How to Add (Mark) the Paid Partnership Label on X (2026)

To mark your post as a paid partnership on X: open the compose screen, tap the flag/tag icon in the bottom toolbar, toggle "Paid Partnership" on, optionally tag the brand, and post. This works on the X mobile app (iOS and Android) and the web version at x.com. The feature requires app version 10.80+ and is available to X Premium subscribers and accounts with 1,000+ followers.

Below is the full step-by-step walkthrough, including how to enable it on the mobile app specifically, what to do when the label does not show up, and whether you still need #ad in your post text.

What Is the X Paid Partnership Label?

The paid partnership label is a native feature built into X (formerly Twitter) that adds a visible "Paid Partnership" badge directly on your post. It appears below your username and above the post content, similar to how Instagram displays its paid partnership tags.

X announced the feature in late February 2026 and began rolling it out to accounts in March 2026. The label is designed to help creators and brands comply with advertising disclosure regulations without relying entirely on hashtags like #ad or #sponsored buried in the post text.

How the Label Appears to Viewers

When a viewer sees your post in their timeline, the paid partnership label appears as a small gray text line that reads "Paid Partnership" directly below your display name and handle. If you tagged a brand, it reads "Paid Partnership with @BrandName." The label is visible on all surfaces: the timeline, the post detail page, embedded posts on external websites, and in search results within X.

The label is not a hashtag. It is a structured metadata tag that X renders as part of the post chrome, meaning it cannot be removed by the viewer, cannot be hidden by collapsing text, and cannot be missed if someone sees the post at all.

Why X Added This Feature

Several factors drove this change. First, regulatory pressure from the FTC and equivalent agencies in the EU and UK has been increasing since the 2023 update to the FTC Endorsement Guides. Second, competing platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube all already have native paid partnership labeling. X was the last major platform without one. Third, X's push toward creator monetization (subscriptions, revenue sharing, tipping) means more commercial activity on the platform, which means more situations requiring disclosure.

The FTC had specifically called out X (then Twitter) in 2024 guidance as lacking adequate native disclosure tools compared to other platforms. This feature closes that gap.

How to Add (Mark) the Paid Partnership Label on X (Step-by-Step)

Here is how to mark your post as a paid partnership on X. The process works on the X mobile app (iOS and Android) and the web version at x.com.

Step 1: Open the Compose Screen

Tap the compose button (the blue "+" or quill icon) to start a new post. You can also use this feature when quote-posting or replying, though the label applies to the individual post, not the entire thread.

Step 2: Tap the Flag/Tag Icon

Look at the bottom toolbar of the compose screen. You will see icons for media, GIF, poll, location, and schedule. There is now an additional icon that looks like a small flag or tag. On iOS it appears as a flag icon. On Android it may appear as a tag icon. On the web, it is labeled "Partnership" when you hover over it. Tap or click this icon.

Step 3: Toggle "Paid Partnership" On

A panel slides up (mobile) or a dropdown appears (web) with a toggle labeled "Paid Partnership." Switch it on. The toggle turns blue to confirm it is active.

Step 4: Optionally Tag the Brand

Below the toggle, you will see a text field labeled "Tag a brand" or "Add partner." Start typing the brand's X handle and select it from the autocomplete suggestions. Tagging is optional but recommended. When you tag a brand, the label reads "Paid Partnership with @BrandName" instead of just "Paid Partnership." The brand receives a notification and can choose to accept or decline the tag. If the brand declines or does not respond, the label still shows "Paid Partnership" without the brand name.

Step 5: Write Your Post and Publish

Write your post content as normal. The paid partnership label is separate from the post text, so it does not count toward the character limit. When you are satisfied with the post, tap "Post." The label will be visible immediately.

Important Notes

• You cannot add the label after posting. As of March 2026, there is no way to retroactively add the paid partnership label to an existing post. You must enable it before publishing. If you forget, your options are to delete and repost, or to add #ad to the post text via an edit.
• The label persists through edits. If you edit a labeled post, the paid partnership label stays. You cannot remove it via editing either.
• Threads: You need to enable the label on each individual post in a thread. It does not automatically propagate to replies in the same thread.
• Scheduled posts: You can enable the paid partnership label on scheduled posts. The toggle is available in the compose screen before scheduling.

How to Add Paid Partnership Label on X Mobile App (iOS and Android)

The steps above work on both mobile and web, but here are the mobile-specific details that trip people up:

On iPhone (iOS)

• The paid partnership icon appears as a small flag icon in the bottom toolbar of the compose screen, between the location pin and the schedule icon.
• Requires X app version 10.80 or later. To check: Settings > About. Update via the App Store if needed.
• When you tap the flag, a panel slides up from the bottom with the "Paid Partnership" toggle.
• If you do not see the flag icon after updating, force-close the app and reopen it. iOS sometimes caches the old toolbar layout.

On Android

• The icon appears as a tag icon (not a flag) in the same toolbar position.
• Requires X app version 10.80.0 or later. To check: Settings > About > App version. Update via Google Play Store.
• The toggle panel slides up identically to iOS.
• On some Android devices, the icon may not appear until you scroll the toolbar left to reveal additional options.

If the Option Is Not on Mobile

Try the web version at x.com as a workaround. The web version often receives feature rollouts before the mobile app. Log in on your phone's browser, compose a post, and look for the "Partnership" option in the toolbar. If it works on web but not the app, a mobile app update is likely pending for your region.

Paid Partnership Label Not Showing? 5 Fixes

The feature is still rolling out. If you do not see the flag/tag icon in your compose toolbar, try these fixes in order.

Fix 1: Update Your X App

The paid partnership label requires X app version 10.80 or later on iOS and version 10.80.0 or later on Android. Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and check for updates. Many users who report the feature as missing are simply running an older version of the app.

To check your current version: go to Settings > About on iOS, or Settings > About > App version on Android. If you are below 10.80, update and restart the app.

Fix 2: Check Account Eligibility

X is rolling the feature out gradually. As of mid-March 2026, the paid partnership label is available to:

• All X Premium (Blue) subscribers
• Verified Organizations
• Creator accounts enrolled in the X Ads Revenue Sharing program
• Accounts with 1,000+ followers (gradually expanding)

If your account does not fall into these categories, you may not have access yet. X has stated the feature will be available to all accounts "in the coming weeks," but no firm date has been given. In the meantime, continue using #ad in your post text.

Fix 3: Try the Web Version (x.com)

Several users have reported that the paid partnership toggle is available on x.com (desktop web) before it appears in their mobile app. This is likely because web updates do not depend on app store review cycles. If you do not see the option in the mobile app, log in to x.com on a desktop or laptop browser and check the compose screen there. The partnership icon appears in the bottom toolbar, typically between the schedule icon and the accessibility options.

Fix 4: Check for Ad Blockers Hiding Labeled Posts

This is a subtle and frustrating issue. Some ad blocker browser extensions and content-filtering apps treat the paid partnership label as an advertising indicator and hide the entire post from view. This means you might publish a labeled post, then not see it in your own timeline or profile.

This behavior was first flagged publicly by Nikita Bier and confirmed by several other users. The ad blockers are working as designed from their perspective: they see a post flagged as a paid partnership and filter it out, the same way they would hide a promoted tweet. The problem is that this affects the poster's own view, making it look like the post disappeared.

How to check: Open your profile in an incognito/private browser window with no extensions. If the labeled post appears there but not in your normal browser, an ad blocker is the culprit. You can whitelist x.com in your ad blocker settings, or add a custom rule to exclude paid partnership labels from filtering.

Common ad blockers known to cause this issue: uBlock Origin (with certain filter lists), AdGuard, and Ghostery. The specific filter lists responsible are usually EasyList and Fanboy's Social Blocking List. You can disable these individual lists without turning off your entire ad blocker.

Fix 5: Use #ad as a Fallback

If none of the above fixes work and you need to post sponsored content now, use the traditional approach: include #ad at the very beginning of your post text. This remains fully compliant with FTC guidelines and is recognized by all platforms and regulators.

The format should be:

#ad Really enjoying the new [Product] from @Brand. Here's what I noticed after using it for two weeks...

Place #ad before any other content. Do not bury it in hashtags at the end. For more detail on proper FTC disclosure formatting, see our complete guide: FTC Sponsored Post Disclosure Rules: 2026 Guide.

Do You Still Need #ad If You Use the Label?

Short answer: yes, you should use both. Here is why.

The FTC's position on native platform disclosure tools has been consistent since the 2023 Endorsement Guides update: platform tools help, but they do not replace the need for clear text disclosure. The FTC's reasoning is that platform labels can change, be removed by the platform, or be rendered differently across surfaces (embedded tweets, screenshots, third-party apps). Text-based disclosure within the post content itself is the most durable form of disclosure.

In a 2024 staff guidance letter, the FTC specifically addressed Instagram's paid partnership label and stated that while the label is "a positive step," creators should "not rely solely on platform tools for disclosure." The same logic applies to X's new label.

Best Practice: Belt and Suspenders

Use both the native paid partnership label AND #ad in your post text. This gives you maximum protection:

• The native label covers the platform surface (timeline, post detail, search)
• The #ad text covers screenshots, embeds, third-party apps, and any surface where the native label might not render
• Together, they make it virtually impossible for a viewer to miss the disclosure

If you are posting through a platform like HumanAds that specifies disclosure requirements in the mission brief, follow the brief. HumanAds missions include the required disclosure text and placement instructions. Using the native label in addition to the brief requirements gives you extra coverage.

What the FTC Looks for in Enforcement

The FTC evaluates disclosure on a "reasonable consumer" standard. Would a reasonable person, scrolling through their timeline, understand that this post is sponsored? The paid partnership label helps meet this standard. The #ad text reinforces it. Using both is the clearest signal possible.

The FTC has never penalized a creator for over-disclosing. There is no downside to including both the label and #ad. There is significant downside to under-disclosing.

What About "Made with AI" Labels?

X also introduced AI content labels in early 2026, following similar moves by Meta and TikTok. If your sponsored post involves AI-generated or AI-assisted content, you may need to apply both the paid partnership label and the AI content label.

When You Need Both Labels

You need both the paid partnership label and AI content disclosure when:

• An AI tool wrote or substantially rewrote your sponsored post text
• AI-generated images or video are included in a sponsored post
• An AI agent created and posted the content on behalf of an advertiser
• The post was translated by AI from another language for a sponsored campaign

When You Only Need the Partnership Label

You only need the paid partnership label (no AI disclosure) when:

• You wrote the sponsored post yourself without AI assistance
• You used AI only for grammar checking or spell checking (minor assistance, not content generation)
• You used AI for analytics or scheduling but not content creation

This Is New Territory

The intersection of AI content disclosure and sponsorship disclosure is evolving rapidly. The FTC issued preliminary guidance in late 2025 suggesting that "double disclosure" will be required for AI-involved sponsored content. Several states, including New York and California, are considering legislation that would make AI content disclosure mandatory in advertising contexts.

For a deep dive into the regulatory landscape, see our guide: FTC AI Content Disclosure Rules: What Brands Must Know in 2026.

How the Paid Partnership Label Affects Reach and Algorithm

One of the biggest concerns creators have about using the paid partnership label is whether it will tank their reach. Let us address this directly.

X's Official Position

X has stated that the paid partnership label does not negatively affect algorithmic distribution. According to X's creator documentation, labeled posts are treated the same as unlabeled posts in the recommendation algorithm. The label is a transparency signal, not a content classification that changes distribution.

What the Data Shows

It is too early for large-scale independent studies on X's specific implementation, but data from other platforms offers a reference point. Instagram's paid partnership label has been studied extensively, and the consensus from multiple third-party analyses (including from Later, Hootsuite, and Social Insider) is that labeled posts see a 5-15% reduction in organic reach compared to unlabeled posts from the same creator.

However, there is an important nuance: posts that are obviously sponsored but not labeled tend to receive negative engagement signals (unfollows, "not interested" taps, reports) at higher rates than properly labeled posts. Over time, these negative signals reduce a creator's overall account reach more than the label itself would.

The Practical Takeaway

Even if there is a small reach penalty, the alternative is worse. An unlabeled sponsored post that gets reported for undisclosed advertising can result in account-level penalties, reduced reach across all your posts, and potential FTC enforcement. A labeled post with slightly lower reach is better than an unlabeled post that triggers enforcement actions.

Many creators find that properly disclosed sponsored content actually performs better than undisclosed content, because audiences trust transparent creators. A post that says "Paid Partnership with @Brand" up front removes the suspicion that makes viewers disengage.

How HumanAds Handles Disclosure Automatically

If you are running or participating in sponsored campaigns through HumanAds, disclosure is handled as part of the mission workflow.

For Advertisers

When you create a mission on HumanAds, the platform automatically includes disclosure requirements in the mission brief. Creators who accept the mission see exactly what disclosure text to include and where to place it. You do not need to negotiate disclosure terms separately or hope the creator remembers to add #ad. The mission brief specifies it. See the Advertiser Guidelines for details on how missions work.

For Creators (Promoters)

When you accept a mission, the brief includes the required disclosure text. Include it exactly as specified. If the mission brief says to start with "#ad," start with "#ad." If it says to use the paid partnership label, use the paid partnership label. The compliance verification step checks that your post includes the required disclosure before payment is released.

This is one of the practical advantages of using a structured platform: you do not have to research what the FTC requires, figure out the right wording, or remember to add it under deadline pressure. The brief tells you exactly what to do. See the Promoter Guidelines for the full workflow.

Compliance Verification

After you submit your post, HumanAds verifies that the required disclosure is present and properly placed. If the disclosure is missing or improperly placed (for example, #ad buried at the end of a long post), the submission is flagged for correction before payment is released. This protects both the advertiser (who faces FTC liability for undisclosed sponsorships) and the creator (who faces personal liability as the endorser).

Paid Partnership Labels on Other Platforms (Comparison)

X's paid partnership label arrives after most other platforms. Here is how it compares.

The key advantage of X's implementation is that brand approval is not required. On Instagram, creators must be approved by the brand before the partnership label can include the brand's name, and some brands never approve the request, leaving the label incomplete. On X, you can tag the brand, but the label works regardless of whether the brand responds.

Step-by-Step: Using the Label for Different Post Types

Standard Text Posts

For a standard text-only sponsored post, enable the paid partnership label as described above and include #ad at the start of your text. A complete example:

[Paid Partnership with @Brand label visible above]

#ad Just tried @Brand's new productivity tool and it solved a problem I've been dealing with for months. The workflow automation saves me about 2 hours per week. If you manage multiple projects, worth checking out.

Image/Video Posts

For posts with media, the process is the same. Enable the label, add your media, write your caption with #ad at the start. The label appears above the text and media, so viewers see it before engaging with the content.

Threads

For sponsored threads, add the paid partnership label to the first post in the thread. Technically, you should add it to every post in the thread, but at minimum the first post must have it. Include #ad in the first post's text. For subsequent posts in the thread, you can include "Continuing thread - #ad" or simply ensure the first post's disclosure is clear enough.

Quote Posts

If you are quote-posting someone else's content as part of a sponsored campaign, enable the paid partnership label on your quote post. The label appears on your post, not the original. Include #ad in your commentary text.

Polls

X allows the paid partnership label on posts that include polls. This is important because sponsored polls are increasingly common (a brand asking its audience to vote on product preferences, for example). Enable the label and include #ad in the poll question or the post text above the poll.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting the label on threaded posts. Each post in a sponsored thread needs the label. Do not assume the first post's label covers the entire thread.
• Relying only on the label without text disclosure. As discussed above, the FTC recommends both. Use #ad in your text even when the native label is active.
• Tagging the wrong brand account. Double-check the brand handle before tagging. Tagging a fan account or parody account instead of the official brand account creates confusion.
• Assuming the label works in third-party apps. Some third-party X clients may not render the paid partnership label. Text-based #ad disclosure remains visible in all clients.
• Not checking whether the label actually appeared. After posting, view your post from a different account (or an incognito window) to confirm the label is visible. If you only check from your own account and have an ad blocker active, you might think the label is missing when it actually exists.
• Using the label for non-paid content. Do not use the paid partnership label for organic posts, affiliate links, or gifted products. The label specifically indicates a paid partnership. For affiliate disclosures, use text-based disclosure like "#affiliate" or "This post contains affiliate links."

International Considerations

The paid partnership label on X is rolling out globally, but the regulatory requirements for sponsored content disclosure vary by country.

United States

The FTC's Endorsement Guides apply. The paid partnership label helps meet the "clear and conspicuous" standard, but the FTC recommends supplementing it with text disclosure. Penalties for non-compliance can reach $53,088 per violation in 2026.

European Union

The EU's Unfair Commercial Practices Directive and national implementations (like Germany's UWG) require sponsored content disclosure. The Digital Services Act (DSA), fully applicable since February 2024, adds transparency requirements for online advertising. The paid partnership label helps meet these requirements, but some EU member states require the disclosure to be in the local language.

United Kingdom

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) enforce sponsored content disclosure in the UK. The CMA's guidance specifically mentions that platform labels can be part of disclosure but should be supplemented with text. The ASA has ruled that labels alone are sufficient in some cases, but best practice is still to include text disclosure.

Other Markets

Australia (ACCC), Canada (Competition Bureau), and Japan (Consumer Affairs Agency) all have sponsorship disclosure requirements. If you are creating sponsored content for an international audience, use both the native label and text disclosure. This provides the broadest coverage across jurisdictions.

Ready to Create Sponsored Posts on X?

If you're setting up the paid partnership label, you're either a creator about to post sponsored content or a brand looking to sponsor posts on X. Either way, HumanAds can help:

• Creators: Browse available missions and earn $5-$50 per sponsored post. No follower minimum. Payment secured via on-chain escrow.
• Brands & AI agents: Create a mission and get real humans to post about your product on X. From $5/post, with FTC-compliant disclosure built in.

FAQ

Does the paid partnership label affect reach or the algorithm?

X states that labeled posts are not penalized in algorithmic distribution. Early data is limited, but the label is a transparency signal, not a content classification. The small reach reduction observed on other platforms (5-15%) is outweighed by the trust benefits and legal protection. See the detailed analysis in the "How the Paid Partnership Label Affects Reach" section above.

Can brands see who is using the label and tagging them?

Yes. If you tag a brand in the paid partnership label, the brand receives a notification. They can see a list of all posts that tag them as a partner through the X Business Suite or Ads Manager. Brands can also request that their tag be removed if the partnership was not authorized. This is why you should only tag brands you are actually working with.

Is the label available in all countries?

As of March 2026, the paid partnership label is rolling out globally. It launched first in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, and is expanding to other markets. If you are in a region where it is not yet available, use text-based disclosure (#ad) until it arrives.

What happens if I do not disclose a paid partnership?

The consequences vary by jurisdiction. In the United States, the FTC can impose penalties of up to $53,088 per violation. Beyond regulatory penalties, you risk account suspension on X (which prohibits undisclosed sponsored content in its terms of service), loss of brand partnerships, and reputational damage. Audiences increasingly expect transparency, and being caught posting undisclosed ads can permanently damage your credibility. For a complete overview of FTC requirements, see FTC Sponsored Post Disclosure Rules.

Can I add the label after posting?

No. As of March 2026, the paid partnership label must be enabled before publishing. There is no way to retroactively add it. If you forgot the label, your best option is to edit the post to add #ad at the beginning of the text. If the brand or your platform requires the native label specifically, you may need to delete the post and republish with the label enabled.

Does the label work for threads and replies?

The label must be applied to each individual post. If you are posting a sponsored thread, enable the label on each post in the thread separately. The label does not propagate from a parent post to its replies. For replies that are part of a sponsored conversation (not a thread you initiated), apply the label to your reply if the reply itself is sponsored content.

Why is the paid partnership label not showing after posting?

If you enabled the label before posting but it does not appear on the published post, check these common causes: (1) You may be viewing the post through an ad blocker that hides labeled content — try viewing in incognito mode. (2) The label sometimes takes a few seconds to render on the post detail page; refresh the page. (3) If you scheduled the post, the label may not display until the scheduled time. (4) In rare cases, X's label system experiences delays during peak traffic. If the label still does not show after 5 minutes, delete and repost with the toggle enabled. See the "5 Fixes" section above for full troubleshooting.

What does "Paid Partnership" mean on an X post?

The "Paid Partnership" label on an X (Twitter) post means the creator received compensation — money, free products, or other value — from a brand or advertiser in exchange for creating that post. It is X's native disclosure mechanism, similar to Instagram's "Paid partnership with @Brand" tag. The label is legally significant: it satisfies the FTC's "clear and conspicuous" disclosure standard for sponsored content. When you see this label, the post is an advertisement, even if it looks like a regular tweet.

What are the requirements to use the paid partnership label on X?

As of March 2026, the label is available to: (1) All X Premium (formerly Twitter Blue) subscribers, (2) Verified Organizations, (3) Creator accounts in the X Ads Revenue Sharing program, and (4) Accounts with 1,000+ followers (expanding gradually). If you meet these requirements but still do not see the option, update your X app to version 10.80+ or try the web version at x.com. There is no application process — the feature appears automatically once your account is eligible.

What does the paid partnership label look like? (Screenshot description)

The paid partnership label appears as a small gray text line directly below your display name and handle, above the post content. It reads "Paid Partnership" in plain text. If you tagged a brand, it reads "Paid Partnership with @BrandName" with the brand handle linked. The label uses the same font size as the timestamp. It is visible on all surfaces: timeline, post detail page, embedded posts on external websites, and X search results. The label cannot be removed by viewers and persists through post edits. On mobile, it appears between the handle and the post text. On web (x.com), it appears in the same position with identical styling.

Do I need X Premium to use the paid partnership label?

Not necessarily. While X Premium subscribers were the first to receive the feature, it is expanding to accounts with 1,000+ followers regardless of subscription status. However, if you do not have Premium and do not meet the follower threshold, you cannot currently use the native label. In that case, include #ad at the start of your post text as a fallback. Platforms like HumanAds include required disclosure text in every mission brief, so you always know exactly what to include.

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