For both industry and influencers, the difference between branded and unbranded influencer campaigns—especially in pharma and medical device spaces—can be confusing.
Branded campaigns promote a specific product and are subject to strict FDA regulations, making them more complex. Unbranded campaigns, on the other hand, focus on raising awareness or educating about a condition without mentioning any specific product. This gives influencers more creative freedom and flexibility.
However, there’s a crucial rule to keep in mind: If an influencer participates in an unbranded campaign, they should avoid discussing branded products in any of their content during the campaign window. Doing so could imply they are a spokesperson for that product, which disqualifies them from unbranded campaigns in the future.
It’s possible for an influencer to transition from unbranded to branded campaigns. For example, influencers may begin working on an unbranded campaign before a product launch and then shift into a branded campaign post-launch.
Key takeaway: You can always transition from unbranded to branded, but not the other way around.