Alo Yoga Hit with $150M Class Action Lawsuit & It Could’ve Been Avoided
Why Smart Influencer Disclosure Isn’t Just the Law, It’s Good Business
Last week, the influencer marketing world got a wake-up call: ALO Yoga and several of its top influencers are facing a $150 million class action lawsuit over failure to properly disclose paid partnerships. In fact, the suit alleges that Alo Yoga and its influencers colluded to intentionally omit proper disclosure that the content were paid posts.
For brand marketers, media buyers, and shopper teams working with influencers, this isn’t just a headline, it’s a warning.
At SheSpeaks, we’ve always believed the best influencers don’t want to dupe their followers, and the best brands shouldn’t ask them to. Transparency isn’t just a box to check. It’s a trust builder, a performance driver, and yes, a legal requirement.
To help provide clarity around disclosure, we are sharing our POV (and what we think is best practice) on influencer disclosure. Our approach to disclosure is built to protect both brand equity and consumer trust:
Our POV: Disclosure Compliance & Trust
Too often, disclosures are viewed as creativity killers. At SheSpeaks, we flip the script:
1. Disclosures Become Part of the Story, Not an Interruption
We empower creators to integrate disclosures naturally into their storytelling, using their voice while staying 100% compliant.
“This post is sponsored by [Brand], but these walls? 100% my color and taste…”
2. Lead with Transparency, Without Sacrificing the Hook
Disclosures belong above the fold and in the first 3 seconds, but that doesn’t mean the content has to be boring.
“#Sponsored but honest: [Brand]’s protein powder just replaced my morning coffee.”
3. Use On-Screen Text (OST) Strategically
In video, we make sure disclosures are front and center visually, because if it’s not seen, it doesn’t count.
4. Creative Briefs Should Offer Frameworks, Not Scripts
Compliance doesn’t mean copy/paste. We give influencers disclosure options and let them keep their authentic voice.
- “In partnership with…”
- “Paid collaboration with…”
- “Sponsored by…”
5. Transparency Builds Engagement
Audiences today are smart and suspicious. Good disclosure builds credibility and drives higher performance. Period.
Bottom Line for Brands:
If your influencer content isn’t disclosed properly, you are at risk legally, reputationally, and financially. But when done right, disclosure becomes a creative tool, not a roadblock.
At SheSpeaks, we create and amplify influencer content that’s not only compelling and high performing but compliant, trustworthy, and brand-safe. That’s what the world’s biggest brands expect. And it’s what we deliver.
Looking for your next brand-safe influencer marketing campaign? Get in touch with us!
Additional Disclosure Information:
The SheSpeaks Disclosure Standard
We follow and enforce these seven core principles in every influencer campaign:
- Honesty – If it’s paid, gifted, or affiliated, we disclose it.
- Clarity – We use words anyone can understand: “Sponsored,” “Ad,” etc.
- Transparency – Disclosures are up front, not buried or ambiguous.
- Accessibility – Everyone can see and understand it, no matter the platform.
- Consistency – Every post, every time. No exceptions.
- Proximity – Close to the endorsement, visible without clicking “more.”
- Respect for the Audience – We treat followers like the savvy people they are.
FTC Disclosure Requirements (Non-Negotiables):
- Clear & Conspicuous
- Proximity to Endorsement
- Plain Language
- Platform Appropriate
- Audio/Visual Compliance
- Genuine Opinions Only
- Disclose All Material Connections