Advertising Disclosure
Quick answer: This is the advertising disclosure for Idiom Insider. It explains, plainly, how we label advertising, sponsored content, partnerships and affiliate links, and how we keep those commercial arrangements separate from our independent editorial. If money changes hands, we tell you — every time.
Key takeaways
- All paid content is labelled as advertising or sponsored.
- Affiliate links are disclosed and cost you nothing extra.
- Editorial is independent and cannot be bought.
- We follow the FTC guidelines on disclosing commercial relationships.
- Questions welcome — our contact desk is always open.
Why this disclosure exists
You deserve to know when something you are reading is paid for. This page exists so there is never any doubt. It sets out our commitments clearly, in one place, so readers, advertisers and partners all know the rules Idiom Insider plays by.
How we label advertising
Display advertising on Idiom Insider is presented so it is distinguishable from editorial content. Paid placements are identified as advertising, and we do not disguise ads as independent recommendations. You can learn about formats and audience on the advertise page.
How we label sponsored content
Longer brand articles are marked as sponsored content. When a piece is paid for or supplied by a brand, it carries a clear label so you know it is commercial rather than our own editorial. The same applies to press releases, which are labelled as company-supplied announcements.
How affiliate links work
Some links on Idiom Insider are affiliate links. If you click one and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We use affiliate links only for products we would mention anyway, and we disclose them. A commission never changes whether — or how — we recommend something.
How partnerships are disclosed
Where we work with an organisation over time, any commercial element of that partnership is disclosed. Co-created or sponsored material produced through a partnership is labelled, so the reader can always see the relationship behind the content.
Our commitment to editorial independence
The most important line in this disclosure: our editorial is not for sale. Our explanations of idioms and usage, our study advice and our genuine recommendations are decided by our team on merit. Paying us buys a labelled placement, never a favourable opinion or a place in our independent editorial. Read more on how we make money.
Following the FTC endorsement guidelines
Our approach follows the FTC endorsement guidelines, which explain how businesses should disclose material connections and paid endorsements. In short: if a commercial relationship could affect how you weigh what we say, we disclose it.
How to identify paid content
- Look for labels such as “advertising”, “sponsored” or “in partnership with”.
- Press releases are marked as company-supplied announcements.
- Affiliate links are disclosed on pages where they appear.
- If it is not labelled as commercial, it is our independent editorial.
Questions about this disclosure
If anything here is unclear, or you want to know how a specific piece was produced, just ask. Reach our team through the contact page or at [email protected] and we will explain.
About Idiom Insider
Idiom Insider is an independent English-language learning resource focused on idioms, expressions and the way real people actually use English. Our work is written and checked by people who teach, study and edit the language, and our reference explanations are kept separate from anything a brand pays for. You can learn more about our mission and the people behind the site on our about page, and you can always reach a real person through our contact page or at [email protected]. Any commercial placement on Idiom Insider is labelled in line with the FTC endorsement guidelines, and our editorial explanations of idioms and usage are never for sale.
Frequently asked questions
How do you disclose paid content?
With clear labels such as “advertising” or “sponsored”, following the FTC guidelines.
What are affiliate links?
Links through which we may earn a small commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. They are disclosed and never affect our recommendations.
Can advertisers change your editorial?
No. Editorial is independent and cannot be bought. Paying buys a labelled placement only.
Is sponsored content marked?
Yes. Every sponsored article and press release is clearly labelled as commercial.
How can I tell what is paid?
Paid content carries a label. Anything without one is our independent editorial.
Do you follow the FTC guidelines?
Yes. Our disclosure practices follow the FTC endorsement guidelines.
Who do I contact with questions?
Our team, via the contact page or [email protected].