You have edited the video, written the caption and chosen the music. Before you tap Post, take two minutes for one more review. A small check now can prevent a copyright complaint, a misleading ad, a dispute with a brand or a platform restriction later.
Use these ten questions for your next Reel, Short, review or sponsored post.
The 10-point checklist
Is this content yours to publish?
If you created it for an employer, client or brand, check the agreement before assuming you own every right. If you worked with another creator, agree on who can post and reuse the finished work.
Do you have rights to every photo, clip and graphic?
Check stock licences, creator permissions and the intended use. Finding an image online, tagging its creator or giving credit does not, by itself, give you permission to use it. An exception such as fair dealing for criticism or review may apply in some cases, but it depends on how the material is used.
Can you use this music in this particular post?
Check the rights for the platform, format and purpose, especially if the post is promotional. A song being available in an editing tool or another creator’s Reel does not mean it is cleared for your brand campaign.
Are you revealing someone else’s private information?
Look again for phone numbers, addresses, private messages and identifying details in the background. If people feature prominently in planned content, discuss the intended publication with them; take particular care with children. Do not assume permission to film also covers every later promotional use.
Are allegations and factual statements supported?
“I disliked the service” describes your experience. “This business steals from customers” alleges misconduct. Check your records, distinguish what happened from what you infer, and avoid presenting a suspicion as an established fact.
Can you prove your product claims?
Claims such as “No. 1,” “clinically proven” or “guaranteed results” need a sound basis that matches the exact words used. Ask the brand for evidence before repeating its claims. Your personal experience should not be presented as a result everyone will get.
Is there a commercial connection to disclose?
Payment is only one possibility. A free product, discounted service, trip, affiliate commission or other benefit can also call for disclosure when you talk about a brand. An honest opinion does not remove the need to tell viewers about a relevant connection.
Will viewers actually notice the disclosure?
Put a clear label such as Ad or Sponsored where people will see it without searching through hashtags or opening “more.” Make it visible in the video or Story when the caption alone will not work. Use the platform’s paid-promotion setting where required as well.
Does the post match your brand deal?
Check the agreed deliverable, deadline, approval process and permitted claims. Also check what the brand may do with your content afterward: repost it, run it as an ad, edit it or use it on other platforms. Keep the final approved version and agreement.
Does it meet the platform’s rules, and have you saved your proof?
Review the relevant community, copyright, paid-promotion and monetisation rules for Instagram, YouTube or wherever you are posting. Keep your original files, licences, permissions, claim evidence and a copy of the published post. These records help if your content is copied or a complaint is made against you.
The simple rule
Before publishing, ask: Do I have the rights, can I support what I say, have I made any promotion clear, and will this platform allow this use? If one answer is uncertain, pause and check that point before posting.
Sources and further reading
- Copyright Act, 1957: ownership and assignment and infringement and exceptions.
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, section 356 — criminal defamation and its exceptions.
- Department of Consumer Affairs: Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements, 2022.
- ASCI Guidelines for Influencer Advertising in Digital Media — material connections, disclosure labels and placement. ASCI is an industry self-regulatory body; its guidelines should be read alongside applicable law.
- YouTube guidance on paid promotions and Community Guidelines strikes. YouTube Help
- Meta Community Standards and Recommendation Guidelines.
Disclaimer: This checklist is general information for creators in India, not legal advice or a complete list of rules for every type of content or product. GetHelp24 helps people access independent professionals; it is not a law firm. For a specific campaign or dispute, consult an appropriate independent professional.