

What's worse, Insta360 and other companies asking people not to reveal their sponsorship, or the creators that oblige and lie to our faces in their reviews? Good on you for having integrity to drop them.

[@iPhonedo]

Did you realize how none of the tech outlets pick up this story?

[@cameraconspiracies]

@@iPhonedo I'll pick it up :) Been wanting to talk about sponsors for awhile.

[@iPhonedo]

@@cameraconspiracies Oh the board meeting for this has to be legendary.

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

@@iPhonedo I am posting a video tonight coming out and backing you up! They asked me to do even worse and I refused. I am showing my emails as well!

[@TuckerPearce]

@@cameraconspiracies please do.

[@iJustine]

This makes me so sad because I love my insta 360 cameras. Hopefully they can change their ways. Proud of you for standing up for not only yourself but other creators. Love you and your reviews, always!!!

[@iPhonedo]

If this doesn't fix Insta360, I have a 19 minute version of this video, I'll release that :)) Love you and you reviews too ❤

[@worldtraveler8921]

Meanwhile she shills.

[@ZdenkaDarula]

I feel the same Justine. I never had any of those emails from them so I am assuming it is just one rep that is not following the route...

[@user1.ab.8]

Justine :Anyway, you're not mentioning the sponsor in your video; instead, you're adding it in the description. It seems like you're following what Insts 360 dictates to you.

[@Rookie-h6v]

@@iPhonedoHope to see the 19 mins version and maybe tell us your whole thoughts on the Insta X4

[@timtabutops4611]

That's crazy. The FTC would be very interested in hearing about this if the sponsorships are in the US.

[@0LoneTech]

Feel free to go one step ahead: They have a guide named "Disclosures 101 for Social Media Influencers", in the plain language category. The request to omit disclosure is inciting a crime.

[@TheLokCheung]

WOW this is crazy! I've never received any request like this, it's unheard of and unethical! How dare they mentioned "trustworthy" too... Thank you for you to speak up and expose them, and also make an example of what an "influencer" or content creator should and shouldn't do.

[@heyspookyboogie644]

It’s kinda sad they’ve made this move considering people generally seem to like their products. You’d think they’d just let the product speak for itself.

[@ArgoFowl]

cringe innit

[@MrTechcat]

cuz Insta360 products suck now. They make so much new models that do not add any value. They put bigger numbers but actual video quality difference is barely noticeable even two generations later. So they have to switch to scamming to even try compete with their own older products.

[@heyspookyboogie644]

@@MrTechcat it’s a sad trend considering they had a good thing going for them.

[@FLG8r]

true ... specs are top notch and market leading for the time being; the Insta360 X4 is my first product - have been a GoPro loyalist since its inception.

[@MrTechcat]

@@FLG8r I have the original X camera and still X4 cameras later there is no true incentive to upgrade. Even worse with Go3 being almost identical to Go2 in terms of video features/quality. They have lost the original vision too. Making easy, fun cameras with new interesting perspectives. Nobody asks/cares about 8K and other quality specs they are pushing on current products.

[@KenHeron]

Good man. Sacrificing money for honesty should be a no-brainer for all creators. Insta 360 needs to do a 180 and remember where they came from.

Yes, this man's honesty will be an example for you too, you will stop sponsoring fraudulent color blindness glasses.

[@RennieAsh]

Hopefully it will be an insta 360. They went 180 with the request and then 180 with the backtrack lol

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks for standing for honesty, there’s been a number of action cam and drone brands pushing harder lately in this area, and unfortunately the vast majority of Day 0 (embargo release) content has become fully sponsored without disclosure. Good on you!

[@iPhonedo]

So happy to see you here and thank you for this message and you're in this field too, you proably know I'm talking about the tip of the iceberg.

[@liew9574]

Agree 100%. Pretty obvious who are the ones heavily sponsored and I’ve stopped watching their stuff knowing they’ll never be objective… That’s also why I hardly buy anything without checking out the review from iPhonedo…

[@SingaporeUntold]

Love your drone and sports review 👍🏻

[@Seanonyoutube]

I’m thankful to have a well developed intuition to the point where I just know which reviewers do and don’t have integrity. It goes without saying that i’m subbed to you Rain.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

This is SO COMMON, but usually not so obvious. ~13 years ago, a photographer showed me a contract from a third-party lens company that gave him a free lens in exchange for making posts in forums endorsing the lens, and it explicitely required him NOT to mention that it was free. The BIGGEST PEOPLE/CHANNELS in our industry get free cameras & lenses and they don't mention it in every video where they discuss the gear - even though they're required to. The FTC should enforce this, and they just don't. It's the consumers who pay - by buying gear based on undisclosed ads that the believe to be unbiased reviews. Thanks for speaking up, Faruk!

[@robmcd]

Tbh T&C we the viewers are so bored of these new equipment reviews.

[@AndrewTSq]

most youtubers today are nothing else than the third arm of the pr of the companies. "I got sent this for free" = You got this thing worth $500 which is considered a payment in many countries and should be taxed.

[@DarkPa1adin]

Toney 1.2

[@Noeezee1]

This is exactly why I follow you!! The truth and honesty! One of my favorite KZbinrs out there! Keep up the great work!

[@superstringsbro]

I don’t know about that. He said they have been doing this for a while and he was still cranking out videos for them. And then still needed to talk to someone for advice on what to do 😮

[@tombuck]

I’m so glad you shined a light on this. Definitely made me do a 180 on how I feel about Insta360.

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

I have had a scary experience with them as well. Didn’t want to go public about it, or even mention them by name…but after this video, I’ll just say my situation was even worse. I may have to disclose it just to help shed more light on ethical situations this company is trying to put us in

[@samgriffin6221]

I couldn’t give a shit, if I want a 360 camera, I would still buy the x3 or x4.

[@levelupwithmikenewman]

@@samgriffin6221 Nobody is saying their gear isn't good. I still think their Link webcam is a great webcam. this is about a company asking content creators who review their stuff to be dishonest with you the viewer. 👍

[@MikeFede]

I used to love working with them when it was a smaller brand. Now I feel like they are chasing GoPro instead of paving a new path. I use my insta360 in nearly every video and find it to be the most useful camera. I’ve previously worked with them on partnerships up until the x3 and enjoyed it up until then. I bought the X4 because it’s one of the most useful cameras I have and find it to be a must in my bag. I am all for weeding out the bull shit in brand deals and firmly believe that if they keep going down this road then they might end up pushing themselves out of the very community that they need. Great video and it’s very refreshing to see somebody unapologetically open a topic of conversation that can be a source for others 🤘🏾. Keep up the great work!

[@markr041]

Could you explain what "working with them" means? Does it mean working for them to "review" their products?

[@WillEDC]

As a EDC reviewer, one of the biggest brand OLIGHT wanted me to collab and review their products and give me a commission link. After I finished editing the review, they wanted control and to edit things in my review. Also demanded me to post on my personal facebook account. Way too much asks and control. I broke it off with them and the rep went nuts and started calling me a liar and even commented on my videos that I’m a scammer etc.

[@TechMixr]

Commented on your IG post. Your authenticity is what makes you unique and trustworthy. I have purchased a ton of things you gave reviews to where you have been very transparent. Don't change dude.

[@TravisMCP]

I literally did a video 2 weeks about about KZbinrs not disclosing and ironically have a insta360 email for a sponsorship in my inbox right now....

[@0LoneTech]

Did you link to FTC's Disclosures 101 document?

[@TravisMCP]

@@0LoneTech Not only that, but also the European one.

[@nVuFilms]

DUDE! YOU ARE A LEGEND FOR THIS! THANK YOU FOR YOUR TRANSPARENCY AND HONEST! I have always noticed something suspiscious with the INSTA360 youtuber videos and have mentioned it many times in my own youtube videos. You essentially proved what I have thought all along! THANK YOU!

[@AmeliaHeldt]

Came here from Jeven Dovey, very impressed with your transparency! What’s hilarious is that the x-lineup seems to be popular because people genuinely love it. Finally with the x4, the image quality has increased on what was already (without having used one myself yet) a cool product, same with the ace pro (like having a waterproof flip screen, GoPro should have done it years ago), so all they’re doing is ruining their own reputation by being sketchy, despite the fact that the products speak for themselves. So weird!

[@rocktruckrob]

Came over from camera conspiracies channel… nice to see honesty out there in KZbin…at least once in a while , great video good sir👊✌️🇨🇦

[@BenClaremont]

As one of Insta360's longest-serving users & reviewers, I agree about the sketchy ethical boundaries that they have around influencer collaborations. They try to control what you say in sponsored videos (especially around new product launches) FAR more than other companies do. That said, I'll add this - they've never asked me not to disclose sponsorship. AND... personally, I think it's very unethical to receive sponsorship for what is supposed to be an unbiased review. Every time there's a new camera, it feels like I'm one of the ONLY KZbinrs NOT accepting sponsorship money to make my review & saying it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. Tutorials are the place for sponsorship, not reviews.

[@gosamba]

This is nice to know Ben, I've gotten a lot out of your reviews and side by side comparisons. Thank you!

[@wvansluisveld3011]

This is why I always look for your reviews first, fun to watch, very objective and honest. And they still convinced me to switch to Insta360 which makes it extra stupid of their marketing team to apply these malpractices. Keep up the good work.

[@TheDigitalDigest]

Thanks for sharing this. Too many people are oblivious to what happens in this business and too many creators are complicit in deceiving their audiences. Keep up the great work.

[@jeffdurling100]

This is why you are one of the first places I look for a review of ones of these products. Besides knowing the video will be in depth, informative, and concise, I know it will be an honest assessment of the product. No fluff, no BS, and you usually right at the very beginning state if you bought it or were sent it for free. Thank you for your high standards and honest content. It is much appreciated.

[@TheNitpicker]

they NEVER were better, even in the past. After my quite negative review of the One R (which just is a bad action cam) they never responded on any of my emails. Companies like those don't want honest review, no constructive criticism, they don't want to learn and improve. All they want is influencer who can be paid of, or call it "sponsored" to praise their product, they want nothing else. Why do they have to "sponsor" reviews, if the product is so good on it's own simply providing the review unit should be enough. Paying for a "review" is already a sign something is fishy.

[@iPhonedo]

One R was such a bad product that when I tweeted about it Insta360 asked me to remove the tweet. (I didn't)

[@PrimeInChina]

To play devils advocate, they said they would rather the video be made without mentioning of a sponsorship. We all know this is pretty common. Product placement is all over the place without mentioning of sponsorship. To also be fair, isn't it a somewhat safe assumption that when people see a "sponsored" post, they think "Oh well, this person is only saying good things because it is a sponsored post!." They even mention it would be more trustworthy, saying hey.. if you want to tell people our product is a piece of hot garbage.. go ahead! You can't do a sponsored post and tell people a product is garbage. As they even mentioned, "You can even make the videos the way you like!". This is because as you obviously know, on sponsored post they usually have strict requirements of a product. You've gotta get certain shots.. have certain screen time in certain places.. etc etc.. and any little thing can make the deal null and void if you don't reach the terms. It doesn't seem like they were being deceitful as much as it just seems like someone is creating drama from a bunch of nothing. Yet, everyone now days is so focused on how horrible and bad these companies are.. they don't realize it must just be an amazing product, that they wanted you to gave a genuine perception of... not behind the nasty word of "sponsored".

[@SeanOzz]

So far, I’ve been pretty lucky as when Insta has sent me products. The only thing they’ve ever asked is to look over the product videos to make sure I’m not putting wrong information out. I have not had them tell me not to include something I don’t like about any product so far. They also don’t pay me so I don’t know if it’s considered a sponsorship. I’ve always just said what I thought about the product and used it for action sports showcasing its use. The non pay also frees me up to do it completely on my time line and schedule so if life gets in the way it is what it is. And I get back to it when I can to share my experience with my subscribers. I have been hearing what you said from a few others and hopefully they correct this with their higher ups. I actually like the Ace Pro. I think overall it is a solid addition to their line up. It has its pros and cons just like a GoPro and every other action cam does. Which is to be expected in my opinion.

[@BenSeese]

@seanozz They sent you products, and you don't know whether you're sponsored... 😬 This is the world that Insta360 is working within: the blind leading the blind. Neither the sponsor nor the sponsored understand the basics.

[@dwmspace]

That’s what I’m also trying to better understand. Is it considered a sponsorship if a product is sent and not paid? Say there is also no obligation to review. Then I can see this a bit differently and I think there is more to discuss here. However, if it’s paid then this is wrong. I wish there was more transparency about this here.

[@alexkooistra]

@@dwmspaceof course it is. Nothing is free

[@noheadlights]

@@dwmspace When they send you a $400 camera and you pay nothing you gain $400 in value, so you are paid. Also, even if they don't put you under any kind of pressure. If you don't do a (positive) video, you won't get another camera from them.... this goes for most companies of course. This story is a big step further, though. What they want is illegal in a lot of countries.

[@dwmspace]

⁠@@noheadlights I get that but in that scenario, I don’t think that’s still a sponsorship. So if I get sent a product, can I now say I am sponsored by Insta360? Technically yes but that’s obviously stretching it. I think in this situation it would just be better to say that one got SENT the product with no extra payment and ironically I think that saying it is sponsored is incorrect. If a reviewer makes a bad review and the company stops sending them a product because of that. So be it. That’s more on the integrity of the creator and the morals of the company. I think the discussion here should also focus on creators who just speak positive to keep getting products for free. Also I think there should be way more transparency and clarity from both sides about this.

[@PatrickRambles]

Thank you for this video, man. I stopped working with them towards the end of last year, for various reasons. But wow, this is next level bad. this behavior is not ok and you're absolutely right to address this.

[@AllThingsFilm1]

Well. That does it. I'm scratching Insta360 off of any list I'll ever consider buying. Thank you for the transparency. I've been asked by sellers on Amazon to review their products while asking me to give them a 5-star rating. I told them I cannot promise a rating other than one that is based on my own experience of the product. I haven't received anymore requests since. Surprise, surprise.

[@ricarmig]

I bought an Ace Pro and I’m very happy, also the support team have been very helpful. Is there a couple of reps that did “their way”? It seems so but you can’t fault the company for something that may not be the wishes of the entire company. I think it’s very dangerous to assume that and what I think everyone should do is to talk with another person in the company first! The thing is: insta360 (rep) is asking not to disclosure but….. those KZbinrs accepted it?!?! Now it’s only that rep’s fault? What about the power of decision of those KZbinrs? If I’m asked to make something illegal, unless I’m threatened physically, I can just say no.

[@DustinArmstrongPro]

I'm a small creator and just barely getting in to the world of sponsorships, but something I'm most afraid of is making mistakes in videos or something misleading in a video when I didn't mean to even in non sponsored videos. Doing a sponsored video and the brand asking to hide it or under play it definitely a big no no. Even if a brand sent me something and asked to do a review and not say they sent it would be a no. Honesty is always best! Appreciate you!

[@iblackfeathers]

some chinese companies also ask us to give them a good review for a discount on sites like amazon even though it is against amazon policy.

[@linorics]

Yeah I give them a good review, get the discount, then make a horrible review.

[@CharlieVN]

Pretty much every company that relies on Yelp these days

[@Na7ure]

Hearing your morals come first and dropping the f bomb in the first video got my subscription. Haha thank you for your hard work

[@sharonb.9128]

Great video. The worst part is how many creators went along with it? So many channels are not professionals or journalist in any way and their sole purpose is to get as many sponsors as possible. That blow up over the Humane Pin smelled closer to flop sweat coming from creators terrified Marques had upset their cash grabs . It wasn’t “concern” about abuse. Manufacturers will ask ANYTHING, it’s up to the creators they make non ethical choices or not.

[@chelseanorthrup8787]

Thanks for speaking up, Faruk! I’m so tired of brands trying to get away with this. We need more transparency in our industry!

[@thebrownthomascrown917]

They aren't the only ones...I dropped a "niche" camera company for the same reason after 5 years. I still have the letter they sent with the product asking the exact same thing you highlighted.

[@AnonymouslyP91]

Finally! Camera reviewers are now realizing this, because I kept watching multiple creators gushing over the mediocre Insta360 cameras, even though the quality is terrible, compared to Dji and Gopros. Thank you for putting this video out.

[@MrWighteagle]

Faruk, I never drop money on any product unless i have seen you review it, and have been subscribed for years. I value your independant, no bull approach to what you do. Please keep doing what you do, they way you do it!

[@mattcarlson12]

I just got back from NAB in Vegas and I gotta say.... Every KZbinr I recognized there is in the back pockets of these companies as simply a marketing person. If you get early or free products, you can't be unbiased at the risk of getting removed from these lists. People just need to understand that you are watching commercials for these products not "reviews."

[@markwiemels]

This is so important. This feels like a line in sand moment, you've draw it for all of us. Thank You.

[@flyingRich]

Big fan of your channel! Appreciate your honesty!

[@OneFlash]

Much respect for your honesty! Didn't expect this from insta360... 😮

[@SidneyDiongzon]

Wow, bravo for speaking truth!!!

[@RageStudios]

Unlike you, right?

[@MadRC]

You have restored some faith in the bigger review channels for me. Iv followed you for years and have always felt your content was genuine. Sadly in recent times its been hard not to see the "review" space around consumer tech turn to pure ads with blatant sponsorship being hidden and brands driving the direction of the content. New products from the likes of DJI, GoPro and others having amazing "reviews" with creators going on expensive trips or big budget shots to show features yet not a real word on who is paying for this. As a smaller creator I always get the "oh your bias as you got it for free" stiff however that's not even the tip of the iceberg of the issue with many big channels simply being marketing engines for these companies. The scary thing is most people don't realize the likes of DJI used to even offer substantial DJI Store Credit for "positive engagement" in reviews. This stuff needs to end. I have always had a simple rule of I control the content and I do and say what I choose and while that has meant some of the bigger companies wont work with me anymore its been by far the best thing from how I have built my community. Be open, honest and tell a brand no that's not OK if they try to pull this crap. Fantastic video man. Mad.

[@sidvicious3129]

Thank you for steeping up and. Ringing this to our attention. The nerve of Insta 360 to be prepared to ruin your reputation and get you into possibly an illegal act to sell a product is telling. I’m glad you dropped them and I hope others do to. This is the only way to let manufacturers know that they don’t own you!!!

[@MrTechTok]

this is so common, and unfortunately happens from all these brands, if the video released on the same day product release most likely its sponsored. Which is why I just buy my own products and do actual reviews, yes its late to the party and might not get as much traction, but at least its honest.

[@treeriders]

Crazy. You'd think the products would sell themselves, with how good they actually are.

[@photojoseph]

Good job man. Extra sad thing is that they’ve had plenty of time to respond, yet have remained silent. Ugh.

[@jawadsaleemastro]

Absolutely spot on! For years, I've relied on your product reviews, and without fail, your recommendations have proven true. Your commitment to honesty not only fosters trust but also ensures that your subscribers return to your channel time and again. Keep up the great work!

[@benjhaisch]

such a bummer, I've been really interested in picking one up. thanks so much for bringing this up, Faruk!

[@Andyhutchinson]

Nice on Faruk - I applaud you. This is happening to a great extent at the shallow-end of the influencer pool where people like me exist. I've been approached by two companies in the last week alone who had very specific demands about videos. The wording is such that they frame the entire output - they are not interested in reviews - they want 'unboxing' or 'showcase'. Only if you comply with these requests do you get the product. I'm an old school journalist who chanced into KZbin only a few years ago and have no intention of becoming a marketing shill for any of these companies, but I see numerous examples of content creators with subscriber bases similar to mine, taking that company dollar and selling out. It's pretty shameless how these companies are operating these days.

[@nimrod7785]

Thank you for dropping them. I will never buy a camera that asks you to "activate" it online before it allows you to shoot. I do not like this company, neither their products.

[@Rollerlife]

I noticed that no one mentioned the low light in the X4. (That is really bad) I guess this is why. It's sad that they chose this route. Still I think you should make an honest unsponsored Review of their products!😊

[@0LoneTech]

Hugh Hou did mention low light... by advertising some other post processing software after noting all "action cams" suck at it.

[@JustinPulitzerTrades]

I just returned both the Ace Pro & Go 3. The Ace Pro is never in focus for vlogging w/o an added diopter & the "low light" the tout isn't good for vlogging. The Go 3 is a laggy UI & needs 4K & gestures added. I generally like where they're going w/ their products though. Highly innovative.

[@donaldfarra3910]

Thank you for your integrity.

[@ScottJWaldron]

Great job on the video! Very important topic and more creators need to push back against companies doing these types of things.

[@sloppysteaks]

spill that tea

[@iPhonedo]

this, as you know, is the tip of the iceberg.

[@WillEDC]

*NOW anyone reviewing a Insta360 without mentioning sponsorship will be labeled a shill lol*

[@olivierl2172]

I don’t think we have to read too much into this. It’s not the whole company, it’s one dumb person in the marketing department. If they’re a good company they will fire this person and set things straight.

[@autonomoushologram6072]

You really have no idea how big companies work, do you?

[@noheadlights]

Their silence speaks volumes. If it was like you said, they would already have reacted, because stories like these hurt the brand massively.

[@yourmagicfilm]

If it was 1, then where's the big response and update? It's their culture. I just bought X4 and now I have a bad taste from them.

[@Nurr0]

This is is the corporate get out of jail free card of choice. 'It was just one bad apple', despite the fact that they hired and oversaw this for however long and conveniently only have a problem with it when they're called out publicly. The rot comes from the top.

[@ryans6982]

Are you serious? How do you know that?🙂Pls don't try to hide the truth.

[@ReframephotoGR]

Well said and thank you for sharing this info. I am never turned off by sponsored videos, but hiding it does turn me off. Goodbye insta360, never again!

[@RyanThayne]

Thanks for having the balls to post this video! Someone in their marketing team will probably get fired (as the sacrificial lamb) and Insta360 will claim that person's actions were not in line with their companies standards.

[@Coatsey007]

It was a pleasure to meet you briefly at an NAB. A great video, integrity means to lose out in the short term but it pays dividend in the long term and I’m so glad to see you do this video. Any video, that I see that shows a product, day one, tells me it’s sponsored and of little use.

[@albertwingz]

Respect for being a fully review creator, standing in consumer who want to buy their product. No product is perfect, sometime we need to accept the cons come from product, sometime the pros feature we even didn't use it when lifespan ending.

[@fjhphoto]

In a world filled with shills, be like Faruk!🔥

[@grilensankara]

Faruk yaninda ve arkandayiz. Bir fotografci olarak urunlerini kullandigim insta360 in tekli karsisindaki durusunu takdir ile takip edecegim. Her zaman videolarini büyük bir keyif ve dikkat ile izliyorum. Ister addvertorial olsun ister inceleme. Hakliligin su goturmez emeklerin ve caban karsilik bulmaya devam edecektir. Samimiyetin ve dürüstlüğün icin teşekkür ederim

[@TVCHLORD]

Tell the FTC

[@ThisBrownGeek]

Oh dear, this isn’t good. Hats off for speaking up Faruk, this is why I have so much respect for you. Honestly, thank you for staying true to yourself and to us. As a small creator myself, I look up to you because you’re honest, and because you have the best intro shots ever in your reviews lol

[@RidiculousRocketry]

I had an X4 in my cart at B&H and since I learned of this sketchy behavior I am reconsidering.

[@artisticcompose]

I applaud your courage for sharing this information so transparently. I am not a content creator however I ask, if by you outing them, could they potentially sue? I guess that’s why people don’t come forward and do what you did because they don’t know the legal ramifications something like this video could bring. Just to be clear, I am not against your video, in fact I enjoy your channel a lot! Just asking if that is something that would concern you?

[@TheHybridShooter]

Unfortunately, one of their competitors has asked me to do worse things (IMO) than not disclose sponsorship. I had to sign NDA before they even told me what they want me to do, so I can't talk about it. The sad thing is that multiple channels (much larger than mine) have done exactly what was asked. I have only had good experience with Insta360. Much like other companies, they provide technical guide and list of features they consider to be important. They have never asked me not to say something specific or to omit weaknesses of their products. Insta360 has never offered me any money, my channel is probably too small to be sponsored. They have provided some of the products that I have reviewed, which was disclosed in the videos. They have never asked me not to disclose that. Importantly, they have never required me to submit the video for their internal review before releasing it (they did ask whether it would be fine by me, I said no and they accepted it), which is not the case with all of their competitors and a red line for me personally.

[@benjamin11.]

So yeah, Insta is not as good as we thought ! Everyone is throwing mud at the other companies that make action cameras, but it seems that's not really the case, Insta is not above everyone else as it is advertised everywhere, even their 8K is not such a big deal !

[@nVuFilms]

Insta360 is "Mediocre on their best day"... You are being too nice. 😂

[@whiggi]

I got my first sponsorship and I was so impressed when the first thing they mentioned was please make sure you mention straight away this is sponsored content :D there was no requirement for me to show them my honest review prior to uploading. Great integrity. Ive seen creators push affiliate programs for terrible products and it can be very costly to viewers and is not on in my opinion

[@NatsWright]

Wow, I was going to get an insta360 X4, but having second thoughts now. Their marketing is so aggressive too, I watches this video on both my youtube accounts and both times got bombarded by insta360 adds. We need honest reviews, not manufacturers pushing lies to get a product sold. Thanks for exposing this.

[@samgriffin6221]

This has no effect on me and any decision I make to buy one their cameras. Just saying

[@kenneth6102]

There was a good time when KZbinrs were independent media outlets. There were many unique and honest perspectives and opinions. All that got slowly eroded away when sponsorship got big. Many interesting people turned into clowns. I'm so proud of you talking about this as you are one of my last 3 tech reviewers whom I still subscribe to.

[@iPhonedo]

Also this: kzbin.infoUgkxLFCKaPF4wYELyLDw-3yGCXq0ZUlJpdej

[@LouisD2023]

I see that Insta360 replied, in that link. Looks like they want to make things right.

[@rauliuxaa]

@@LouisD2023 ofcourse they do, they ruined their face

[@MartinBogomolni]

@@rauliuxaa ^^ THIS ^^ ... when you respond only because you got caught, it's not an apology

[@TechTyrial]

I am a small creator and this is a common trend with small Chinese companies. I always deny them because you being trustworthy is the most important thing to people watching your video’s!

[@Mathieu89]

No clue why they did this. I watched Brandon Li's video (which is obviously sponsored by Insta360) and decided to purchase the new X4 camera based on what I saw. A sponsored video showing off the capabilities of the camera works well enough provided the product is good.

[@XXIVCONCEPT]

I guess my biggest question is at what point is a piece of content "sponsored"? If/when a company pays a creator money to make content about a product/service? If a brand sends a product to help you provide coverage without payment and no contractual agreement? I think there's a lot of gray area with how these words are used today just like the word "review". I've been sent product by several brands but never labeled or considered my content "sponsored" as the company had no influence on my review nor did they have any say on how I made my content nor did they pay me to make the content. As a small creator, it's hard to navigate this area correctly. I've had brands send me product to make content on my own without any payment or specific deliverable demands. I do my honest review of said product but usually if not always, mention that the product was provided to me by X brand, but that the content was not sponsored and no money exchanged hands in the process of my review. Genuinely curious as to how this is supposed to be done so that I can avoid companies like Insta360 who likely will now be hunting down smaller, less experienced creators in lieu of this situation. To be clear, I've never seen anything like this before where a brand legit asks you to hide your relationship with them to make it seem more "organic". But I think it opens up a very important conversation especially as smaller creators such as myself learn to navigate this space. I genuinely want to learn.

[@Davehaha2001]

It’s 2024 camera companies sponsoring KZbin video isn’t new or odd but trying to hide its a sponsored video is totally unacceptable and I thank you for making this video

[@adnanerdem5924]

Ma man here shows his approach again as always, honest and user-friendly. I have been following him for almost ten years now. He always reviews products in such a honest and objective way that I always care his thoughts and reviews. Thank you for your honesty and professional approach for all these years Faruk abi

[@zhukmy]

I support all independent creators! The more honest the review, the more confidence in the product. I accidentally came across this video because I was planning to purchase x4, but now the purchase is in jeopardy...

[@sleeplesson]

You hit the nail on the head there. As someone in the market for some sort of action camera, how the hell am I supposed to trust any reviews of their products going forward knowing that it might be a sponsored ad video and not actually a review.

[@TheHopelessGeek]

Thank you for continuing to be one of the best!🎉 I do the same with my sponsors. I get so many messages from these "gambling agents" asking me to promote their shady mess of an app at least 4 times a week. 😂

[@WorldAccordingToBriggs]

I have had a few companies casually ask me if I would do that.

[@stephangauthier911]

It's about time we see creators adopting this attitude. I'm at a point where all the youtubers I follow feel like salesperson for the industry.

[@BIBSTERSrepairshop]

I guess as soon as someone is like here is the video shot on a insta360 I know it’s an ad. It’s weird that they think people won’t see that they are not sponsored videos when they mention a product. The only time I don’t think it’s sponsored is when the creator will say it’s not sponsored but if the company wants to they would. Great video thanks for being honest.

[@pattayaglutton3729]

Thanks for your honesty. The reality behind all the hype of brand new product releases is not always what it seems. I really respect you for keeping it real!!!

[@DetroitNinja]

I use the Insta360 camera for my KZbin channel. Good to know. Thank you.

[@CurtisWarnasch]

wow the ace pro ad i had to skip to watch this video was ballsy

[@StirfriedGerman]

Germany forces KZbinrs to show an 'advertising' text during the whole video if a video is sponsored (free product). Not sure if consumers are that gullible when watching overly positive reviews, but maybe that's the way to go. That said, maybe Insta360 are struggling. If not, they've just shot themselves in the foot and need a management change, especially considering that their products don't seem to need fake reviews.

[@FixItNick]

That’s shady!! I just sold my 360 and I will never go back to them

[@HarunEginligil]

Let's show love for this video. Sharing your experience is incredibly valuable. Your genuine transparency always deserves my respect.

[@zdoswiadczenia]

I respect you dropping them. And some are still surprised that a lot of people don't believe in 90% of the reviews on youtube.

[@TerryWillard]

Independent all the way. When 6 different channels I follow all pop up on the same day when an embargo ends with a new product I just take it as sponsored regardless of if they say it or not. There's only a handful of content creators to give a non bias uninfluenced review of a product.

[@WTymKraju]

Thanks for this video and your honesty. So can you post genuine, not sponsored review of ACE Pro? There are so many reviews on youtube but all of them seem to be sponsored and we don't know whether this is actually good or crap camera. Cheers.

[@joebogger4776]

Thank you for this honest statement! In Germany there is a saying. "The fish stinks from the head." What means. If a company behaves bad, it's the top management that is causing this bad behavior.

[@techbyleon]

I am a small creator, So I don't see these big brands coming to me, but I do deal with small brands. They have never asked me to hide sponsorships because we all knows that's just against the law. I mean these brands are from China and they know to never ask me. Very brave of you to do a video like this BTW. watched your content for a few years now.

[@Loftikaz]

it's time for tech channel apocalypse, we need a new wave.

[@guitarmovies]

Unfortunately it looks like quite a few big-name KZbinrs agreed to Insta360's shady terms. Good on you for not being one of them.

[@lloydranola]

Best influencer post on YT right now. Consumers can’t be classified as suckers. I’m so glad I haven’t given money to Insta since the x1

[@imdshizzle]

Finally someone spoke up. I always found the Insta360 reviews hard to take seriously because they are always sponsored by them. I like non sponsored video of a product

[@celalburaksuzmetas]

Thank you for being honest. We appreciate your integrity and admire your commitment to doing what is right, even in difficult circumstances that could damage your reputation.