How Influencers Break The Law (me included)

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  • Опубликовано: 21 ноя 2024
  • Telling you everything I know about the elephant in the room with me. After this video, this channel will be operating as an educational nonprofit organization in the state of Georgia. More info on that to come!
    💗 Support this channel and join an amazing community: / bennjordan
    👀 Stalk me on social media for more frequent updates: linktr.ee/Benn...
    🔴 Subscribe To My Streaming Channel. I stream weekly! • Lambient
    ⚡Those lovely custom acoustic panels in the background: psyacoustics.com
    #musicproduction #influencermarketing #advertising

Комментарии • 2,3 тыс.

  • @Cylus024
    @Cylus024 Год назад +119

    "Who is doing a minute and a half ad read?"
    Unfortunately nowadays, a lot of people.

    • @DavidFrankland
      @DavidFrankland 7 месяцев назад +8

      I've seen segments over 2 minutes long recently.

    • @cate01a
      @cate01a 6 месяцев назад +5

      sponsorblock ftw, baby!

    • @wm1573
      @wm1573 6 месяцев назад +5

      It’s easy to hate on those people, but despite getting backlash from those ad reads, you gotta understand that it’s probably very tempting to accept 3,000$ for a short ad. Especially if you’re low on cash and starting on RUclips

    • @Cylus024
      @Cylus024 6 месяцев назад

      @@wm1573 I do understand why they do it and I do understand that it is very lucrative.
      Doesn't change the fact that 2 minute ad reads that are scripted word for word for dogshit products suck.

    • @skinnyllama420
      @skinnyllama420 6 месяцев назад

      I saw a 14 min vid with a 2 min commercial and now it all makes sense.

  • @PXAbstraction
    @PXAbstraction 8 месяцев назад +149

    I have a simple rule: If a RUclipsr's advertising it, it's at best a crap product and at worst, a scam. This rule has served me quite well.

    • @AutisticMorty
      @AutisticMorty Месяц назад

      Yep, avoid anything talked about on RUclips. Means the profit margin is so high there must be cheaper alternatives.

    • @cat-le1hf
      @cat-le1hf 13 часов назад

      Even if it's a good product, it's overpriced because the cost of advertising is baked in.

  • @Agerian7
    @Agerian7 Год назад +859

    Benn has influenced me to think critically and always obtain independent legal advice. Definitely an influencer

    • @amans2806
      @amans2806 Год назад +5

      Well said bro

    • @Liace159
      @Liace159 Год назад +1

      But one of the few best ones if you'd ask me

  • @Derpmind
    @Derpmind Год назад +113

    I'm not sure why RUclips recommended me this, but I appreciate your honesty and transparency in creating such an informative video. Thanks!

    • @ThickpropheT
      @ThickpropheT 7 месяцев назад +3

      Dudes got a pretty eclectic backlog of videos, but every time I start one, it hits the spot, even the ones that I watch just to clear the recommendation lol

  • @ullrich
    @ullrich 7 месяцев назад +5

    Man, I respect the hell out of you. Your principles, your work ethic, etc. I went to school for advertising and graduated in 2013, which was a little bit before the absolute explosion that was SEO, SEM, influencer/social media marketing, etc. I mean, sure it was there, but not like it is today. And as someone who learned a lot about traditional advertising, I cannot stand this new era of advertising/marketing.
    I'm not saying that billboards, TV ads, radio ads, and magazine/news ads weren't manipulative in some way, or that product placement wasn't a thing, but it felt more out in the open. For the past like, 10 years or so, it has felt like some massive % of the content you consume on the internet is designed to funnel sales in some way, whether that's a web page optimized to exploit Google's SEO algo or half of your search results or social content being influenced by affiliate marketing. The incentive structure doesn't favor quality or truth. It's just optimized for smashing your dopamine buttons.
    Again, not saying that old-school advertising wasn't guilty of this in some way, but you can't deny that it's far more discrete but at the same time more effective and ubiquitous now. At least you knew when an ad break was happening, or when a page in a magazine was selling you something.
    I think that advertising, at least in theory, is an important component of a market. But unfortunately, it is now probably the most underregulated part of a market cycle and therefore, the most easily exploitable. The data and tools given to marketers are unlike anything we've ever known, and the incentives towards honesty and integrity are not there. And now, with the advent of AI, everything is going to get a whole lot worse.
    My only hope is that there will always be a substantial sector of the market that tries not to buy into all of it. That there will be consumers who are hyper concious of these issues and do their best to be critical of the content and marketing they see, and there will be creators who will prioritize integrity and truth over a quick payday.
    So anyway, thanks very much for this video and everything you do.

  • @RoomieOfficial
    @RoomieOfficial Год назад +436

    I like your transparency and philosophy around what you do. Great video!

    • @MichelangeloParker
      @MichelangeloParker Год назад +4

      Thats wild! Love your channel, Roomie 🔥

    • @VinOnline
      @VinOnline Год назад +1

      Hey Roomie!

    • @BobBob-nr1zt
      @BobBob-nr1zt Год назад +1

      This video's background music isn't annoying enough nor loud enough.

    • @FLPhotoCatcher
      @FLPhotoCatcher Год назад +1

      Yep! 👍
      But he kind of excuses other channels who don't follow the law. The requirements are not that hard to follow, mostly just unknown.

    • @jonaswox
      @jonaswox 7 месяцев назад

      @@FLPhotoCatcher Yea its a fucked up video.
      It is like the channel OP is trying to justify that he has an intertwined web of undisclosed interest and somehow this is not a problem .... it is a massive problem for the entire industry. And what OP is again forgetting is that he is entirely dependant on these handouts which muddies the water even more.
      Influencers gain from the trustworthyness of "a person", while actively not being a person but a company/brand.
      And yes OP its greeat that YOU have some great morals. Nobody else does. And the minute you turn rogue, you can just basically scam your entire fanbase....... Its not a new thing that influencers turn rogue as their consumption of sponsorship dollars goes up. At some point you reach a tipping point.

  • @BennJordan
    @BennJordan  Год назад +266

    Edit: From this video forward, this channel will be operating as a nonprofit organization. More info coming soon, but for now: twitter.com/bennjordan/status/1656681654402838528
    Few things:
    In the original upload, I edited a World War Z product placement scene that complied with FTC influencer disclosure rules. It got copyrighted, naturally.
    My duck video got copyrighted by a 3rd party I never even heard of, ironically. I disputed. We'll see. 😅
    Also missing (due to legal fuzziness) is a section showing how "The Problem With Jon Stewart" (Apple TV+) highlighted savings account yield rates before Apple unveiled their savings account program (and a few other examples).
    Finally, while the FTC requires me to tell you details about my agreement with, for example, Focusrite/Novation, contracts like that assume confidentiality due to the initial NDA.
    So I'm breaking a rule by telling you the amount and potentially breaking another rule by not telling you.
    Sadly, I assume any major audio brand enforces rules far more than the FTC seems to.

    • @benefvctr
      @benefvctr Год назад +4

      Always appreciate your content Benn. You're extremely well spoken and informative. Thank you for doing what you do. Cheers!

    • @equivocator7727
      @equivocator7727 Год назад +26

      I'm not a lawyer, so don't quote me, but it's my understanding that contracts can't legally bind you to breaking the law (including waiving legal protections), so the "correct" legal thing to do is disclose according to FTC regulations even under NDA. The really sucky thing is that won't keep those companies from trying to intimidate you with their legal team. So it really seems that the more "correcter" thing to do is not sign those contracts.

    • @braincraven
      @braincraven Год назад +6

      My duck video got copyrighted by a 3rd party I never even heard of, ironically. I disputed. We'll see. 😅

    • @BombstractGnome
      @BombstractGnome Год назад +8

      Can you just pretend to like the stuff I use so I feel validated?

    • @randommcranderson5155
      @randommcranderson5155 Год назад +5

      >Finally, while the FTC requires me to tell you details about my agreement with, for example, Focusrite/Novation, contracts like that assume confidentiality due to the initial NDA.
      You can't be bound be a contract that requires you to break the law

  • @zoe_bee
    @zoe_bee Год назад +354

    Thank you so much for being so transparent about all of this! More creators need to do this - we can only *all do better* if we communicate with each other about the ins and outs of this whole industry (and all the Good and Bad and Ugly sides of it all). Mad respect from one creator to another 💜

    • @seatyourself7082
      @seatyourself7082 Год назад +16

      Zoe watching Benn, big W

    • @secretivesounds
      @secretivesounds Год назад +12

      Worlds are colliding here in a way I never would have expected, hell yeah

    • @AdamKirbyMusic
      @AdamKirbyMusic Год назад +1

      Wow, surprised to see you here.

    • @samphelps856
      @samphelps856 Год назад +1

      🤯🤯🤯🤯

    • @capabartz7380
      @capabartz7380 Год назад +4

      Definitely not the person I expected to see in a Benn Jordan video

  • @vixxcelacea2778
    @vixxcelacea2778 8 месяцев назад +50

    I love that someone isn't afraid of talking about money made or calling out on all the BS when it comes to things like this.
    The cultural implication that it is uncouth to talk about money is how classism persists. A lot of companies don't want people to talk about wages, because then they find out that they might be getting ripped off.

    • @ZenAndPsychedelicHealingCenter
      @ZenAndPsychedelicHealingCenter 8 месяцев назад +3

      ^ This.

    • @pocketvices
      @pocketvices 7 месяцев назад +1

      There's no direct competition to or on the platform, to their own work. Nothing really to bargain with, so disclosing it only rly gives insight to their respective choices on sponsors. But you can discern that from whats directly advertised to you as it's illegal not to label it as an ad.
      Traditional companies though, yes, learn to advocate for yourself. Its not uncouth to know or discuss your value, it just can be uncomfortable which can cause people to behave unprofessional
      Its good to present your side as somebody who represents the company well. Like continung your employment there is only a positive for both sides. If you devalue the company, it's hard to justify being upset at them valuing you less.

    • @cat-le1hf
      @cat-le1hf 13 часов назад

      Don't talk about money with friends and family though... that is how you attract leeches and parasites.

  • @iamcino
    @iamcino Год назад +15

    All of these _businesses_ look more like scam operations. It's really depressing. Thanks for being honest with your audience

  • @WritingOnGames
    @WritingOnGames Год назад +136

    Excellent video as always, but my main takeaway from it was confirming a long-held suspicion that god, I (and others from those I've spoken to) have been getting absolutely screwed when it comes to rates on ad reads. Love to have zero leverage with companies keeping channels in the dark for precisely that purpose!

    • @BennJordan
      @BennJordan  Год назад +53

      Always go direct and set them up so they can be removed if they change the rates or remove the affiliate program.
      But ultimately it's probably best to just do an ad read for your own Patreon/community. 🙂

    • @middaymeds
      @middaymeds Год назад +2

      Cool to see you on this channel Hamish, always loved your videos

    • @SRFMF
      @SRFMF Год назад

      Bitch said what? Lol😂 great fkn video Ben holy crap it’s always way worse than you think😮

    • @thehuntressdanni2972
      @thehuntressdanni2972 Год назад +3

      This is why people are afraid to talk about their finances. Capitalism.
      They made us all think it was for a different reason but nope.
      It's so they could get away with sleazy and immoral things.
      Capitalism is also why you were forced to have a DREAM JOB as a child. Do you ever actually DREAM of having a job? If money wasn't necessary and all the needs of everyone were taken care of...
      Would you dream of working? Probably not.
      But capitalism wanted you to. So they manipulated you from a very young age.
      And for most people, it has totally worked.
      They don't want you to have the upper hand. They want to milk you for everything they can and then they're going to throw you out and use up the next one.
      But they will have a harder time if the little people are talking about what the company is doing to them...
      So in comes the hush hush about money.

    • @Crazy_Diamond_75
      @Crazy_Diamond_75 7 месяцев назад

      @@thehuntressdanni2972 I mean, I always dreamed of doing work, but the work _I_ wanted to do. That doesn't necessarily line up with the work capitalism made available to me. In fact, more often than not, capitalism demands that you ignore the things you actually _want_ to create and do in favor of slaving away for someone else's profit.

  • @MikeSchertenlieb
    @MikeSchertenlieb Год назад +55

    this kind of transparency is rare, and hugely appreciated!

  • @ComatoseMN
    @ComatoseMN Год назад +126

    Holy Crap Dude... I'd imagine you're not making a ton of friends with brands or content creators with videos like this. I've gotta give you mad props for doing videos like this. MAD. FUCKIN'. RESPECT.
    >M

    • @jonaswox
      @jonaswox 7 месяцев назад +3

      I think so as well. But your relationship is build entirely on your blind trust. So you should definitely get your hands down. Nothing to celebrate.
      We have seen this over and over.
      One of my peers even said one day "summit is so rich he would NEVER take money for shilling a product" ..................... which illustrates my point perfectly. People give massive trust to the influencers because they come off as "people" and not a business. This is a massive problem. Look at my friend here, he genuinely believes that someone like summit is like the pinnacle of transparency (i have nothing against summit....).
      The problem in itself is not how you act or whether you are honest. The problem is that we cant know for sure, and that the influencing party is living off of handouts from the companies they are shilling. It is a conflict of interest.

    • @JacobTeach
      @JacobTeach 6 месяцев назад

      ​@@jonaswox He stated in the comments and description that his channel and all related projects are now operating as nonprofit. You can see the finances and expenses of his channel by law.

    • @jonaswox
      @jonaswox 6 месяцев назад

      @@JacobTeach Im not commenting on this channel , but the philosophic problem in general.

  • @JeanMarceaux
    @JeanMarceaux Год назад +54

    "I hope you've learned something"
    Now that, that's a phrase I'm more familiar with sounding in a new yorker accent, following a board repair video.
    All in all, your channel is a treasure trove, both for music production, and for cognitive gastronomy, so to speak. The fact that you're behind The Flashbulb, one of my favorite electronic music projects, is just icing on the cake.
    Another thing to add: the idea about the value of content creator and not content brought my thought towards a certain study. An Australian youtuber Matt Judge, better known as DarkViperAU, has made an in-depth study about reaction content, and its harmful nature towards content providers. Maybe it could interest you.

    • @ErikPelyukhno
      @ErikPelyukhno Год назад +7

      Louis Rossmann is a national treasure

    • @nicolae6173
      @nicolae6173 Год назад +4

      I wonder if RUclips recommended this video to me because folks like you like both and I follow Louis but hadn’t heard of Benn before now!

    • @JeanMarceaux
      @JeanMarceaux Год назад +1

      @@nicolae6173 quite possibly

    • @natura808
      @natura808 Год назад

      @@nicolae6173who is Louis?

    • @nicolae6173
      @nicolae6173 Год назад

      @natura808, Louis Rossman

  • @lw8882
    @lw8882 Год назад +11

    I did not see an ad when you pointed top right. I got sick of seeing ads for financial scams and health supplements and alcohol and gambling, so I reinstalled my ad blocker.

    • @1980rlquinn
      @1980rlquinn 7 месяцев назад +2

      I know it's in a moral gray area and some RUclips creators rage about them being used, but I have three on my desktop and I just don't do RUclips on mobile. I value my mental health too much.

    • @qmurec
      @qmurec 6 месяцев назад +2

      @@1980rlquinn Not really moral gray, it is your right not to expose yourself to ads.

    • @bugnut4432
      @bugnut4432 5 месяцев назад +1

      ​@@1980rlquinnI see modern marketing techniques as a direct attack on my brain so installing adblock is morally correct and even righteous.

  • @bayarmenzat3090
    @bayarmenzat3090 Год назад +23

    Damn bro you just explained the internet today better than anyone in ages, made me even more sickened by meme ads and generated a strong urge to support you. I wish your approach was the dominant way to "influencing" rather than a niche.

  • @MilesKvndra
    @MilesKvndra Год назад +37

    As an PR&influencer manager in my day job that was insanely accurate and funny to watch. Stumble across so much of that weird stuff every day.

  • @elianmusic7452
    @elianmusic7452 Год назад +172

    You are the coolest guy. When i think of role models, not just as musicians but as people too, I think of you Benn. Good guy

    • @virkots
      @virkots Год назад +8

      Same. He might be the grumpiest guy ever off-screen, who knows, but the persona he presents himself as on his youtube channel is a great role model.

    • @elianmusic7452
      @elianmusic7452 Год назад +9

      @@virkots True yeah this isnt some parasocial obsession thing, I'm sure off screen he's less .. uh .. prophet level perfect lol. But I don't expect him to be either. The conscious info he relays and the values he chooses to espouse and the over all, dignified, very human and compassionate actions he takes are just mindblowing to me because the world does not make it easy to behave so "good". So the fact that he'd even refuse to pretend to obsess over raid shadow legends for an extra freaking Four Thousand DOLLARS just gives off so much integrity, and integrity is hard when you live in capitalist America AND are a musician. God damn
      Forever a fan of you Benn but not in a creepy parasocial way :))

  • @BlazeCapt
    @BlazeCapt 10 месяцев назад +1

    This channel's commendable diversity, intellectual integrity, and candor are truly refreshing amidst the omnipresent advertising barrage.

  • @SpeedOfTheEarth
    @SpeedOfTheEarth 7 месяцев назад

    Singapore Airlines was my ad.
    That is why I watch your channel, you're always incredibly brutally honest and you make videos about unique topics I've never seen covered elsewhere! Appreciate it loads!

  • @richardsaffle
    @richardsaffle Год назад +92

    I found you through Venus Theory. This is the 1st video of yours I’ve watched. This was totally informational, & I’m grateful for your honesty. Thank you.

    • @alexanderlane
      @alexanderlane Год назад +1

      Get ready to have that feeling a few more times, all his vids are great like that!

    • @catmastertrash369
      @catmastertrash369 Год назад +2

      I found Venus Theory's channel through this one in the side bar! Definitely great recommends on the algorithms

    • @ChuckNastyMoreBlood
      @ChuckNastyMoreBlood Год назад

      Super pretentious. Venus theory is for people who have never had a real job

    • @davidemelia6296
      @davidemelia6296 Год назад

      Some random called 'The Kurgan' calling others 'pretentious' and saying they've 'never had a real job' 🤣@@ChuckNastyMoreBlood

  • @youlittlesaget
    @youlittlesaget Год назад +187

    You’re actually a really good investigative journalist!

    • @martybyrnemusic
      @martybyrnemusic Год назад +16

      right? Totally blown away by the details and the effort he's gone to get the back story on some of these shady companies!

    • @IntenseCrazyHarmony
      @IntenseCrazyHarmony Год назад +4

      I'm pretty sure benn is just a genius with how great he is with anything he does.

  • @rubbishaudio489
    @rubbishaudio489 Год назад +12

    I got an ad on this vid about a service that lets me hire influencers to do payed promotions lol

  • @WayneTheBoatGuy
    @WayneTheBoatGuy Год назад +1

    Wow. This is very eye opening!

  • @ThickpropheT
    @ThickpropheT 7 месяцев назад

    The folks I like to watch most are all influencers. They influence me to think and feel more, to be more introspective, to explore my curiosity, to not give up on doing the right thing, to value people instead of products and corporations, to stay engaged in the political process, and to just be a better person. Thanks, man. You're one of the good ones

  • @alesxemsky
    @alesxemsky Год назад +38

    I swear, 15+ years ago when I was wandering around my city and listening to Benn's music (way too much actually) and knew nothing about him as a person maybe except couple of lines on the web telling he is from Chicago or at some point Georgia, USA, I was imagining him being the exact this guy I know today. This is crazy. Mad respect from Russia

  • @Trk-El-Son
    @Trk-El-Son Год назад +24

    Ben, this was so enlighting to see. The monetary waters of SoMe and RUclips can be so friggin’ murky, and you just spilled the beans. A standing ovation to you Sir. I hope this gets a lot of views. Please keep educating us on the hidden mechanics of these media that we need to know.

  • @jameshasseriousedoubtsabou560
    @jameshasseriousedoubtsabou560 Год назад +17

    Hi Ben.
    As somebody who has little to no knowledge reguarding the behind the scenes of sponsors spots and affiliate programs, this has been very eye opening.
    I really value your dedication to transparency and honesty, even if its not entirely for our sake.
    Please keep making the good content, I seldom find other creators who are willing to share so much.
    Also got Macca's and Amazon prime ads on this video.
    Add Bunnings and Tiffany&Co

  • @etiennnelacroix4653
    @etiennnelacroix4653 Год назад +1

    The more I watch your videos, the more I like them, not only because of the content but due to the fact that you seem to be a sincere, honest guy doing what he loves.

  • @AndrewMasters
    @AndrewMasters Год назад

    Benn, I just found your channel and am absolutely in love with your videos. Kick ass job.

  • @MMIStudios
    @MMIStudios Год назад +26

    You sir, are an influencer in the purest sense, like certain poets and philosophers and musicians and intellectuals have influenced me, an influencer of the days of old. Besides that, your transparency and honesty is truly an influence to all those who want to know about this industry you’ve dived into.

  • @ericcarabetta1161
    @ericcarabetta1161 Год назад +12

    I love how strict the rules on endorsements are for RUclips content creators and other social media influencers, compared to the non-existent laws regarding insider trading and campaign contributions for US Representatives.

    • @alexanderlane
      @alexanderlane Год назад +1

      Ha, imagine if congresspeople had to list everyone that paid them off before the said anything

    • @ericcarabetta1161
      @ericcarabetta1161 Год назад +1

      @@alexanderlane, they should just wear the logos on their clothes of the companies they represent; like NASCAR.
      _"Presenting, Senator _____, from the state of _____. Brought to you by Raytheon, Bank of America, Blackstone, and Home Depot."_

    • @alexanderlane
      @alexanderlane Год назад +2

      @@ericcarabetta1161 Oh man, I love that. I mean, hate that it's a thing, but love the absurdity

  • @tookmusic
    @tookmusic Год назад +11

    I used to be subscribed to your patreon, but had to cancel because of financial problems. This video reminded me to subscribe again. :) Long time fan of everything you do!

  • @laurenv1223
    @laurenv1223 7 месяцев назад

    Thank you, thank you for this. These are the concepts that I don't know how to phrase and don't know who to ask. You covered ads, media, vanity, content, authenticity, monetizing one's passion, etiquette while doing so... Thanks pal.

  • @MrDaveUsesWords
    @MrDaveUsesWords Год назад +3

    You not only have a new subscriber, you have my utmost respect. Thank you for making this

  • @MakeKasprzak
    @MakeKasprzak Год назад +7

    I've often wondered what those ad reads paid. I get bombarded with the equivalent folks who want me to post their blog trash on my website. They always ask for my rates, so I don't know what they're offering.

  • @bwicklander
    @bwicklander Год назад +5

    Thank you Benn! This was a video many wouldn't make, I kinda feel dirty now as how much I've watched youtube but never understood what you all do. The product placement companies vying for your/our time has made me realize what a smarmy set up they have made all this. Love your content! Cheers!

  • @jjptech
    @jjptech Год назад +11

    Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude for sharing this video. Not only was it informative, but it also sparked some great ideas. For instance, I found the tip about changing locations during long videos particularly helpful as it helped my ADHD brain stay engaged and focused on the valuable information you presented.
    Furthermore, I have come across several videos from so-called "influencers" attempting to shed light on their earnings and the process behind it. However, after watching your transparent video, I realized that no one had honestly taken the time to explain the real details and the shady dealings that can occur behind the scenes.
    Lastly, it's concerning to think about how many innocent people are falling prey to these scammy agencies. Even those with some experience in the industry are likely falling for these scams in one way or another. Thanks again for shedding light on this topic in such an honest and insightful manner.
    On another note. I uploaded a song that I found on a very old version of Adobe Audition, It was Audition 2 I believe, and I asked people if they knew the band. It turns out that the band recorded the demo specifically for Adobe, and they hold the rights to the song. However, a random Brazilian music group has claimed the rights to any monetization on that song, and despite me contacting Adobe about the situation three years ago, the monetizations are still going to this shady group. This makes me wonder what they can do to anyone who shares their original creations with the world, regardless of whether they register their intellectual property first or not.

    • @kaitlyn__L
      @kaitlyn__L 10 месяцев назад

      Oh crap. I'd noticed his videos go by quicker/easier than others, less fatigued after the time, even though I'm also being made to think about a ton of stuff. I think the scenery changing stuff has a huge part to do with it!! (I also have ADHD, I guess that's implicit but here I'm making it explicit)

  • @Buklen
    @Buklen Месяц назад +1

    @10:31this is probabaly the only time in my life I have thought to myself "I wish i didn't have an ad blocker"

  • @JennfamousartBlogspot
    @JennfamousartBlogspot Год назад

    New summer drone light show- damn you timed the ad perfectly I still watch so many channels who’s ad times seem random, even if sometimes they seem to be putting purposeful ad times RUclips won’t use that and makes it all awkward…so weird.

  • @TristanBaldi
    @TristanBaldi Год назад +17

    I started watching synth channels when I first started with synth 2 or 3 years ago. At first I was just amazed by all the great stuff, the cool videos from a short demo to a full in depth review, and always felt like the synths I was discovering were unique. And then I started to see a pattern. Whenever a new synth would come out I'd see always the same guys doing a video on it. Each time it was one of their favorite synths of all times. Each time they'd say how unique it was. Then I started to see music chanels, I mean chanels with the word music in it, uploading non sense, like drama content, or just videos saying that this plugin sucks, or that hardware synth is a scam. Then I started to see chanels growing in real time: people starting with music they loved and progressively doing the RUclips thing, surfing on the likes, and going deep into the synth reviewing stunt, or the setup explanation. Which was alright I thought in the beginning. Then most of them started doing talks about GAS, what you should and shouldn't do, how to grow a RUclips chanel... And then most of the time it came to "how to get creative again" etc.
    So it went full circle. I went from naive dude thinking everyone who's into music is something special, far from the influencer thing, to realizing that I don't watch most of the youtube chanels I used to enjoy because I'm just sick from either seeing people selling me things or just slowly diving into the small/medium youtuber hell where I can see them lose their soul and will to make music little by little.
    And then there are some chanels like yours, that are frankly most of the time a step on the side. Something reflective on music or behaviours. And it's cool.
    Not judging anyone but me here. I'm 35 yo I should've known better when I first watched the videos about a world of synths I didn't know. But the thing you're saying about not willing to set everything up just to do negative reviews rang a bell here. And some of the chanels you linked really shocked me with that kinda stuff. Anyway thanks for the vid. Let's make more music all together and less influencing.

    • @freebornaiden7666
      @freebornaiden7666 Год назад +2

      When I first got into music production, I noticed that most of the content makers (who to be fair, are doing some really good work) would introduce paid software Plug-ins to do a particular job that could often by done using the existing stock plugins in any DAW- but they never mentioned the alternative methods. I don't exactly resent them for doing it, a lot of them make a lot of really great content that helped me along and I understand that somehow they need to get paid but yeah...

    • @TristanBaldi
      @TristanBaldi Год назад +2

      @@freebornaiden7666 yes, first you learn valuable things and then looking back you can't help but notice that they could have done things differently, maybe more genuinely

  • @reveurmort6920
    @reveurmort6920 Год назад +7

    You're a class act, Benn. I wish most other content creators had even an ounce of your integrity.

  • @djPositive
    @djPositive Год назад +4

    Quality, sincerity, openness makes you Benn unmached human being and influencer in good meaning of this word.

  • @cef-ym3gb
    @cef-ym3gb 2 месяца назад

    Well done. Honesty, ethics and integrity is so rare to find, but, so very much appreciated.

  • @lw8882
    @lw8882 Год назад

    This video confirmed a lot of things I suspected about influencer marketing and viral video networks, but also a lot that I had no idea were far worse than I imagined.
    Thanks for always being a great content creator, and having integrity.

  • @ShelbyWatson
    @ShelbyWatson Год назад +5

    I really appreciate the content you make. Honesty and transparency have become so rare when it comes to this stuff.

  • @thomas.moerman
    @thomas.moerman Год назад +5

    Very important topic, as a GAS-patient I can relate. It has been dawning on me that reviewer + affiliate links is a dangerous combination. Sufficient scrutiny applies because their income depends on it and probably compromises their honesty even with (kinda) good intentions.

  • @MikeButle
    @MikeButle Год назад +18

    Pinterest was the ad 😁
    Thank you for the great videos. Truth is what, we, the people are desperately needing.

  • @ptsd3243
    @ptsd3243 Год назад +2

    This is one of the most informative videos I have ever watched on RUclips! Thanks for lifting up the veil on how this monetizing and influencer world works; I knew it was bad, and I know aiy of people make millions, and it's a dirty (and inane!) and fucked up business, but this is a pearl of a videoan! THUMBS UP!

  • @HisRoyalSelf
    @HisRoyalSelf 11 месяцев назад

    Just fully engaged with your channel for the first time today. Man, what a breath of fresh air. It’s absurd what the all mighty dollar will do to people. This just reaffirmed why i immediately disregard half of what most influencers say and almost completely disregard nearly all adds as complete bullshit. Bill Hicks was always right about the concept of marketing and advertising.

  • @dirg3music
    @dirg3music Год назад +5

    As always you're a great voice of reason for creators and musicians everywhere and im glad that there are people out there with your level of success that still hold themselves to a high ethical standard. Serious role model vibes and im proud to say i've been a fan of yours since Arboreal.

  • @hw305
    @hw305 Год назад +106

    Oh no. plz Benn dont do it, you'll give all the synthfluencers an existential crisis again, and they'll all start doing these semi tearful direct to camera monologues about how honest they are, and crying about how they have to pay tax on their earnings etc. I want to see them messing around with new gear and showing how it works, not blurting out some boring video essay about how depressing it is that they have just realised that they are a one person teleshopping channel. 😅

    • @Ayavaron
      @Ayavaron Год назад +3

      When was the previous time he gave them an existential crisis?

    • @mofynn
      @mofynn Год назад +5

      ​@@Ayavaron there was some really annoying drama

    • @methyod
      @methyod Год назад +14

      ​@@mofynn like what? You can't just say something like that and refuse to elaborate that's rude

    • @shipsahoy1793
      @shipsahoy1793 Год назад +1

      Some of them are perfectly happy with that apparently.. 😉

    • @thehuntressdanni2972
      @thehuntressdanni2972 Год назад +4

      Omg best summary of RUclipsrs today...
      They're the modern version of the TV channel your mother or grandma would buy jewelry and cool egg cookers from! Lol 😆

  • @gossamyr
    @gossamyr Год назад +5

    This is my favourite type of content of yours, this is why I watch you.
    I've struggled with the idea of monetization, even though my channel is no where near yours, but I had to think about it because, should it come to it, I want to be able to say no to dirty money like you have. This solidifies I was on the right track and helps my future self make better choices, not the quick cash/regret for life ones. Those meme/influencers...man, ty for the tip, i n v a l u a b l e!

  • @eig101101
    @eig101101 8 месяцев назад

    Thank you for your honesty. Certain ones I watch, are not like you, it’s join, join, join. Get so tired of it. Being elder and trying to make it alone on Brandon’s watch, it’s been hard and stressful. I would do at least 5 member/pat. I know of now, but going to the food bank I use to volunteer, I have to pass for now. But seriously. Thank you for breaking this down. May your future be bright and happy.

  • @jamescarter3883
    @jamescarter3883 8 месяцев назад +2

    Wow! I had no idea of the number of traps set up for creators. Likley that you covered just the tip of the iceberg. Thank you Benn, for the reality check !

  • @christheghostwriter
    @christheghostwriter Год назад +27

    Right up until you paused to ask who was buying ads on this video, I had forgotten that most people see ads. I've had RUclips Premium for years and years, every since it was first available and was called RUclips Red. It recently jumped from ten bucks to twelve bucks, but it's still a great value proposition relative to how much I like and use it. I have RUclips playing pretty much around the clock (music during my workday, podcasts, lectures, and documentaries at night). We pay for RUclips in one of two ways: with our money or with our time. My time is worth way more than twelve bucks, and I hate sitting through ads.

    • @b130610
      @b130610 Год назад +3

      Totally agree with you on this. Obviously, adblock is trivially easy on most platforms for youtube and accomplishes basically the same thing, but I like the feeling that my engagement with videos I enjoy always contributes at least something to the people who made them, so I shell out for the officially sanctioned adblock. Tipping a few bucks here and there on a patreon or kofi also gives me some warm fuzzies even if it is an insignificant amount of money in the grand scheme of things. The amount of time I spend, and value I get from youtube is definitely worth at least a bit of money to me on an ongoing basis, so I try to keep a little sliver of my budget set aside for showing financial support for people who go the extra mile to make great videos.

    • @NedJeffery
      @NedJeffery Год назад +2

      I don't have ad block or RUclips premium. There was no ad in that slot. Video has probably been demonetized or something.

    • @christheghostwriter
      @christheghostwriter Год назад +1

      @one30610 same. I read somewhere that creators get a slightly higher payment from Premium viewers than from from ad-watching viewers, so I liked that. I happily pay my twelve bucks a month for a service I like, especially knowing that I'm contributing to creators

    • @jennoscura2381
      @jennoscura2381 Год назад +1

      I love RUclips premium. I watch a crap ton of RUclips on my TV and appreciate having no ads. I watch RUclips more than any of the other streaming services I pay for. But I keep those around for family members and the occasional movie or TV show.

    • @CommunityGuidelines
      @CommunityGuidelines Год назад +2

      LOL, are you people receiving money to shill paid YT subscriptions?
      Anyone with a brain just uses ad-blockers and hasn't seen any online ads in a decade.

  • @chasekanipe
    @chasekanipe Год назад +206

    You're not an influencer; you're a synfluencer

    • @lumotroph
      @lumotroph Год назад +22

      Sinfluencer sounds like a good onlyfans

    • @StatusFX3
      @StatusFX3 Год назад

      I see what you did there..

  • @vj512
    @vj512 Год назад +4

    Huge respect for you Benn!

  • @BillyBlazeTheKeenest
    @BillyBlazeTheKeenest Год назад +2

    I've been a huge fan of your music through the band The Flashbulb. Didn't know you ran this youtube channel!

  • @treelym
    @treelym Год назад

    I saw an ACE hardware ad. My I say I love your honesty. Ad revenue is definitely starting to dry up. Other channels I follow have suffered from this.

  • @danielvinogradov3013
    @danielvinogradov3013 Год назад +5

    I am truly fascinated how Benn is Navalny from the world of music, exposing dubious business practices and sharing this knowledge with us so that we all see it for what it actually is!
    Benn, you are remarkable❤

    • @yurijogurtsov8710
      @yurijogurtsov8710 11 месяцев назад

      if I show you a several years old Navalny calling to kill migrant workers, marching with fascist and screaming that russia should take over Georgia, etc, would you take your words back? ;) he's controversial to say the least. not that putin is better of course, but it's not the point. they're worth each other. Benn is miles ahead. and nah, Navalny exposed corruption, not dubious practices like Benn, while Benn didn't speak of corruption or crimes.

  • @TheRumpletiltskin
    @TheRumpletiltskin Год назад +7

    10:35
    I see no ad cause i'm a degen who uses adblocker.

    • @genericsomething
      @genericsomething Год назад +2

      When I hear people complain about ads on the internet, I feel sorry for them. Sometimes.

    • @amj.composer
      @amj.composer Год назад

      Revanced gang

    • @Noise-Conductor
      @Noise-Conductor Год назад +1

      @@genericsomething Sometimes I forget YT even has ads.

  • @real_anxst
    @real_anxst Год назад +4

    Sorry, I pay for RUclips, so no ad at that point for me.

    • @fozzythealbino
      @fozzythealbino Год назад +1

      Same. I used to think that paying for RUclips was dumb, but then I realized that I could cancel my Spotify and get RUclips music for the same price. Surprisingly good deal for me.

  • @cmd_f5
    @cmd_f5 Год назад

    You're the best. This is indeed my thing. Keep it honest and real, I'll keep watching. Influenced by reality, vs whatever they're tryna sell me.

  • @brandonwilliams966
    @brandonwilliams966 Год назад

    Easily the best RUclips I've come across in recent days. Thank you for what you do, my man! You're a gem.

  • @POPDELUSION
    @POPDELUSION Год назад +1

    Ben, I first started listening to your music when I was 13 years old, 12 years ago already. I admire the fact that you have a channel, and make videos, participating in this influencer culture. Nothing wrong with that, but I will ALWAYS SEE YOU AS AN ARTIST! TRULY. your music is so inspirational, it truly stikes a chord to whoever listens. Just wanted to put that out there, ur amazing man, and I see your value wether you are posting on RUclips or not ❤

  • @andrewrichardsuk
    @andrewrichardsuk Год назад

    Dear Mr Jordan, i rearly comment on a video but i feel you are a special case. Ive watched a few of your vids now and id like to thank you for bringing to light the not so glossy side that is tied to the glamour side. I am fortunate in life not to have fallen for any tricks, and use the principle regularly taught to me by my father, "if it sounds to good to be true..." and "money and respect must be earned" . However some of our younger brothers and sisters too readily fall for quick cash offers with no thought on whether it is good for the next person. So please keep up the great work! Im now subscribed. Andrew UK 🇬🇧

  • @capnjan9835
    @capnjan9835 7 месяцев назад

    Ad I am seeing: keyboard rich (book)
    just found your channel, love it! I particularly liked your reply to the dog torture device! (I am a trainer, and the only use for a shock collar is for desnaking. I am in Texas, so rattlesnakes abound.). Your pup makes me smile, btw, as do you for your defense of the tyke.

  • @AlexGriggAnimation
    @AlexGriggAnimation Год назад

    I love this Video Benn. Super insightful for someone like me trying to avoid making sponsored sponsored content

  • @dojohansen123
    @dojohansen123 Год назад

    Kudos for being so transparent about the finances of the channel. I think Patreon should always show Patrons the numbers.

  • @expeditionadventureUSA
    @expeditionadventureUSA Год назад

    I randomly got pulled in and intrigued with your great story telling and presentation, even though I’m not in or related to music/sound industry at all; short of being related to a few names or providing services for a few more names - in the movie/tv industry. In short -your content ‘is better then the sum of its parts’ high informative and valuable info; Not to mention simply being highly entertaining! Your work, points of interest, and time applied in creating your content & topics; Is of high value, despite one’s specific ‘walk of life’. To do my small part in helping bring more eyes your direction, I wanted to leave a comment- to say thanks for another great topic,+ being genuine & straightforward! Keep kicking ass!

  • @atomsofstardust
    @atomsofstardust Год назад +2

    I have utmost respect for you and your stance!🙏🏻
    And thank you a lot for sharing the rates and the names, so that we all can have a glance behind the scenes at something creators rarely talk about!

  • @gearboxworks
    @gearboxworks Год назад

    This was one of the most useful videos I have seen in months regarding the business of being a RUclips “influencer.” Your’s is the first video I have seen that actually explained what the different companies like Brilliant are paying for their sponsorship spots. Thank you for shining a light on these typically hidden transactions.

  • @joerama
    @joerama 5 месяцев назад

    TY for all the eye-opening insights on a side to influencing that most of us don’t even know exist. I am very glad I watched your video. You have pulled back the curtain on some seriously dark (cough cough) shenanigans. TY

  • @dudaseifert
    @dudaseifert 6 месяцев назад

    i've binged 10-20 videos from you in the last 2 days, but this one made me subscribe. your values are insanely well aligned with mine and i hope more youtubers act like you act

  • @DijaFix
    @DijaFix Год назад +1

    As you asked at that part of the video, I got an ad for a new John Wick film, and an ad for grilling sausages.
    Not a big movie guy, and a vegetarian, so spot on

    • @nescius2
      @nescius2 7 месяцев назад

      i got nothing, probably because i am an IT person who knows how to install ublock origin.

    • @DijaFix
      @DijaFix 7 месяцев назад

      @@nescius2as you should, it’s a really good adblocker

  • @sandequation2653
    @sandequation2653 Год назад

    I wonder why RUclips has been hiding this channel from me for now, the more videos from you I see the better I like it.
    So many people turn out to be scumbags or idiots that it's really refreshing to never be disappointed by a single video from a creator.

  • @CmoIsDaNam3i
    @CmoIsDaNam3i 23 дня назад

    Next year when I can actually afford it I will be support your stuff. Because like DANG. I wish there were more channels like you. So far only ever seen literally *one* other channel like yours with the way your handle sponsors.
    Keep doing what you are doing man. 💙

  • @7digger3
    @7digger3 7 месяцев назад

    Much love brother! This new direction your RUclips is going is soooo refreshing!!
    Thank you 🙏🏻, for your efforts.

  • @kilgore_trout_37
    @kilgore_trout_37 Год назад

    This is an incredible video, and I’m fascinated this is the first thing I’ve ever seen of your channel and it has a meager 90,000 views. This should be required viewing by anyone using RUclips and/or social media. You’ve earned a new sub and I’ll send this far and wide.

  • @leosphilosophy
    @leosphilosophy Год назад

    You're awesome, dude! The 'what other animals hear' video was how I found your channel, subscribed! Thanks for your content!

  • @JaydenEricBeaudoin
    @JaydenEricBeaudoin 6 месяцев назад

    This guy is so straight up and isn't selling out or buying in. We need mroe Benn Jordan's in the world.

  • @SoftDistorsions
    @SoftDistorsions Год назад

    Thanks for making this informative, and humorous at times, video!
    I am thanking about finally starting to make time to create and share content on RUclips.
    I’ve recently read a book on the impact the way we share information online has been changing our minds. About the importance of keeping and open mind just as much as a healthy dose of skepticism when it comes to information. (Published in 2011 and still holds up super well because it’s different passionate professionals sharing on the subject. I.E. physicist director from MIT) Your video resonates with some of what a read very well. I might just subscribe, because I appreciate your realness and maybe you’ll inspire some of my animation sound design or electronics build. 😊

  • @BerBorKer
    @BerBorKer Год назад

    I got an ad for Surreal Cereal (which I’ve never heard of before) that was, ironically enough, a play on how dishonest advertising is!

  • @stephencshapiro
    @stephencshapiro Год назад

    Thanks as always for your honesty. RUclips (as a career) seems exhausting-and not for me-but I'm glad you're still sharing your thoughts.

  • @sumerianliger
    @sumerianliger Год назад

    The main thing this video taught me is that creators can in fact choose when the RUclips ads start, which makes it BAFFLING to me that they so often are randomly placed.

  • @heavyion
    @heavyion 4 месяца назад

    Thank you for making this video, man. You are a good teacher and musician, and also you, Sir, have balls of uranium. Awesome content!

  • @codewizard58
    @codewizard58 Год назад

    I realized that youtube and other platforms were not going to make me any income a few years ago. Still I suffer from the "I want to be a celeb" just as much as I suffer from the "A shiny new synth" I could make some great music with that! I even fall for the $5 gift certs I get from staples and best buy. I am a creative, my medium is computer software mostly for which I get paid for my skill. And I really enjoy what I do. I have known people on the other side of the webcam and they seem to burnout after about three years. Keep up the good work!

  • @c.caub5315
    @c.caub5315 8 месяцев назад +1

    Ad that popped up. Oregon Forest Forever, a lobby group for the Timber industry, and GMC car ad

  • @cms9902
    @cms9902 Год назад

    Frank and honest and an excellent pitch for new subscribers. So I was hopefully not dumb by subscribing as a first time viewer of your channel.

  • @13donstalos
    @13donstalos 8 месяцев назад

    The transparency is as refreshing as it is rare. Good stuff my dude. Subbed.

  • @A_Fortunate_Traveler
    @A_Fortunate_Traveler Год назад

    A very interesting post Benn... Thank you for being so honest and transparent. As a very, very small RUclips creator I think your info and experience is invaluable. Thanks

  • @orbatos
    @orbatos Год назад +1

    Thank you for this. Grifting has, without a doubt, become the main driving force for RUclips production.
    This has terrible consequences for users and honest producers as ad values pay less, but it also affects everything from individuals to national politics.

  • @hmarshall175
    @hmarshall175 Год назад

    Super informative! BTW, the ad you asked about.. mine was Mint and it was skippable. Thanks for the great work!

  • @CRtrain
    @CRtrain Год назад

    Your videos are so on point. This one in particular was eye opening and jaw-dropping to say the least. Appreciate your candor and insanely well-researched points about how this influencer world works.

  • @TheSchmitz77
    @TheSchmitz77 Год назад

    Videos like this are honestly why I’m subscribed. Incredible info thanks so much!

  • @bethanyblueberry
    @bethanyblueberry Год назад

    Got this in my recommendations and hearing all this behind the scenes stuff is fascinating.

  • @Rasputin185
    @Rasputin185 Год назад

    Found this channel by chance and maaan you're nice. Feels honest and I suspect you're really just a music nerd who likes stuff. Nice to see. Great Videos, keep going.

  • @jvasey
    @jvasey 24 дня назад

    Near Toronto, youtube ads were for Shoppers Drug Mart (Canada’s CVS), Genesis auto, and NHL on Prime

  • @ChronoTango
    @ChronoTango Год назад

    Every time an ad pops up on RUclips, I either close the app or constantly close and reopen the video until an ad doesn’t immediately load.
    The ads that popped up were Dove, Fbreeze, and then some company with red in their colors was the third one. Hard to tell from the second or two that I actually see of most ads.