It is clear that Google has required influencers to 'advertise Pixel favorably' in the Team Pixel program that provides Pixel 9 to influencers



Before the launch of new products, Google is running an invitation-only program to introduce Pixel products to technology influencers and media. Until now, in this type of program, there have been opaque deals between Google and media and influencers, but technology media The Verge reported that 'Google has finally crossed the line.'

Google threatened tech influencers unless they 'preferred' the Pixel - The Verge

https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/16/24221755/google-team-pixel-reviews-influencers

Google announced the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

The Google Pixel 9 and Google Pixel 9 Pro with their smaller size and new camera bars, and the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL with its larger screen, are now available - GIGAZINE



Google announces 8-inch + 6.3-inch folding smartphone 'Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold' - GIGAZINE



It has become clear through social media posts by influencers participating in the Pixel 9 series invitation-only program 'Team Pixel' that Google is offering different conditions than before. The Team Pixel contract clearly states that 'you are expected to feature Google Pixel devices instead of competitors' mobile devices' and 'if it turns out that other brands are preferred over Pixel, you will be required to cut ties with the brand and creator.'



In addition, The Verge seems to have obtained a Team Pixel participation form on its own, but it seems that it has been closed at the time of writing.



Kayla Geier, a communications manager at Google, told The Verge in a statement, '#TeamPixel is a separate program from our press and creator review programs. Our goal with #TeamPixel is to get Pixel devices into the hands of content creators, not press or tech reviewers. The new language that appeared on the #TeamPixel form yesterday was irrelevant and has been removed.'

Some online have wondered whether these kinds of terms should apply to all product reviewers , but The Verge wrote, 'Google's official Pixel review program for media, including The Verge, does not require these terms. And to be clear, The Verge would never accept these types of terms in accordance with our ethics policy.'

According to Google, Team Pixel is a program run by PR agency 1000heads, which provides influencers and enthusiasts with early access to the device before its release in order to attract interest as brand ambassadors. Although Google has partnered with 1000heads, it does not operate the program directly, and it is clear that this is fundamentally different from a traditional review program.

In response to the controversy over Team Pixel's new terms, popular tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee posted a video claiming that he is not a member of Team Pixel and is not bound by the terms.




Adam Matlock, a reviewer for the technology YouTube channel TechOdyssey , said, 'I joined the program over five years ago because it was a great way to get a phone relatively quickly or on time, which is a big thing in the review world.' However, Matlock posted on X that he had 'left Team Pixel' after Team Pixel came up with a new policy.




Kevin Nezer, from the tech YouTube channel Kevin The Tech Ninja , also said he left Team Pixel because of the terms. 'As a tech reviewer, I work with a lot of brands. Being forced to use only one product is not something I'm comfortable with or want to be a part of,' he said.

Nezer said, 'I've never seen such conditions in any of Team Pixel's surveys before.' Typically, surveys have been used to gauge creators' interest in various topics, such as sports and fashion, and to identify areas for collaboration. Nezer also revealed that he had made it clear to Team Pixel representatives that he would review devices as usual outside of mandatory posts. The exclusivity conditions are unusual, and The Verge points out that 'usually, when a brand requests exclusivity from a creator or brand ambassador, they pay compensation, have clear disclosure rules, and set deadlines.'

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