# Should a "recommended for you" row label sponsored products? | RelevanceRail

Source: https://relevancerail.com/blog/label-sponsored-products-recommendations/

RelevanceRail answers


Yes. If a brand paid for the spot, say so. The FTC says an ad must be identifiable as an ad, and its format cannot mislead people about what it is.

## What the FTC expects

The FTC's native advertising guide says an ad is deceptive if it misleads people about its commercial nature. Any clarifying information must be clear and prominent.

## How to label it

Put "Sponsored" on the card itself, not in a tooltip. Keep paid items out of rows titled as picks for the shopper unless every paid card carries the label.

## Source

[FTC, Native Advertising: A Guide for Businesses](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/native-advertising-guide-businesses). Reviewed Sep 23, 2026.