consumers prefer when
influencers disclose a brand
partnership.
2025 Influencer Trust Index: Consumer Insights | BBB National Programs' National Advertising Division
Social media influencers represent over $30B in global industry. For influencers to be effective, consumers need to trust their content, and brands need to rely on creators to deliver honest, trustworthy messages.
We can help.
The Institute for Responsible Influence works with creators, brands, agencies, and other stakeholders to promote trust, transparency, and responsibility in the creator economy.
Training & Certification
The IRI curriculum is delivered through short, easy-to-follow video modules designed to fit into a creator’s busy schedule. In as short as 90 minutes, creators gain practical guidance on responsible influence and transparent brand partnerships.
After completing the course, passing the short exam, and signing the best practices pledge creators earn the IRI Certified Creator seal—signaling to brands and audiences that they have been trained in responsible, transparent digital influence.
FTC Endorsement Guide Requirements: Learn how to properly disclose partnerships in accordance with Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
Advertising Standards: Understand industry best practices for responsible influence and how to align your content with established advertising standards.
Navigating Creator-Brand Partnerships: Gain practical guidance for managing brand collaborations and staying compliant in a rapidly evolving digital and regulatory landscape.
About Us
The Center for Industry Self-Regulation's launch of the Institute for Responsible Influence (IRI) represents a groundbreaking step toward a more responsible and transparent creator economy. By combining education, certification, and monitoring, IRI is elevating industry standards and empowering creators to restore consumer trust and build authentic, responsible brand partnerships.
Advisory Council & Supporters

"As part of a shared commitment to responsible industry practices, the 4As is supporting BBB National Programs' Center for Industry Self-Regulation in launching the Institute for Responsible Influence."
Justin Thomas-Copeland
CEO, American Association of Advertising Agencies (4As)

"Vetting and selection of creators are key elements of the influencer marketing process. The Institute for Responsible Influence, incubating within BBB National Programs' Center for Industry Self-Regulation, provides an important third-party certification to help marketers work with the right creators to ensure that those creators fully understand their responsibility for FTC Compliance."
Bob Liodice
CEO, Association for National Advertisers (ANA)

"The Influencer economy is a fast-growing component of the marketing/advertising community. As ‘The Unifying Voice for Advertising,’ the American Advertising Federation, and our nationwide grassroots network, is proud to support the Center for Industry Self-Regulation as it creates this new Institute for Responsible Influence (IRI), with the stated goal of encouraging third-party certification and training for influencers, thus enhancing the integrity of these increasingly significant voices and marketing messages."
Steve Pacheco
CEO, American Advertising Federation (AAF)

"ICAS is proud to support BBB National Programs' Center for Industry Self-Regulation in launching the Institute for Responsible Influence, an important step in strengthening trust and accountability in the rapidly growing creator economy. Education is critical to ensure responsible advertising, and by equipping creators with clear standards and practical guidance, this initiative will help foster greater transparency, protect consumers, and support sustainable, trusted brand–creator partnerships worldwide."
Hilary Souter
President, International Council for Advertising Self-Regulation (ICAS)















Join the Waitlist
We invite brands and agencies to join the waitlist to get their creators trained and certified.
If you are an interested creator, go here.
