While my YouTube channel may not be the largest, I deeply value the global community I've nurtured over the years. Sponsored content is a rarity on my channel. When I do collaborate with a brand, it's because I personally use and trust their products or services, and I'm committed to transparently declaring any sponsored content. If a video isn't explicitly marked as sponsored, then it isn't.

I generally avoid sponsored projects and free products. However, if I engage in a partnership, it's with a brand that understands and respects the ethos outlined here, following a period of building mutual trust and understanding.

For me, the essence of a sponsorship is to support my work, not restrict or dictate it. The ideal scenario benefits the viewer, the brand, and me, ensuring my channel remains independent and not a mere extension of a brand's marketing efforts.

Most items I use and review are bought personally, though occasionally I rent, borrow, or receive products for free, which I'll always disclose. Accepting these offers is often a practical decision, as my budget isn't unlimited. I explore products out of curiosity or at my audience's request. Post-review, these products are either regularly used, returned, or donated.

Free products don't guarantee a positive review or coverage. Like with sponsorships, I'm discerning about accepting free items and only do so after discussing this Ethics Statement with the brand.

All that being said, there are a few additional non-negotiable points I’d like to share for the sake of clarity. I’ve made all of this info publicly available to viewers and brands alike so that we’re all on the same page:

• My work is my own. I create and produce each video based on what I’m excited about and what I think will be relevant/helpful to my audience at that time.

• My reviews are always as objective as possible and my opinions are always my own. 

• I do not submit previews of videos to anyone for approval or revisions. No exceptions.

• I have full control over my calendar. While I’m happy to work collaboratively when possible when it comes to scheduling, no outside party can pay or otherwise influence me in return for scheduling priority. 

• Speaking of scheduling, I do not participate in embargo releases.

• Just because a product is provided to me at no cost does not mean I will review it or feature it in a video. I do not make videos in exchange for free products or services.

• I only work directly with reputable brands. 

• I prefer to avoid “preproduction” versions of products/software and prefer to use what will actually be delivered to other customers.

• It’s appreciated when companies offer information about their products/services, but I will only include what I think is relevant and necessary in any videos.

• On that same note, I will work to seek answers for anything about a product/service that I don’t fully understand to make my videos as accurate and helpful as possible.

• While it usually makes sense to include certain links in video descriptions or social media posts, I retain full control over what is shared on my accounts across all platforms.

• I never include additional social media promotion in any sponsorship agreements (Instagram, Twitter, MySpace, Etc).

• YouTube’s “includes paid promotion” option will be checked any time a video features a product or service that was provided at no cost, even if it’s not an official sponsorship.

• I’m more than happy to let others share my videos, as long as the post links directly to the original video uploaded to my YouTube channel. Videos may not be re-uploaded elsewhere.

• If I find myself considering a sponsored campaign that includes other creators, I will work to confirm that there is a representative mix of genders/ethnicities/orientations.

• I do not guarantee any number of views or any amount of audience engagement on any videos. As much as I want everything I create to “perform” well, there are too many variables beyond my control for me to make any claims regarding potential viewership. But I do watch all of my videos before publishing, so I guess I can guarantee at least one view.

• Side note to that: I do find it funny when brands asks for a video to “go viral.” If I knew how to do that, why wouldn’t I make every video a viral sensation?!

Thanks for taking the time to read and understand my Ethics Statement. This probably doesn’t cover every scenario under the sun, but it should give you a pretty solid idea of how highly I value the integrity behind what I do and the relationship with anyone who takes the time to check out something I’ve made.

Ultimately, I just want to keep having fun making videos, and that sustainable fun disappears without these guidelines. If you’re a creator yourself, please feel free to take this Ethics Statement and make it your own. It’s ethical to steal my Ethics Statement!