Disclosing Instagram Influencer Advertising: The Effects of Disclosure Language on Advertising Recognition, Attitudes, and Behavioral Intent

ABSTRACTIn this study we examined the effect of disclosure language (control/no disclosure, “SP,” “Sponsored,” and “Paid Ad”) in Instagram-based influencer advertising on ad recognition, brand attitude, purchase intention, and sharing intention among a sample of 237 students. In line with prior research, results indicated that disclosure language featuring “Paid Ad” positively influenced ad recognition, which subsequently interacted with participants' memory of a disclosure and mediated the effect of disclosure language on attitude toward the brand and sharing intention. The findings offer a significant contribution to the literature on consumers' information processing and understanding for new and developing native advertising executions. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.