Google makes clear that #TeamPixel is influencer marketing and not a reviews program

Google’s #TeamPixel program is revealed to be influencer marketing, not a reviews program

• Google’s #TeamPixel program, which provides influencers with free Pixel devices, has been revealed to be an influencer marketing program rather than a reviews program, as previously believed.

• Influencers in the program are now required to “acknowledge that you are expected to feature the Google Pixel device in place of any competitor mobile devices,” and failure to do so may result in the termination of the relationship between the brand and the creator.

• This change has led to criticism from influencers and viewers, who argue that it undermines the objectivity and credibility of reviews produced by Team Pixel members.

• Google has historically been strict about requiring influencers to disclose their relationship with the company, but the new “Brand Love” requirement goes further by dictating the content of their posts.