informative speech topics about music

Everything begins with an idea!

Informative Speech Topics About Music

Music is a core human experience which well facilitates human contact, social instincts, and imagination. Since time immemorial, music has been part of our cultures and societies. It is an essential part of our evolution and popular for all humans. As human beings, we can express a vast array of semiotics that permeates nature. It is a unique inherent trait in us humans. This form of art that help us express ourselves and also inefficient communication about a particular subject.

Informative speech shares the knowledge of a specific subject matter with the audience. Its objective is shedding light on useful and interesting topics and subject matters. Before writing the essay, conduct extensive and thorough research on the topic. On some specific subject matters, a personal opinion also matters. Your ideas and emotions will establish a connection with the audience.

Music is an essential part of different moments in human life. It spreads joy and happiness in the lives of people. Music gives immense peace to is, and its termed the soul of life.

Most people will select the most popular and thrilling informative music essay topic ideas when tasked with writing an essay. However, when choosing what to write about, a music essay may be such a challenging task. The ability to go with the best topic is a skill required by any student. Identify a topic that interests you. The topic should make it easy for you and give you motivation for research.

The following music theme proposal examples will help you in the process of choosing a topic. These popular informative music essay topics are perfect for brainstorming ideas for selecting a suitable title for your essay.

The beauty that is in reggae music
The beauty that is in Haitian songs
The roles played by music in our society; calming people down and spurring creativity
Music history most notable person: a moment in changing the world
The rock genre music history
House music history
French horns history
The greatest of all time: Electronic Dance Bands
The house genre music history and evolution
The history of rock and roll and its evolution
The music evolution
The history of the French horns and its evolution
Marching bands distinct varieties
The distinct types and varieties of marching bands
The current different ways we listen to music
The best of electronic dance music
Development of tendencies in musical genres in the 21st century
How to set up a concert
How to play the Kazoo
The most unforgettable experience in a musical theater: something that you never knew
Character peculiarities and musical instruments: the melancholic love for violins
The modern definition and interpretation of the artistic expression
The effects of music therapy: another panacea for humankind
Musical events happening in your area
Music as a mixture of the industry and art: 21st-century pop culture
Defining music as a way of living
How to promote your music in the local industry
The evolution of music
Music and marketing
The songwriting process
Healing through the songwriting process
The Beetle’s history and their influence on the music industry
Can we adopt music as a lifestyle?
The evolution of rock and roll and the impact it has had on the music industry
The exceptionality of Electronic music
Freddy mercury impression on the modern music industry

In the same way, your favorite music awes, let your music essay impress the person who is reading or listening to it.

Have top experts do your papers.

50 Music Speech Topics: Persuasive and Informative

Music is a universal language that transcends cultural and social barriers, influencing our emotions, behaviors, and societal norms. From classical compositions to modern hip-hop beats, music has played a pivotal role in shaping human experiences throughout history.

Also See: Public Speech Topics for High and Primary School

This article delves into 50 diverse music-related topics, exploring how music impacts our lives, reflects cultural shifts, and evolves with technological advancements. Whether you’re interested in the therapeutic benefits of music, its role in activism, or the business dynamics of the industry, these topics provide a comprehensive overview of music’s multifaceted influence on our world.

Also See: Bible Speech Topics for Deep Knowledge

The influence of classical music on modern genres.
How music therapy can benefit mental health.
The history of jazz and its impact on American culture.
The role of protest songs in social movements.
The evolution of rock music through the decades.
The importance of music education in schools.
How music affects mood and productivity.
The rise and influence of hip-hop culture.
The impact of streaming services on the music industry.
The psychology behind catchy songs.
The relationship between music and fashion.
How technology has transformed music production.
The role of music in advertising and branding.
The global influence of K-pop.
The art of composing film scores.
The role of music in video games.
The cultural significance of traditional folk music.
How music can be used as a form of activism.
The effect of music on memory and learning.
The business side of the music industry: contracts, royalties, and management.
The power of music in healing and rehabilitation.
The influence of Latin music on global pop culture.
The resurgence of vinyl records in the digital age.
How music festivals shape youth culture.
The ethics of sampling and remixing in modern music.
The role of music in religious rituals and ceremonies.
The evolution of music videos and their impact on artists’ careers.
The influence of African music on global music genres.
How social media has changed the way music is promoted.
The importance of live performances in an artist’s career.
The role of women in shaping the music industry.
The impact of music piracy on the industry.
The significance of national anthems and patriotic songs.
The future of AI in music composition.
The relationship between music and dance.
How cultural appropriation affects the music industry.
The influence of the British Invasion on American music.
The role of music in film and television.
The psychological effects of different music genres.
The impact of global events on music trends.
The role of music in building social identity.
The evolution of concert experiences with virtual reality.
The relationship between music and language learning.
The significance of award shows in the music industry.
The impact of major record labels versus independent artists.
How music streaming algorithms influence listening habits.
The role of protest music in the 21st century.
The effect of globalization on world music.
The importance of preserving endangered musical traditions.
The interplay between music, politics, and society.

Also See: Funny Speech Topics for Class 3 to 12 School Students

Music’s profound impact on society is undeniable. By exploring these 50 topics, we gain a deeper understanding of how music shapes our identities, cultures, and daily lives. As technology and global interactions continue to evolve, so too will the role of music, making it an ever-relevant and powerful force.

Persuasive Speech Topics about Music

Persuasive speech topics about music, music persuasive speech topics, persuasive speech topics music, persuasive essay topics about music.

Persuasive Speech Topics About Music: There are different kinds of music – from pop, jazz, rock, classical, etc.

Music has a unique way of entertaining millions of people across the world. It makes people change their mood as well as evoke certain memories within us.

Doing a speech on music and want to write a short persuasive speech about music?

Find Persuasive Speech Topics about Music . These persuasive topics about music will give you a rough idea of what to write about.

1. A human being cannot live a productive life in the total absence of music.

2. A percussionist is a musician.

3. Anybody can learn to appreciate music.

4. Are school students better off studying dance or music?

5. Can music be an addiction, discuss why and give examples to prove your point.

Read: Persuasive Speech Topics About Mental Health

6. Can some genres like heavy metal push the children to commit suicide?

7. Certain violence-inspiring lyrics can lead to war.

8. Music has some therapeutic benefits

9. Music is an important lesson in schools

10. In babies music helps in development of brain

11. In every society music plays an important role in bringing social cohesion

12. Music continue to become better as technology advances with time

13. Cinematic music plays a major role in making a movie interesting

14. Story telling is enhanced by music

Read: Persuasive Speech Topics about Animals

15. Does music identify something about a culture, people, and its traditions?

16. Explain the effects of music on increasing or decreasing productivity, is it different for different individuals.

17. Every person with normal hearing can sing.

18. Full-time classical music – A viable career path.

19. Good music has a positive impact on a person’s daily life.

20. Great Britain does not dominate the music world since the 90s and the breakup/separation of “The Beatles.”

21. Hard rock has a bad influence on people’s behavior.

22. If music is such a productive and positive thing, why do some religions and scholars prevent it and consider it a sin?

23. Indie pop has reached the top charts.

24. Is gothic music focused on death?

25. Children should be made to choose music lessons over dance lessons.

26. Chinese music is an original art form, which has not developed significantly since Ling Lun found 60 bells.

27. Classic music is more relaxing than chilling out.

28. Depressive and sad tones can have adverse effects on the emotional state of a person.

29. Do you care that American and British musicians are more paid than artists from the rest of the world?

30. Doctors and therapists need to learn the importance of music and musical healing to help improve the condition of the patients.

Read: Persuasive Speech Topics Teenage Audience

1. Jazz is an extinct music genre.

2. Is it easier for a toddler to learn with music or without it?

3. It is not every professional musician that lives a fulfilled life. Discuss.

4. It is time to make music literacy a mandatory element of high school/college curricula.

5. Listening to songs all the time can make a person lazy.

6. Michael Jackson was a true legend regardless of the conspiracies he faced at the end of his career.

7. Most people do not like country music.

8. Music and feats have a history in the ancient civilizations and there is much more to discover about them.

Read: Congratulations Message for Graduation for Best Friend

9. Music can act as one of the real treatments to cure mental health disorders.

10. Music can be a part of the perfect rehabilitation procedure in the local prisons.

11. Music can help a person mediate and find the greater purpose of life as the universe itself follows a musical construction.

12. Music can impact the overall situation of a certain place or group of people because it has certain vibes and frequencies.

13. Music can serve as a tool to unite people.

14. Music has gone through an evolution in the past century.

15. Music is a language of its own.

16. As a musician does it make sense to invest in the personal brand for years?

1. If music is the medicine of the mind, what is it to the soul and body?

2. Can music be recommended for therapy for the cure of mental illnesses? Expound.

3. Music literacy should be made compulsory in the educational curriculum.

4. Music may not always be a positive thing.

5. Should music with violent lyrics be banned at school? Explain the effects of music on students’ behaviors.

6. Musicians and singers need to have more benefits from the government because they entertain the people in a world of selfishness and chaos.

Read: Spiritual Messages for Students

7. Not everybody is talented enough to learn how to play music.

8. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was an international celebrity even when people did not understand his native language or songs they loved the compositions.

9. Patriotic songs can make a person feel passionate and energetic toward their country.

10. Percussionists cannot be called professional musicians.

11. Pirating music in the digital age is a serious threat to the entire country’s economy.

12. Plants grow faster when classical music is on.

13. Playing bass guitar is not easier than playing 6-string electro guitar.

14. Pop music is witnessing a tough transformation.

15. Psychology and music have a strong relationship.

LGBT Persuasive Essay Topics

1. Punk rock witnesses a new revival.

2. Pursuing a career in Classical Music can appeal to people of various social statuses.

3. Rap is not for white people.

4. Are Hip hop and Rap music of violence? Explain.

5. Rap music can have a strong relationship with rebels because it defines them.

6. Should rap should not be classified as music? Explain.

7. Rock and death metal are not commonly understandable forms of music.

8. Rock and Roll – The relationship between African drumming technique and its rhythms.

Read: School Speech Topics – High School, Middle School, Elementary

9. Should workplaces allow soft office music in the background or do they need to be completely silent for concentration?

10. Some tones are addictive and can easily be used to sedate or hypnotize a person.

11. Technology has a positive impact on music as there is no need to have humans create a band and deliver music to the public.

12. The cost of music, app, game, & video downloads on the App Store is very high.

13. The effect of pop music on European culture and trends.

14. Grunge music and gothic rock/post-punk music have fewer differences than they have similarities.

15. The process through which musical notes were named in various cultures should be changed.

16. The standard of music will depreciate significantly in the future.

17. There should be a ban on playing music too loud.

18. Various significances in songs make people react to the music tracks in different ways.

19. Vietnam War epoch music inspired further discussions on the innovative & revolutionary approaches to thinking.

Read: Christian Persuasive Speech Topics

Betty is a qualified teacher with a Bachelor of Education (Arts). In addition, she is a registered Certified Public Accountant. She has been teaching and offering part-time accounting services for the last 10 years. She is passionate about education, accounting, writing, and traveling.

333 Informative Speech Topics To Rock Your Presentation

A powerful presentation covers a compelling topic that sparks your interest and hooks the audience. Use this master list to find your next great speech idea.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

You have been assigned a speech, presentation, or essay, but you have no clue what to talk about. A powerful presentation begins with a compelling topic that sparks your interest and hooks the audience. But you also need to discuss something you feel excited to research and discuss.

This guide contains 333 informative speech topics for your next presentation, plus pro tips for delivering the best presentation possible.

What Is An Informative Speech?

Informative speeches aim to teach or instruct the audience about a topic. They include objective information and fact-based research but can incorporate a unique perspective, compelling storytelling , or a powerful take-home message. Unlike a celebratory wedding toast or an inaugural speech , informative speeches are written specifically to educate.

The six key types of informative speeches are:

Definition speeches : This speech aims to explain a concept or theory. For example, a speech topic starting with “What is…?” is usually a definition-type informative speech.
Explanatory speeches : These speeches explain how something works. For example, an explanatory speech could explain how your brain processes information or how an electric car works.
Demonstrative speeches : These classic “how-to’s” show the audience how to perform a task and often include a visual presentation. For example, students could teach their classmates how to be more productive or cook a healthy meal.
Comparative speeches : When a speaker compares or contrasts two alternative things, they help the audience understand the similarities or differences between two topics. For example, a comparative speech may weigh the pros and cons of private versus public schools.
Descriptive speeches : This informative speech describes a person, place, or thing and explains why the subject is essential. For example, a student may teach their classmates about a historical figure, or an entrepreneur may give a descriptive speech about the specifics of their product idea.
Persuasive informative speeches : Although persuasive speeches are often categorized separately, some informative speeches can cross over into persuasion by using evidence to convince the audience why a particular method or perspective is better than its alternatives. For example, a salesperson may give a presentation to convince clients to buy their services, or a mental health advocate may give a speech to persuade people to do yoga more regularly.

How To Pick An Informative Speech Topic: The Five W’s

Whether you want to give a top-notch school speech assignment or a groundbreaking TED Talk , the best informative speeches have one thing in common: they deliver a purposeful message with a captivating delivery. You must understand the basic who, what, when, where, and why to pick the perfect topic.

Who: Before you start looking for topics, you should know who your audience is. A college speech class is a far different audience than a room of conference attendees. Consider what your audience is interested in, why they should care about your speech and their level of knowledge about the topic. If you talk about something too basic, they may be bored, but if you discuss something too technical, they may have difficulty understanding your speech.
What: Consider your passions and existing knowledge about a subject. The “what” of your speech is the meat of the presentation. Imagine a three-circle Venn diagram. The three circles are labeled: “things I am interested in,” “things my audience cares about,” and “things I can research.” The center point where these three circles overlap is the sweet spot for your speech topic.
When (Length): The length of your speech can drastically impact how in-depth you dive into the topic. A five-minute speech should cover a niche topic or a high-level concept. A thirty-minute to an hour-long presentation can teach about a more detailed topic.
Where: If you’re giving a speech in a meeting room at an office, your performance will likely be very different from speaking on stage in a large auditorium. Consider where you will be speaking and what kind of technology (projector, large screen, whiteboard, etc.) you will have available. The geographic location of your speech can also determine your selection of a local or regional topic relevant to the community.
Why: Most importantly, you should know the purpose of your speech. If your goal is to get a good grade, it may help you pay more attention to following the teacher’s rubric. If your goal is to convince the audience to make a lifestyle change or donate to an important cause, you should structure your speech with the core “why” in mind.

The best speeches combine a simple message with charismatic delivery, an easily digestible structure, and something the audience can relate to. The essence of a great speech is that it arouses something in the audience, such as the motivation to take action or to see things in a new way.

List of Informative Speech Topics: 333 Ideas to Spark Your Creativity

In an informative speech, it is essential to have plenty of evidence or data to support your claims. But even the most well-researched presentation can feel hollow without the passion for delivering it authentically.

As you explore ideas for your speech, you should naturally gravitate toward intriguing and exciting topics. Giving a speech about something you think your teacher or colleagues will like (rather than what you’re truly interested in) could ultimately be inauthentic or boring. Take note of what makes your heart beat a little faster and follow that curiosity .

Easy Informative Speech Topics

If you’re in a pinch, choose a speech topic that doesn’t require extensive explanations to get the point across. It may be a good idea to avoid anything controversial or technical. Instead, choose a straightforward demonstrative or descriptive topic with a wide range of online information.

How to improve your communication skills
The most memorable speeches in history
Why you should buy an electric car
The most popular cars of the year
How to read body language
Top habits of successful people
The most famous actors in history
The benefits of time in nature
Lesser known presidents
Most popular breeds of dogs
The worst natural disasters in the world
How to eat healthier
Harmful impacts of technology
How to survive without electricity
The richest people in the world
The top companies in the world
Child geniuses and prodigies
How does sugar influence the body?
The history of Disneyland
How to break bad habits
Top beauty products for younger skin
How to do your homework faster
How to be more productive
High school students should do these 5 things before graduating
Why high school students should take a gap year before college
The best healthy snacks
Why you should go vegan
How to be more confident
How to start a business
Fashion through the decades

Pro Tip : Start your speech with an attention-grabbing hook that draws the audience in to listen. Try not to start by mentioning a technical difficulty (“Is this microphone working?”) or saying a lackluster nicety (“Thanks for having me.”).

Instead, try starting with:

A story: “I’m here for a reason. And It’s an interesting story….”
A big idea: “The single most important thing I want to share with you today is….”
A quirky one-liner or interesting fact: “You might have always thought….”

Here is a guide on How to Start a Speech: Best and Worst Speech Openers .

You can also watch our video to learn the best (and worst) speech openers:

Informative Speech Topics for College

If public speaking isn’t scary enough, college speech classes can be brutal. You want to impress your professor without thoroughly embarrassing yourself in front of your peers. These topics are scholarly without being boring.

How you can reduce your carbon footprint
Different forms of learning
The truth about microplastics and possible alternatives
How to ace a college test
Why schools shouldn’t give homework
America’s fastest-growing cities
The differences between female and male communication
The best marketing tactics
The importance of education for a country’s economy
Ethical questions of artificial intelligence
Unique ways to stop global climate change
How to live to be 100
Benefits of E-learning
History of education in America
How to eradicate poverty
The real picture of foster care in America
How to decide on a college major
Pros and cons of the current education system
Economics of urban versus rural development
The history of agriculture
How ancient Egyptians built the pyramids
How to prevent the top 5 leading causes of death in America
Understanding industrial hemp
Pros and cons of remote work
How college students can become millionaires by age 50 with monthly investing
How to start an organic garden
Private vs. public school
The importance of discipline
The most useful websites for college students
Where does public university funding come from

Fun Informative Speech Topics

Most people don’t realize that playful topics like video games and reality TV can still be informative. These less serious subjects have the potential to become great speeches that invoke laughter, excitement, or new perspectives.

Can procrastination be good for you?
Myth or reality? We only use 10% of our brains
The funniest commercials of all time
Bizzare sports you didn’t know existed
How snake venom attacks the body
What will humans look like in the future?
Weirdest medical facts
The strangest phobias
Secrets to a great relationship
The fastest cars in the world
What causes hiccups
Evidence of life on Mars
The world history of tattoos
Why college students love fast food
The evolution of video games
How cryptocurrency can change finance
Where do stereotypes come from?
The most bizarre conspiracy theories
The most influential musicians of our time
Top craziest amusement park rides in the world
The most fun things to do when you’re bored
History of tattoo art
The seven wonders of the world
How to survive an annoying roommate
The truth about reality shows
How to create a bucket list
The secrets behind the best TV shows
Weirdest foods taste surprisingly delicious
How to talk to people you don’t like

Interesting Informative Speech Topics

The most viral TED Talks combine a compelling or unique idea with exceptional nonverbal delivery. These interesting topics are sure to get your audience thinking.

The neuroscience of attraction
Mind-blowing facts about volcanoes
The psychology of selling things
Why you should turn your lawn into a garden
Proof that aliens are real/fake
How to start a business for under $100
The history of America from a minority perspective
How technology affects our brains
What would happen to the economy if everyone grew their own food?
The science and ethics of genetic modification
How the electric car originated
Elon Musk’s rise to success
What is neuro-linguistic programming (NLP)?
How deaf people talk with emotion
Why smiles are contagious

Informative Speech Topics About Science

From biology to chemistry to genetics, science encompasses many subjects. Where modern technology meets cutting-edge discoveries, these topics are for inquisitive researchers who want to dig into the data.

How your brain works
History of space exploration
How solar panels work
The evolution of plants
Fascinating origins of plant medicines
How DNA evidence is used
How galaxies are formed
How science is influenced by corporations
Why dinosaurs really went extinct
The oldest fossils ever found
How does the human brain work?
The effects of music on the brain
The life of Albert Einstein
How earthquakes can be predicted
The craziest scientists in history
What is CRISPR?
Potential cures for cancer
What is epigenetics?

Pro Tip : Google Scholar and PubMed are two excellent resources for peer-reviewed scientific literature. Accredited institutions conduct these studies and have undergone the rigor of the scientific method. They even include easy copy-and-paste citations if you need to turn in a bibliography with your speech.

Informative Speech Topics about Animals

From cuddly pets to the alien-like mystery creatures of the deep ocean, animals are universally fascinating.

How to train a dog
The most dangerous animals in the ocean
How elephants use plants to medicate themselves
The science behind the fastest animals in the world
Can depression be treated with emotional support animals?
Comparing reptiles versus mammals
The strongest animal in the world
Top 10 strangest animals on Earth
Comparing human and primate brains
Animals that have their own languages
Ethical questions with animal testing
What causes animals to become extinct?
How to adopt a cat
Pros and cons of the pet adoption system
Is it kind to keep a monkey as a pet?

Informative Speech Topics Sports

Fitness, sports medicine, and professional sports teams are just scraping the surface regarding this subject. You can talk about the inspiring life of your favorite player or game history. The speech topics are perfect for anyone who loves to sweat and cheer.

How sports teach kids discipline
The importance of physical activity for stress relief
Why companies should promote workplace fitness programs
Top-paying careers in sports
How people with disabilities can still play sports
Football culture in the American south
The importance of sports for children’s socialization
The role of sports and masculinity in young boys
Gambling problems in sports
What makes a great sports coach?
The best football players of all time
How yoga can complement workouts
How to prevent sports injuries
The best physical therapy for college athletes
The life of Michael Jordan
Game-changing athletes in history
Lebron James’ secret to success
How Jackie Robinson transformed baseball
The best nutrition for athletes, based on science
Top vegan athletes in the world
Why cheerleading is/isn’t a real sport
Controversial moments in the Olympics
Modern controversies about transgender athletes
The most extreme sports in the world
How hockey changed my life
Pros and cons of CrossFit
Why swimming is one of the healthiest workouts
How adult hobby sports can improve socialization
Daily exercise improves mental health
The best at-home workouts
Top marketing strategies used by the Super Bowl
How the Olympics promotes international peace
Should pro athletes have salary caps?
How college athletes go pro
Top female athletes in the world
Interesting sports from around the world
Why height is not the most important factor in basketball
Why soccer is the most popular international sport
Why women’s soccer gets less media coverage than men’s
The best solo sports for introverts
How handicapped people can still play sports
The most inspirational handicapped athletes

Bonus Tip: Level Up Your Speech With Stage Presence

Did you know that public speaking is actually a skill? Many people struggle with stage anxiety because they feel they ‘missed the memo’ on public speaking or they are lacking because they do not have a natural stage presence. Not true!

Stage presence and public speaking are skills you need to be taught—very few people have them naturally.

Watch our video to learn 7 steps to overcome stage fright and beat performance anxiety:

Here are all the aspects of public speaking you can master.

How to make a first impression with an audience
How to have stage presence
Powerful body language
How to speak with a commanding voice
What to do with your hands while speaking

For every speaking skill you add to your toolbox, the less speaking anxiety you will feel.

If you want help really diving into your presentation skills, be sure to sign-up for our course…

Master Your People Skills

Create a Memorable Presence
Communicate with Confidence
Achieve Your Goals

Have a question about the presentation or People School? Email Science of People support .

Cultural Informative Speech Topics

Learning about different cultures can drastically expand your viewpoint of the world. These speech ideas cover everything from language to ancient history to pop culture.

How to learn about local culture while traveling
The importance of workplace culture
How to build a positive corporate culture
How social media connects and promotes culture
The oldest cultures in the world
Modern versus traditional gender roles
How women have transformed corporate leadership
The dangers of hustle culture
How social media culture impacts self-esteem
How to learn from watching movies
The rise of podcasts and their role in modern culture
The role of social media in business
How immigrants maintain cultural traditions in their new countries
Ancient archeological artifacts you’ve never heard of
Native American spiritual traditions
Holy herbs and plants across global cultures
How to make an African tribal basket
The portrayal of black culture in the media
Culture of Scandinavia
Burial rituals in ancient Mesopotamia
History and meaning of the Om symbol
The history of Buddhism
How to show respect in Japanese culture
The cultural history of African Americans
Chinese traditional foods
Top 10 foreign dishes you have to try before you die
The most important spiritual symbols in the world
Generational differences in Mexican culture
The symbolism of marigolds in Mexican traditions
What is Dia De Los Muertos?

Want to radically improve your presentation skills? Watch our video for 10 presentation ideas:

Informative Speech Topics About History

They say, “history repeats itself.” Consider giving a unique or lesser-known perspective about historical events for a thought-provoking speech. Use museum artifacts and first-hand accounts to guide your points.

The Civil Rights Movement
The oldest civilizations in the world
Nelson Mandela’s historical impact
The truth about colonization and Thanksgiving
How the Industrial Revolution impacted the environment
The real story of the Titanic
The craziest criminals in history
What caused the Great Depression?
What schools get wrong about black history
Religion during the age of the Aztecs
Archeological evidence of aliens
Ancient history of dogs and wolves
What caused the Salem witch trials?
The American Revolution
The role of Christianity in slavery
Human rights violations throughout history
How life changed for Native Americans after colonization
The role of urbanization on the changing American landscape
The cowboy era: myths and truths
The American Constitution
The most influential people in world history
Forming of the United Nations
What caused World War I?
Financial panics and recessions throughout history
The Prohibition era
What led to consumerism in society?
The Vietnam War
The California Gold Rush
The true story of Pocahontas
Little-known facts about Mexican history

Informative Speech Topics About Music

Music is the soundtrack to our lives. Beyond mere entertainment, its impact dives into the roots of culture, identity, and brain function. Here are some exciting ways to incorporate your love of music into an informative speech.

How music can help mental health
Why you should learn an instrument
How listening to music improves your productivity
Genres of music
Links between classical music and IQ
Why do people bond over music
Rarest instruments in the world
The easiest instruments to play
Best country musicians of all time
How hip hop music has shaped culture in America
Evolution of rap and hip hop
The origins of rock n’ roll in southern blues music
The history of opera
The best electronic dance music
The impact of reggae music
How punk rock got its start
How folk music shaped Appalachia
Country music hall of fame
Must-see musical landmarks around the world
Importance of gospel music
The ethics of sampling other artist’s music
How music shapes subculture
Has social media made record companies obsolete?
The importance of musical education in public schools
Music as a form of protest
How sad music helps you overcome heartbreaks
Why music shapes generations
How dancing can change your mindset
From the phonograph to iPhone: History of music machines

Health Informative Speech Topics

The ever-changing landscape of health offers a wealth of resources. Leave an impact on your audience by inspiring them to improve their eating habits or approach healthy living in a new way. Be sure to find the right sources for these speeches to make sure you are citing correct health science.

How to extend your lifespan
Links between diet and mental illnesses
How to cook healthy food on a budget
Why a daily walk outside can transform your health
History of herbal medicine
Let food be thy medicine: From Hippocrates to modern day food pyramid
Why you should do yoga for 15 minutes a day
Benefits and drawbacks of a vegetarian diet
The healthiest fruits in the world
What is really in processed food?
Is weight lifting or cardio better for burning fat?
How agriculture affects our health
The gut microbiome
The dangers of pesticides in our food system
How soil health impacts human health
Who controls the food system?
The science behind keto diets
The dangers of low-fat diets
Top 5 best foods for brain function
The daily habits of the healthiest people in the world
Differences in definitions of health
European versus American food ingredients
The role of fats in brain function
How to fix a headache
The benefits of magnesium
The best supplements, according to science
The main signs of a stroke
The chronic disease epidemic in America
How to lose weight the healthy way
Why you should avoid eating seed oils
Why you should stop eating gluten
How to prevent arthritis
The real causes of diabetes
Is meat actually bad for you? Pros and cons
How to stop the mental health epidemic
How dental health impacts your digestion
Amazing benefits of black seed oil
The Harvard Longevity Project: Why happy people live longer
Ancient health remedies from around the world
Why you should eat fermented foods
Causes of cancer and how to prevent it
Why people should donate their organs
Effects of radiation
The healthiest cultures in the world
Why obesity is a modern problem
How to have stronger bones
Healthcare access for minorities
Why fast food restaurants are addictive
Pros and cons of salt
How to overcome stress
The dangers of e-cigarettes
People need to drink more water
The insurance and healthcare system in America
How friendships improve your health
Why couples should exercise together
Benefits of dark chocolate
Dangerous food additives you’ve never heard of
Easy ways to improve your nutrition
How to reverse hair loss
Secrets to have healthy hair
Benefits and drawbacks of stem cell research
Why you should stop drinking soda
How to reduce asthma attacks
Health benefits of ginger
Why you should drink tea

Key Takeaways: Find Inspiration for a Speech

Any informative topic can be used to craft a speech, but a showstopping presentation requires thinking outside the box and approaching your speech from a unique point of view. Before you settle on a topic for your next speech, be sure that your speech idea is:

Authentically interesting : Discussing something that doesn’t spark your interest is no use. Choose a topic or idea that you actually care about for an authentic and passionate delivery.
Relevant to your audience : If you don’t know your audience, you might as well be speaking to a wall. Professional presenters understand the general knowledge level of their audience and what information will be valuable or interesting to them.
Easy to research : Obscure topics can be alluring and challenging to research. Choose a topic that has plenty of information available in books or online. Be sure to use reputable sources and cite them when necessary.
The proper length : The depth and detail of your speech ultimately depend on the length of time you have to talk. Pick a subject that you can thoroughly describe in the allotted time frame.

Once you narrow down a few of your favorite topic ideas, start brainstorming how you want your speech to impact the audience. Use these 10 Presentation Ideas That Will Radically Improve Your Presentation Skills , such as:

Why you should save the best for first and last
How to design epic presentation slides
Why you shouldn’t over-rehearse
How to own the stage

Popular Guides

How to deal with difficult people at work.

Do you have a difficult boss? Colleague? Client? Learn how to transform your difficult relationship. I’ll show you my science-based approach to building a strong, productive relationship with even the most difficult people.

Science of People offers over 1000+ articles on people skills and nonverbal behavior.

Get our latest insights and advice delivered to your inbox.

It’s a privilege to be in your inbox. We promise only to send the good stuff.

My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

509 Informative Speech Ideas and Topics

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

How to Choose the Right Informative Topic

Half the battle of presenting a speech or writing an essay is choosing the right topic. Choosing a good informative speech topic or informative essay topic can keep your audience entertained, your reader interested, and your own work process more enjoyable. Here are a few tips to help you choose a topic:

Know your audience or reader: Your informative presentation – whether through speech or essay – should cover a subject not already well known to your audience, but still relevant to them. If you do choose a topic they’re familiar with, then present new and exciting information. Consider the age, knowledge level, and interests of your audience when preparing your informational speech or essay.

Consider your own interests: Think of your own passions and areas of expertise that you think people could benefit from learning more about. Choosing a topic you care about will help your speech or essay be better received. Your passion will keep them engaged and curious to learn more.

Consider length requirements : How much time are you allotted for your informative speech? What is the page requirement for your informative essay? You should be able to thoroughly cover the topic in the amount of time you are given. If you don’t think you have enough knowledge or personal interest to talk about illegal drug use among teens, saving money as a college student, or another informative topic for 20 minutes, you may need to consider a different subject.

The good news is that there are countless options available. Below are lists of informative topics for speeches and essays. Remember that, in order to choose the best informative topic for you, you need to consider your audience, your interests, and your time and length requirements. Then, customize the central idea to suit your situation.

Best 10 Informative Speech Topics

Don’t have time to read our full list of 500+ topic ideas? Here is our list of 10 best informative speech topics.

Can We Write Your Speech?

Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

How to adopt a dog
The history of motorcycles
The best sales tactics
The differences between male and female communication
America’s fastest growing cities
The importance of education for the economy
Different stages of poverty
How to cook vegetarian
How to keep your skin looking young and wrinkle free
The different types of poetry

List of Informative Speech Topics

Communication
Current Events
Environment
Food and Drink
International Relations
National Security

Relationships

Supernatural
Demonstration
Easy / Simple
Interesting
Legislation
Pop Culture

10 Animal Informative Speech Topics

The role of cats throughout history.
Caring for hermit crabs.
What are the best pets?
The lives of ants.
The different types of tropical fish.
The different exotic breeds of cats.
How to raise rabbits.
The beauty of wolves.
How to adopt a dog.
Raising pet snakes.

See this page for a full list of Speech Topics About Animals .

10 Automotive Informative Speech Topics

Is it better to buy or lease a car?
How to choose the right tires for your car.
How to make your car run better.
What to look for in a new car.
How to change your car’s oil.
Dirt bike riding safety tips.
How to drive a stick shift.
The history of motorcycles.
How to change a flat tire.
The best muscle cars.

14 Business Informative Speech Topics

Taking your brand to the next level with three easy steps: promoting, advertising and marketing.
How business owners’ personal characteristics impact their business.
What is the impact of training and development on employee job performance?
Leadership styles and their effects on employee productivity.
Engaged employees result in high retention.
Developing personal power in an organization.
Impacts of incentives on employee performance.
Psychological tactics in marketing.
How to create a successful brand.
The importance of accounting research.
The benefits of enterprise resource planning.
The benefits of multilevel marketing.
The best sales tactics.
How to nail the negotiation in your first meeting.

See this page for a full list of Informative Speech Topics for Business .

8 Communication Informative Speech Topics

Young brothers talking with tin can telephone on grunge backgrou

How deaf people talk with emotion.
The differences between male and female communication.
How to be a persuasive speaker.
How to improve your conversation skills.
Some simple conversation tips.
What is neural linguistic programming (NLP)?
Why smiles are contagious.
How to manage communicative disorders.

4 Current Events Informative Speech Topics

America’s fastest growing cities.
The Occupy Wall Street movement.
Poverty in New York City.
What is the national happiness rate?

6 Economy Informative Speech Topics

The history of taxes on carbon dioxide emissions.
What would be the impact on economic growth if everyone produced their own food?
The impact of progressive taxation on the provision of social services.
Economic growth of the People’s Republic of China.
The effects of price and demand of agricultural products.
The importance of education for the economy.

10 Education Informative Speech Topics

How EFL teachers can use the internet as a classroom aid.
Should teachers and students be friends on social networks?
Why is our education system only based on theory and not practical knowledge?
Should students be permitted to eat during classes?
The importance of formal education for building a successful career.
The pros and cons of teaching students three languages in school.
What materials work best in a sandbag for blocking floodwaters?
Hypnosis: its misconceptions and common uses.
Learning disabilities and their effects on learning in college.
Are test scores a good indication of a school’s competency?

See this page for a full list of Informative Persuasive Speech Topics .

10 Environment Informative Speech Topics

Should politicians bring more pollution to our country?
What would happen if finite resources were not used wisely?
Four main reasons for generating genetically modified crops.
The effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer on maize.
Are we going to lose the rainforest?
The best ways to protect the environment.
Commercial crops and their effect on the water table.
The environmental impact of a meat based diet.
Recycling helps mitigate the greenhouse effect.
Why we should stop global warming.

See this page for a full list of Environmental Informative Speech Topics .

3 Ethics Informative Speech Topics

Is it sometimes better to tell a lie than to tell the truth?
Is tolerance the same as love?
Is hunting morally acceptable?

10 Family Informative Speech Topics

Adopted children should always have the option to see their biological parents.
The impact of single parenting and its effects on children.
The appropriate penalties for parental negligence.
What it is like being the youngest of a family of 19 kids.
The importance of the parent-child relationship.
My father is my hero.
How to pick a name for your children.
Cases of domestic violence against men.
The importance of family.
The history of foster care.

See this page for a full list of Family Informative Speech Topics . We also have a page with Speech Topics for Kids .

18 Financial Informative Speech Topics

How banks are getting paid twice for your mortgage.
How to save money in college.
How to build credit.
How to save money on your income taxes.
How to apply for a credit card.
The basics of financial aid.
The importance of saving money.
How to recognize stock market trends.
The process of buying a house.
The basics of internet banking safety.
The best investment strategies.
How to live on $5 a day/ Eating well on $5 a day.
Tips on how do deal with money problems.
The history of our currency.
How the US Dollar affects the Euro.
Debt relief programs.
Does China have a serious stock market?

9 Food and Drink Informative Speech Topics

The difference between Gatorade and Powerade.
How to cook a delicious dinner.
How to grow your own food.
The different types of coffee.
How to cook vegetarian.
How to make a cocktail.
The best types of cheese.
The best exotic fruits.
How to make Chinese food.

See this page for a full list of Speech Topic Ideas On Food, Drink, and Cooking .

11 Fun Informative Speech Topics

The history of Valentine’s Day, the celebrations in different cultures.
Some laugh, but there are many courageous people who overcome stuttering.
Funny Saint Patricks Day parades, pub decorating, Irish fun runs.
Differences between apes and monkeys, monkeys in space programs, how they live in groups in the zoo.
Your hand: what your signature, handwriting and your hand palm lines say about your character.
Amphibian vehicles – search for information about those rare car-boat vehicles, and you have lots of fun informative speech topics to talk about!
Cartoons in relation to our Freedom of Speech and Expression principles.
Show the listeners to your public speaking speech some flags of unknown countries, ask them what nation you mean and explain colors and symbols.
The extraterrestrial life stories and future theories from French author Jules Verne.
Etiquette and manners, how to cope with special situations, how to behave at official ceremonies you see enough public speaking speeches spicing humor.
Fashion styles and dress codes at parties and ceremonies.

See this page for a full list of Fun Informative Speech Topics .

5 Geography Informative Speech Topics

The antipodes – Places on Earth which are diametrically opposite to each other.
Cartography – How terrestrial globe spheres are crafted.
Climatology – Patterns in climate change, like rising temperatures and flooding.
Coasts – Types of coasts, deltas, sea cliffs and beaches.
What does the continental drift theory mean in vulcanology?

See this page for a full list of Speech Topics On Geography .

9 Government Informative Speech Topics

The role of accounting in the control of public expenditures in Nigeria.
What factors affect community participation in public meetings?
How difficult is it to run a country of 1.2 billion people?
Speeding cameras are meant to provide government money.
Should the President be paid while being in office?
The Federal government’s separation of powers.
Journalism is our weapon against corruption.
How a bill passes in state government.
The best city planning practices.

10 Health Informative Speech Topics

Steroids, antibiotics, sprays: are these things hurting us?
The effects of dissociative identity disorder or multiple personality disorder.
Bigger isn’t always better: the effect fast food has on America.
The importance of proper stretching before a workout.
How to keep your skin looking young and wrinkle free.
The different types of insomnia.
The causes and effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
The psychosocial aspects of organ transplantation.
Controversial ideas about whooping cough vaccines.
The reasons why stress and depression should be taken seriously.

See this page for a full list of Informative Speech Topics on Health and Fitness . We also have a page with Medical Topics and Psychology topics.

10 History Informative Speech Topics

past, present, future, time concept on blackboard

The beauty of ancient Egyptian art.
The most beautiful paintings in history.
The history of fashion.
The history of high heels.
The history of cosmetic makeup.
The history of Tibetan burial practices.
What Olympic events did ancient Greece have?
The history of swear words and their impact on society.
Words and their meanings that have changed with time.
Why dragons perform in Chinese New Year celebrations.

See this page for a full list of History Speech Topics .

16 International Relations Informative Speech Topics

Economic development and the role of the private sector in reducing poverty in Lesotho.
Tourism and remittances are the solutions for Tonga’s economic growth.
The military of the Philippines.
Is South Africa ready for a female president?
Can democracy bring stability to Pakistan?
South Africa is an amazing country.
The impact of U.S drone strikes.
The discovery of oil in Equatorial Guinea.
How to help refugees.
Why everyone should live in China.
The status of trade relations in East Africa.
The effects of the Dowry system in India.
Sri Lanka after thirty years of war.
Why Africa is underdeveloped.
The political system of India.
The purpose of the United Nations.

2 Language Informative Speech Topics

English is a link language for many parts of the world.
The origins of cliches.

6 Literature Informative Speech Topics

Inside the mind of Edgar Allen Poe.
How to write a book.
The three trials of Oscar Wilde.
The meaning of The House on Mango Street.
The history of vampires in literature.
The different types of poetry.

21 Media Informative Speech Topics

What steps are involved in creating a movie or television show?
How Spotify hurts new artists.
The benefits of watching less TV.
How the media has hurt our body image.
Books that were turned into terrible movies.
The benefits of reading a newspaper.
The basics of photography.
The history of the Titanic movie.
Some famous advertising campaigns.
The effects of misleading advertisements.
Some important women in the media.
The best foreign TV shows.
The benefits of satellite radio.
The best TV sitcoms.
Al Jazeera, the largest Arabic news channel is the Middle East.
How Disney produces and distributes short animated films.
The amazing stage performance of Christina Aguilera.
The love life of Jennifer Aniston,
The story of CNN International reporter, Christiane Amanpour.
The ten actors who played James Bond.
Top three worst Woody Allen movies.

9 Music Informative Speech Topics

The different types of marching bands.
The history of french horns.
The history of house music.
The evolution of rock and roll.
The beauty of reggae music.
Music as a “lifestyle”.
The best electronic dance music.
How to play the kazoo.
The beauty of Haitian music.

4 National Security Informative Speech Topics

How illegal things are smuggled into the country.
The United States military branches.
The importance of the Air Force.
The branches of the military.

10 Politics Informative Speech Topics

Should the U.S. restrict immigration?
The benefits of communism.
The most important women in politics.
Define the term foreign policy and offer current examples.
The delicate position of women and children in war torn societies and countries on the globe.
How issues on oil in Nigeria lift the oil prices worldwide.
How a free trade agreement works.
The major environmental problems in Australia.
National gun control statistics compared to the statistics of other countries.
The function of the Federal Reserve Board in maintaining a stable financial system.

See this page for a full list of Speech Topics about Politics .

10 Psychology Informative Speech Topics

The benefits of greeting people.
Positive thinking is the key to peaceful living.
The meaning of dreams.
How to explain child geniuses.
Difference between empathy and sympathy.
How to be more sensitive for an emotionally insensitive person.
How to know a person’s true personality when we are so good at disguise nowadays.
Secrets about quiet people.
How to respond or take a compliment.
Why do people lie and how to deal with that.

See this page for a full list of Psychology Speech Topics .

12 Relationships Informative Speech Topics

How marriages today differ from marriages from the 60’s.
The secrets of happy and successful relationships.
How to choose the right relationship.
How to get along with your roommate.
The guidelines for military marriages.
How to make long distance relationships work.
The average age to get married.
How to talk to people when you have nothing to say.
How to recognize toxic friends.
Your Brain Falls in Love Not Only Your Heart.
Who Was and Is Cupid and Co.
All You Wanted to Know About Engagement.

10 Religion Informative Speech Topics

A comparison of Genesis and Revelation in the Bible.
Modern values are violating religious values.
How Christ is present in our world.
What percentage of the world’s population are Christians?
Why worshipping Satan isn’t a bad thing.
Why the bunny symbolizes Easter.
God helps those who help themselves.
A comparison of different religions.
The history of the Christian church.
The main principles of Christianity.

See this page for a full list of Speech Topics on Religion and Spirituality .

10 Science Informative Speech Topics

The difference between an alligator and a crocodile.
Why whales should not be hunted for food.
Transhumanism and the evolution of the human race.
How we can create geniuses.
Falabella horses are the smallest in the world.
Why is the colonization of Mars important?
Albert Einstein’s contributions to science.
The isolation of nicotinic acid from tobacco.
The journey to becoming a nuclear physicist.
Some interesting facts about the human brain.

See this page for a full list of Informative Science Speech Topics .

31 Self-Help Informative Speech Topics

The difference between boundaries and limits.
The benefits of affirmation.
Three goals to strive for in life.
How to present yourself with confidence.
Why it’s important to be yourself.
How to manage your anger.
How to make a good first impression.
How to prepare for a job interview.
Your actions determine your future.
How to set goals and achieve them.
How to enhance your public speaking skills.
How to increase your motivation.
What makes life meaningful?
How to take your next big step in life.
How to construct an argument.
How to boost your self-esteem.
How to be happy being single.
How to avoid procrastination.
How to improve your manners.
How to be a good leader.
The importance of a good attitude.
How to be more romantic.
How to break bad habits.
How to overcome conflict.
Happiness: The thing we all look for but never really understand.
What it’s like to be falling in love.
What is love and what’s not.
The secret to resolving conflicts.
Dancing is your secret weapon for happiness and health.
Things to remember if you don’t want to die with any regrets.

10 School Informative Speech Topics

Schools should not make money by selling unhealthy candy and soft drinks to students.
Music with foul language in it should not be allowed at school dances.
Students should be able to listen to their MP3 players during class.
Students who commit cyberbullying should be suspended or expelled from school.
Boys and girls should be taught in separate classrooms.
Homeschooling produces better results than public schools.
High School will be the best time of your life.
Boys are lazier than girls.
All students should wear school uniform.
It is possible to Ace your way through High School.

See this page for a full list of School Speech Topics for All Grades .

10 Society Informative Speech Topics

Why it is bad to judge people by their appearance.
The lives of isolated indigenous people.
How to tell someone they are annoying you without being rude.
How human behavior affects society.
Left handed people: the underrepresented minority group.
Is the military a fulfilling career choice for women?
The effects of discrimination.
The importance of newspapers in our daily life.
Do actors and athletes make too much money?
Why I’m optimistic about our nation’s future.

See this page for a full list of Informative Society Speech Topics .

10 Sport Informative Speech Topics

Should female students be allowed to play on male sports teams?
How to do a walking handstand or a cartwheel into the splits.
Is netball or hockey more dangerous?
The benefits of sports for all ages.
Why the spelling bee shouldn’t be on ESPN.
The worst professional sports teams.
The importance of sports and games.
What you should have in your golf bag.
The history of professional fighting.
The worst trades in sports history.

See this page for a full list of Informative Sports Speech Topics .

3 Supernatural Informative Speech Topics

The mystery of the Bermuda triangle.
The evidence that bigfoot exists.
The existence of telepathy.

41 Technology Informative Speech Topics

How roads are built.
Is wind energy cheap, effective, and practical?
Why college students should be careful about what they put on social media.
The uses for artificial intelligence computer networks.
The danger of putting too much personal information on social networks.
Modes of communication are constantly changing.
How has social media impacted our daily lives?
The line between the human brain and a computer.
Why technology is a bad thing for growing minds.
How technology has destroyed human interaction.
How is text messaging affecting teen literacy?
The advantages and disadvantages of social media.
The effects of violent video games on children.
The decline of interpersonal communication due to technology.
The difference between hardware and software.
Antivirus software: beware of malware functions.
The history of programming languages.
How voice over IP works.
What would we do without electricity?
The benefits of 3D printing.
The major technological changes since 1990.
The negative effects of cellphones.
How to avoid computer viruses.
The evolution of the internet.
Computers through the decades.
How airport biometrics systems work.
Robots now and in the future.
How satellites help communication.
How a water plant operates.
How watches work.
The evolution of video games.
How cellular phones work.
The evolution of the iPhone.
How to build a computer.
How nuclear power works.
How search engines work.
How air pressure works.
The best new technologies.
The future of electric cars.
How to practice cyber safety.
A guide to different social media sites.

15 Travel Informative Speech Topics

How students can find great vacation bargains.
The best cruise vacations.
Famous parliament buildings
How to test the quality of water when traveling.
Interesting underground railroad systems in capital cities.
Investigation shipwrecks at the bottom of the sea.
The benefits of wind tunnels on transport.
The discovery of the famous temples in the Maya culture.
The influence of global warming on Alpine skiing.
The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The Wright Brother’s first flight.
Totem poles and obelisks are symbols of unity, tradition, and pride.
What you need to know about the Principality of Andorra.
Why is there a Titanic replica?
Why the unsinkable and invincible Titanic sank.

9 Workplace Informative Speech Topics

I Love to Work Pin Button Enjoy Job Career

The benefits of break time for nursing mothers in the workplace.
The prevalence of dangerous chemicals in the workplace.
How to survive working in a restaurant.
Why underwater welding is dangerous.
How it is to work in the fast food industry.
How to get a great internship.
How to become a comedian.
The most dangerous jobs.
What are the fastest growing careers?

List of Informative Essay Topics

14 college informative essay topics.

young student girl with books in library

Benefits of a college degree
Crimes on college campuses
Healthiest foods in the campus cafeteria
How students can stay safe on a college campus
How students can use eLibrary Curriculum Edition for research
How to beat senioritis
How to find cheap textbooks
How to pick a major
How to study for and pass a test
Saving money as a college student
The story of how your school was founded
Ways of preventing college dropout
Whether binge drinking is a problem on your college campus
Your favorite club or organization on campus

5 Demonstration Informative Essay Topics

How to bake a cake
How to knit a scarf
How to organize a closet
How to swing a golf club
How to train your dog

7 Easy / Simple Informative Essay Topics

A genre of music
America’s fastest growing cities
Breeds of dogs
How a computer works
Interesting cultures
Lesser known presidents
Natural disasters

9 Education Informative Essay Topics

How to choose a persuasive speech topic
How to deliver a funny informative speech
How to deliver a persuasive speech
How to maintain audience attention during a speech
How to win your audience with descriptive speech
How to write a persuasive essay
How to write an argumentative essay
How to write an expository essay
The difference between a thesis statement and a topic sentence

10 Fun Informative Essay Topics

An impressive world record
Fun games to play at the beach.
The history of ice cream
The revolution of the selfie
Ways different cultures celebrate Valentine’s Day
What do people do when they win the lottery?
What people don’t know about Disneyland
What you can learn from grade K students
What your horoscope means
Why people get tattoos

6 Funny Informative Essay Topics

funny kitten portrait with smile on card

Everything you need to know about skinny jeans
Funny St. Patrick’s Day parades
How to be nice to people you don’t like
How to cheat in poker
How to look attentive when you’re actually not
Things you can learn from your pet

See this page for a full list of Funny Informative Speech Topics .

10 Health Informative Essay Topics

All about gluten
Cause-and-effect relationship of air pollution
Causes of cancer
How caffeine works
How stress affects your body
How to make exercise a habit
How to quit smoking
Symptoms of Alzheimer Disease
Symptoms of depression
How to get rid of bad habits

6 Hobbies Informative Essay Topics

Hand made scrapbooking post card and tools lying on a table

Best places for scuba diving
Choosing your next book to read
Peace lily care tips
Professional baseball stadiums
The history of your favorite sport
Types of tropical fish

9 Interesting Informative Essay Topics

Effects of global warming
Exotic pets
How to perform an attention-getting first dance at your wedding
Near-death experiences
Places to see in northern Nevada
The biography of Clyde Tombaugh
The history of a cliche marriage ritual
What is your dog actually thinking?
What your handwriting says about you

See this page for a full list of Informative Interesting Speech Topics .

7 Life Informative Essay Topics

How to drive a stick-shift
How to pay off your student loans in under 10 years
How to succeed in multi-level marketing
The process of buying a car
Tips for being an effective networker
Traveling the world for cheap
Why people lie

7 Legislation Informative Essay Topics

Fees and taxes for an electric car
Minimum wage laws
The history of drinking age rules
What dogs are affected by breed specific legislation?
Anti-trust crimes.
Benefits of pleading guilty.
Felony penalties for aggravated stalking.

See this page for a full list of Legal Speech Topics .

10 Pop Culture Informative Essay Topics

A biography of your favorite celebrity
All about your favorite author
All about your favorite television show
Former childhood stars
History of your favorite product brand
Instances where the movie is better than the book
The Miss America pageant
The pop art movement during the 20th century and the changes it brought about
What makes a pop sensation
Your favorite form of public broadcasting

7 Relationships Informative Essay Topics

How to be a good friend

How to choose your friends
How to get along with your in-laws
How to make a marriage work
How to survive a blind date gone wrong
The different types of friendships
The history of online dating

Picking Your Topic

At first glance, an informative speech may seem like the simplest type of presentation . The basis of an informative speech is to introduce a topic to the audience and then describe or explain it . It sounds fairly straightforward, but special care must be given to selecting a topic or the entire speech may not be well received.

Informative speeches can easily become boring for an audience for several reasons. First, the speaker should be sure not to present a topic which is already well known, or the audience will quickly lose interest. The topic should be something the audience has never encountered, or at least include new and exciting information on a familiar topic. Speakers should remember, when preparing the speech, that their own level of interest will become apparent during delivery of the presentation. In other words, if the speaker is bored by the topic, the audience will feel bored as well.

Knowing the audience is a primary factor in choosing an informative speech topic. The speaker should consider the age, knowledge level, subculture, and other demographics of his listeners when preparing the speech. It is important to present information which is neither too elementary nor too difficult for the audience to comprehend. The chosen topic should reflect the interests of the audience, and should be intriguing to them without rehashing information they already know. For example, college students may be interested in a topic on alcohol use, but they are already very familiar with a topic like the dangers of drinking and driving. In this case the speaker might concentrate his topic on the health benefits of red wine. This way, he has chosen a topic which interests the audience, but is likely to present new information which will not bore his listeners.

Finally, speakers should consider time limits when choosing an informative speech topic. A topic should be covered thoroughly enough that the audience feels as if most of their questions on the topic have been answered. On the other hand, a tight time restriction may prevent the speaker from adequately covering a very intricate topic. When time is limited, a subject which requires lengthy explanation should be avoided. The audience should leave an informative speech feeling as if they’ve gained new insight on a topic. It is good if they are interested in doing their own research to learn more about the subject, but they should never leave the presentation feeling confused or unclear about what they have just heard.

Informative Speech Idea In 5 Steps

1. step one – make a list.

Make a short list of your personal interests and informative speech topic ideas. To help you determine your interests on an informative speech topic, think about your favorite objects, products, people, animals, events, places, processes, procedures, concepts, policies, theories, and so on. Answer these important questions:

Is there something you love to talk about, always have wanted to research?
What interests you very much, or do you like or love at first glance?
Do you have developed special skills in personal or professional life?
What interesting informative topics do you know a lot of or want to know more about?
What are some personal or professional experiences and skills in certain situations related to your favorite subjects?
Can you reveal hidden secrets, new perspectives or insights on some topics?

2. Step Two – Analyze Your Audience

Determine the interests and needs of your audience. What do they want to learn? Can you teach them on a subject you like?

3. Step Three – Check Your Interests

Review the short list of your interests and make a decision. Choose the informative speech topic that is also interesting to your audience. Take care of their interests, questions and needs.

4. Step Four – Research and Write

Research just one new single aspect of that informative speech idea. Look for valuable or amazing information that surprises your listeners. Fresh data, facts, intelligence, and advice will catch their attention immediately! To help you researching: look for new facts, figures, stories, statistics, surveys, personal experiences, professional experiences, quotations, comparisons and contrasts.

5. Step Five – Add Help Props

Demonstrate steps, stages, pros and cons, and remarkable effects by the use of public speaking software or other visual aids , that display the material you want them to be understood or remembered.

Informative Speeches FAQ

1. Speeches About Objects 2. Speeches About Processes 3. Speeches About Events 4. Speeches About Concepts

An informative speech is one that provides information and educates the audience on a specific topic. An informative speech should help your audience learn, understand, and remember information you are presenting.

1. Know your audience or reader 2. Consider your interests 3. Consider length requirements

You can see this page with speech examples .

Vote of Thanks Examples

613 Original Argumentative Speech Topics Ideas

15 thoughts on “509 Informative Speech Ideas and Topics”

Demonic Possession

Creativity is the Mother of Invention.

1-How to be a good friend: you have to do everything to make them happy, don’t snatch on them

2-How to choose your friends: Choose friends with similar values Choose friends with common goals

3-How to get along with your in-laws:1-Get to know them. … 2-Know your limits. … 3-Keep things cordial. … 4-Put your relationship first

4-How to make a marriage work

5-How to survive a blind date gone wrong 1-Ask open-ended questions. … 2-Tell a funny anecdote. … 3-Let your date talk. … 4-Answer questions fully. … 5-Listen to them carefully.

6-The different types of friendships

7-The history of online dating

the evolution of humans

school doesn’t need to exist

Nice compilations this is helpful

Hamburgers vs hotdogs

Chocolate Caffeine Grass is Greener on the other side April Fools Why teens should have a part time job or not

History of Tobacco

Effects of anxiety on teenage students.

how depression affects people and others around them

peer pressure and its effects on students

Different ways kids handle peer pressure.

depression and how it can effect a students mindset

I accept the Privacy Policy

Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities

Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi.

Home — Essay Samples — Entertainment — Song Analysis — Informative Speech On Music

Informative Speech on Music

Categories: Song Analysis

About this sample

Words: 723 |

Published: Mar 14, 2024

Words: 723 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr. Heisenberg

Verified writer

Expert in: Entertainment

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 899 words

2 pages / 892 words

1 pages / 531 words

1 pages / 1165 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Song Analysis

PnB Rock is no exception, as his song "Misunderstood" delves into the complexities of his life and the struggles he has faced. In this essay, we will analyze the lyrics and themes of "Misunderstood," explore the impact of the [...]

Dance in the 70s was a vibrant and revolutionary era that brought about a cultural shift in the way people expressed themselves through movement. From the disco craze to the rise of breakdancing, the 70s marked a time of [...]

In the world of music, the theme of control is a powerful and pervasive one, shaping the narratives and experiences of both artists and listeners alike. Halsey, the enigmatic singer-songwriter known for her raw and introspective [...]

In a world where change is constant and inevitable, Tupac Shakur's music has served as a powerful reflection of the evolving nature of society. Through his thought-provoking lyrics and poignant storytelling, Tupac delves into [...]

Multi-grammy winning artist Bruno Mars is a famous American pop artist/writer that expresses very powerful tone in his song lyrics. Incredibly talented and generously blessed with musical gifts, Mars has grown to become one of [...]

Martha Graham's iconic dance piece, "Lamentation," has captivated audiences around the world with its powerful expression of grief and sorrow. Through her innovative choreography and emotional intensity, Graham delves deep into [...]

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

Instructions Followed To The Letter
Deadlines Met At Every Stage
Unique And Plagiarism Free

50 Interesting Informative Speech Topics for College

26 September, 2020

15 minutes read

Author: Mathieu Johnson

Informative speeches grant speakers a responsible mission of educating people about significant ideas and themes. They’re also about sharing thoughts and opinions on this or that topic, aimed at expanding understanding and providing listeners with relevant insights for further deliberation. Therefore, it’s a particular type of speeches given to put things into sharp focus and offer food for thought. Read up to know which informative speech topics have the most impact.

What is an informative speech?

As mentioned above, it’s a kind of speech that, well, informs the audience about your topic. Sounds simple enough, but simplicity is deceptive, and there are enough secrets behind this science. Specifically, not all people are fully aware of the fact that the “what” question is a key element that needs to be answered, for with informative speeches, you want to choose a topic most likely to be well received.

Of course, you can speak about something you already know, but you can also talk about the topic which is absolutely new to you. In this case, however, you must make sure that the theme will be relatively easy to research and studied before speech delivery. Another important point worth noticing is that organizational requirements and type of information for informative speech usually intertwines with those for an informative essay, for the latter is often an extension of the first.

How to write an informative speech?

So, now it’s time to move from theory to practice and write an informative speech. But where do you start from?

Although there are many different processes involved in the process, we’ll narrow them to essentials to help you better grasp the idea of how a perfect speech should be tailored.

Stage 1. Research and Brainstorming

Think about the topic.

The first and most crucial step is about choosing the right topic. We’ve mentioned before that it’s vital to select the issue you feel free to talk about. However, there are also cases when professors assign a specific task for you. Either way, the point here is to conduct thorough research based on the given or chosen topic.

If you want to explain the history of some company, band or event, for example, make sure to deliver the message clearly, without going here and there. For this, consider talking about particular points which will cover the whole speech and help the audience quickly digest it. Otherwise, your speech will depart from the topic, and listeners will find it challenging to follow your thoughts.

Gather Evidence

Every scholarly work proves its credibility by the inclusion of relevant sources to show both the audience and the instructor that you’ve put enough effort into the work to sound authoritative. This is a great chance to get a good mark, but more importantly, earn trust from listeners. To cite the evidence correctly, you can search for some facts, stats, or numbers in a variety of sources. These include textbooks, books, and encyclopedias (online ones work as well), scholarly articles, reputable news bureaus, and government documents. If these are hard to find for you, think of alternatives, like online journals and magazines. But be careful and don’t use sources from there if they are not credible and reputable. As an example, use The New York Times, The Guardian, Harvard Business Review, SAJE journals, Forbes, etc.

Also, keep in mind that the evidence you’ll use should depend on the subject of your talk. If it’s about science, check scientific publications. If it’s about medicine – embark upon texts on this specific sphere. Finally, don’t forget to create a works cited page at the end of your speech and put all your sources there. Even if your instructor does not specify such a requirement, create a list anyways. This will help you keep references organized, and you will be able to pick a suitable one from the list.

Generate a Nice Thesis

A thesis is the core of impactful speech that tells listeners about its focal points. It also reveals the purpose of your speech and provides the audience with an insight into what the speech is all about. Notably, your thesis should not exceed the length of one-two sentences and be as precise as possible. More so, thesis, like the speech itself, is not about convincing people to take your topic stance immediately. Rather, it’s about informing listeners about significant events or cases which they could analyze and make relevant conclusions themselves. No need to push them or force to change the perspective, just try to be genuine and honest with people you’re talking to. Considering that it’s a scholarly piece of work, there’s no room for appealing to emotions or subjective claims. So in informative speeches, objectivity is the key player.

How to Start Informative Speech Writing?

Informative speech outline

The outline is a skeleton of your speech that briefly explains each of your points. This is basically a list of short sentences which reveal the meaning of your main speech ideas. Remember that this list is not for the audience; it’s for your own use. So the task here is to write about every point in a way you’ll understand. You can also use notecards instead of paper so that it’ll be much easier for you not to get lost in a sea of ideas and organize the speech properly. Tip: include numbers and capital letters for headings, and bullet points or other figures to mark subheadings.

If you are still unsure on whether you can cope with your task – you are in the right place to get help. Our essay writers will easily answer the to the question “Who can write my speech?”

Stage 2. Writing

Once the sketches are ready and you have a clear understanding of what to speak about, move on straight to writing.

Craft an Engaging Intro

What does engaging stand for in this case? It denotes some speech elements which will be enticing for listeners from the first sentence. It’s a common practice to start speeches with different hooks to call for more people’s attention. There are a plethora of techniques you can use to make an unforgettable first impression: jokes, anecdotes, examples from personal life, interesting statistics, rhetorical questions, quotes of famous people. You can even invent your own attention-grabber which will help you knock down listeners.

Give More Detail in the Main Body

Once you managed to create impact by the introduction and made sure everyone will be eager to listen to you further, you need to expand the explanation of key speech ideas in a well-structured, organized manner. Like in regular life, you start a story from the beginning to the end, while gradually moving from one idea to another. The same goes for informative speech – you need to ensure that the flow of your narration is logical and concise, fully elaborated, and precise. Also, don’t forget about making transitions between sentences. They will make your speech flow naturally, helping the audience to process the information much easier and effortlessly.

Wrap Everything Up in Conclusion

The ending of your informative speech should restate the main idea and the thesis you’ve mentioned in the introduction. There’s no need to say new things that will only confuse your audience. Instead, all the conclusion needs is a nice wrapping of the already stated claims.

So basically you want to review your main points and thereby deliver listeners a message which they will perceive as a major takeaway from what you’ve just told them. However, the introductory part should by no means repeat previous information word by word. It’s just a short restatement that covers up the main points.

Proofread and Edit the Final Version

Once the text is written entirely, it’s a must for you to double check it to avoid possible mistakes. If your informative speech turns out not as informative as expected due to grammatical or lexical errors, you’ll not be taken seriously, which we bet is not the purpose of delivering your talk. So, to prevent casualties from happening, you’ll need to use reliable editing and proofreading tools. Grammarly is an excellent source for this. Its accurate algorithm detects all kinds of mistakes and fixes them on the fly in a matter of seconds. And you can also check the text for plagiarism to make sure that it has no analogs anywhere on the web.

The Writing Process of Informative Speech

Stage 3. Perfecting Speech Delivery

Memorize your speech.

Half work is done – you have a writing piece. Now it’s time to learn it. Of course, it’ll take you time to do this, but with a little patience and enough time, you can memorize it even faster than expected. Besides, it’s not recommended to learn the speech from A to Z, inside out and upside down by heart. If your instructor is indulgent enough, feel free to memorize your talk in a way that allows you to explain your ideas clearly and consistently. To facilitate the process of learning, you can memorize sentence by sentence until you’re confident. And even if you forget something during delivery, you can always count on the outline that’ll give you a hint on what to talk about next.

Practice Reading Speech Aloud

When the final product is finally ready and polished, you need to concentrate on reading it.

Practice the speech in a mirror, to a friend/relative/pet, or record yourself to trace the tone and intonation. This way, you’ll make sure that your informative speech is brilliant and you deliver it just the way you wanted. Besides, this practice can help you critically evaluate the flaws and correct them before the actual delivery. Have enough time for this, because even experienced speakers always rehearse their speeches. Finally, focus on the way you use gestures, the way you stand and look at the audience, and facial expressions.

List of informative speech topics

There are lots of easy informative speech topics to choose from, but we offer you to review our topics list with some of the most alluring ones to get you started. Let’s examine pro informative topics that’ll help you write a memorable speech.

Topics for informative speech about music

Frank Sinatra – a beloved father of music
The drastic evolution of french music
Deep house – the most popular music style among youngsters
Why did rock and roll became an epitome of popular dance music
Why does reggae music most known under the name of Bob Marley
The psychological and physical benefits of listening to music
Chill, lounge and electronica has market the era of progressive sound
The impact of rap music on society at large
The art of playing the violin
The evolution of jazz music and its connection to historical movements

Informative speech topics about animals

Why are so many animals under extinction today and how do we fix it?
Why dogs are considered as humans best friend?
The history and evolution of polar bears
Why does rhinos horn trimming in South Africa still allowed
How to properly raise chinchillas
The most dangerous types of dogs on the planet
Staggering intellectual abilities of elephants baffle even scientists
How to keep snakes away and save your life
Different types of butterflies
The history of bees and their role in the world

Topics for informative speech about global warming

Patterns in climate change: rising temperatures and flooding
What Effects does Climate Change have on the Earth and its Inhabitants?
What are the practical solutions to global warming
What is global warming and what causes it?
The future of global warming: dismal predictions and statistics
Controversial opinions about global warming
The greenhouse effect as the top one reason of climate change
The global issue of global warming: what’s next?
Humans are responsible for the emergence and progress of global warming
Sanctions against generation of greenhouses: will they ever take place?

Informative speech ideas about sports

How sports improve human physical and psychological health
Is golf the game of the past?
The real life of sport teams: from trainings to furious games
Can roller skating be considered a kind of sport?
What’s more dangerous: white water rafting or ice diving?
The history of sports: whom do we owe respect?
Hockey 101: gear, playing techniques, team spirit
Why is boxing the most dangerous type of sports
The most unusual kinds of sports humans have invented
The importance and potential threat of football for the world

Interesting speech topics about food and drinks

How to bake a cake and not put on weight
Why does alcohol bring so much trouble to contemporary youth?
There are no superfoods, the study shows
Does fast food really cause addiction?
The secret ingredient of Coca Cola and why you’ll never want to drink it again
If the fruit diet useful for health?
Why bananas can save the world
Eating vegetables and olive oil is a golden ticket to rejuvenation
What’s the difference between natural and processed foods?
Why eating pizza is the worst way to get away with cooking

As you can see from the list of topics for speeches, informative speech is a perfect occasion to explore interesting themes in depth and share your knowledge with people who are most likely to learn new things with you. Discovering a variety of topics and writing them on paper is perhaps the most engaging task your instructor has ever assigned you. And if you find it challenging to come with the right idea for a good topic, just send a “ write my speech ” request, and we’ll complete your order in no time.

A life lesson in Romeo and Juliet taught by death

Due to human nature, we draw conclusions only when life gives us a lesson since the experience of others is not so effective and powerful. Therefore, when analyzing and sorting out common problems we face, we may trace a parallel with well-known book characters or real historical figures. Moreover, we often compare our situations with […]

Ethical Research Paper Topics

Writing a research paper on ethics is not an easy task, especially if you do not possess excellent writing skills and do not like to contemplate controversial questions. But an ethics course is obligatory in all higher education institutions, and students have to look for a way out and be creative. When you find an […]

Art Research Paper Topics

Students obtaining degrees in fine art and art & design programs most commonly need to write a paper on art topics. However, this subject is becoming more popular in educational institutions for expanding students’ horizons. Thus, both groups of receivers of education: those who are into arts and those who only get acquainted with art […]

Beethoven Research Topics Topics: 73
Composer Research Topics Topics: 116
Jazz Essay Topics Topics: 122
Baroque Essay Topics Topics: 73
Leonardo da Vinci Topics Topics: 70
Classical Music Research Topics Topics: 58
Photography Topics Topics: 129
Movies Comparison Research Topics Topics: 105
Vincent van Gogh Paper Topics Topics: 71
Artists Research Topics Topics: 80
Hip Hop Paper Topics Topics: 72
Dance Essay Topics Topics: 107
Rock Music Paper Topics Topics: 67
Song Paper Topics Topics: 140
12 Angry Men Essay Topics Topics: 48

440 Music Research Topics

If you are looking for the best music research topics, you are at the right place! In this music topics compilation, we will help you explore the world of music and its impact on individuals, cultures, and societies. You will find different perspectives on music as a universal language that transcends boundaries and unites people across the globe.

🎶 7 Best Music Essay Topics

🏆 best music research topics, 🗪 argumentative essay topics about music, 👍 catchy music essay topics, 📢 informative speech topics about music, 🌶️ hot topics about music.

️🗣️ Persuasive Speech Topics about Music

🎓 Interesting Research Topics about Music

❓ music topics for presentation, 📌 controversial music topics, 💡 more music topics to write about.

“Music of the Troubadours, Tant M’Abelis” by Lafitte
Arnold Schoenberg’s Musical Style
Idir (A Vava Inouva) Music Video: Background, Lyrics, and Visual Effects
Sound Differences in Renaissance and Middle Ages Music
Music of the Renaissance
Music Industry: The Impact of Technology
Art, Music, and Dance
Why Is Impressionistic and Expressionistic Music So Hard to Understand? In any era, musicians kept up with the times and, under the influence of new art trends, revealed and invented their ways through musical means of expression.
The “Ulay Oh”: Music Video Analysis This essay examines the “Ulay Oh” music video using Allan Johnson’s core ideas of patriarchy and male dominance.
Musical Elements in “Over the Rainbow” by Art Tatum The analyzed piece of music “Over the Rainbow” by Art Tatum is a masterful performance inducing bright images and positive emotions.
Elements of The Phantom of the Opera Musical by Hart The Phantom of the Opera is a musical that features lyrics written by Charles Hart and music composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Artificial Intelligence and Music The paper discusses use of Artificial Intelligence is rapidly expanding, with several innovative companies adopting it to create music.
Music: Benefits and Positive Influences Music has many various benefits that positively affect people’s nervous system, psychological state, and educational opportunities and can be efficiently applied to medical aims.
The Elasticity of the Music Streaming Apps Market Elasticity has a significant impact on Spotify and other music streaming platforms, as there are factors affecting people’s demand for this service.
Reality Music Television Shows The purpose of this paper therefore is to discuss the effects (both positive and negative in any) of reality music televising shows on the general music industries.
Medieval and Modern Music Comparison Each musical genre and school of that time was devoted to dozens of meaningful dissertations and hundreds of wonderful articles.
Music and Mathematics Relationship This paper seeks to show the usage of mathematics in music and avail information on the effects of listening to music on mathematics.
Musical Career: Personal Philosophy and Career Goals My love for music is due to the emotions that this genre of art gives. Melodies are able to awaken in the souls of people warmth, delight, worries, joy, and other strong feelings.
Cultural and Individual Expression Through Music Music is viewed as one of the most effective ways of passing any information be it cultural or expression of emotions and feelings among different people.
Traditional Colombian Music and Instruments The essay discusses of the first songs in Colombia, major themes of traditional songs and traditional Colombian instruments: Accordion, Guacharaca, Tip, Tambura, and Gaita.
Patriotism in Music: Patriotism and Nationalism in Music Education Music changes alongside new generations and their views, reflecting the crucial ideas and issues within the society of that time.
Music of the Baroque Period: What is a Baroque Concerto? Baroque is often used to describe the style of music which is composed during the era that coincides with the period of Baroque art.
The Psychology of Music Despite the numerous and often contradictory findings regarding the phenomenon of music, there are no doubts about the powerful connection it has with a human mind, emotions, feelings, and actions.
Musical Instruments: Chordophones and Idiophones Chordophones and idiophones are two types of instruments that produce sound. These musical instruments came from different cultures.
Eagles’ “Hotel California” as a Musical Background Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” If the narrator of Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” had an iPhone at hand, “Hotel California” by Eagles would be a likely pick to listen to during the events of the story.
Renaissance Music: “Ave Maria” by Josquin Des Prez “Ave Maria” by Josquin des Prez is a prime example of Renaissance art. Due to the presence of the parties of several voices, this work becomes full and voluminous.
The Wiggles Musical Group: Marketing Strategies This research looks at how the Wiggles group (a children’s musical group formed in Sydney, Australia) penetrated the market and became the top in its line of business.
Taylor Swift’s Blank Space Music Video: Analysis Example Taylor Swift’s video for the song “Blank Space” is based on a narrative. It is mainly because the film presents the storyline described in the lyrics of the song.
Shubert Music Analysis the Work of Shubert Die SchöNE Müllerin, No 19 Analyzing the work of Shubert Die schöne Müllerin, no 19, and its part ‘Der Müller und der Bach’ I used the technology of LaRue, who suggests paying attention to sound, harmony, melody, rhythm and the growth of form.
Indian Culture, Tradition and Classical Music Since India has been evolving for thousands of years and differs from area to region, it has a rich and distinct culture.
Why Health Insurance Should Cover Art and Music Therapy? In the article, the author talks about the benefits of art therapy and music therapy for the mental health of patients.
Laura Pausini: Live Music Event Critique I will present my analysis and reaction to the live concert of Laura Pausini. The event started at 8:00 PM at James L. Knight Center and lasted for a couple of hours.
Music History and Development Different Cultures all have there own specific way of communicating through music. Music is basically broken into two specific groups Eastern Music and Western Music.
The Catholic Church and Western Classical Music Many secular elements of culture like the creation and composition of music had their origins in the Roman Catholic Church or were influenced by the music of the Catholic Church.
How Music Affects Juveniles Essay gives an analysis of the ways through which music is capable of affecting juveniles. The discussion has presented a strong correlation between music and deviant behavior.
Protest Music in the 1960s Music is definitely one of the most essential elements of any culture that has a huge influence on people’s perception and understanding of the world.
Title: Role of Music in the Spanish Culture This paper will discuss the importance of music to the Spanish culture and also analyze its representations through advertisement on various entertainment and sporting Spanish events.
Popular and Serious Music This essay summarizes an article about popular music and an analysis of its effectiveness in the modern world.
Digital Storytelling and Background Music Background music has long been a critical aspect of storytelling, presenting itself in various settings, including films, restaurants, and museums.
The Influence of Rap Music on Moral Character The paper argues rap music misogynistic and promotes violence (especially toward women), crass materialism, and street crime.
Music of the African Diaspora The essay illustrates that slavery is at the core of the music of the African diaspora as through the music the plight, suffering.
Music Distribution: Defining Distribution Channels Channels of distribution are characterized by the presence of middlemen who include wholesalers, retailers, and distributers.
Classical Arab Music The Arab classical music is interesting, it is necessary to focus on the instruments, its association with culture and religion, composers, performance venues and notations.
Music of the 20th Century and Beyond This paper is an analysis of two musical pieces from the classical and electronic music periods. These analyses will be done systematically.
K-Pop Music Genre Popularity Analysis K-Pop, or Korean pop, is a musical genre rapidly gaining popularity, which characterized by singing talents and brilliantly choreographed dances that demonstrate during performances.
Vivaldi’s “Winter” as an Example of Baroque Music The composition “Winter” from “The Four Seasons” violin concertos series by Antonio Vivaldi is one of the most famous music pieces of baroque music.
Whether Music Distracts Students or Helps Them It is not always the case that music serves as a distraction, some studies have shown that music has numerous benefits when listened to while studying.
Does Music Therapy Truly Benefit Patients, or Is It Placebo Effect?
What Is the Balance Between Freedom of Expression and Responsible Content?
Music Piracy and Its Effect on Artists and the Music Industry.
The Role of Music Education in Schools: Is It Essential or Expendable?
Is There a Link Between Aggressive Behavior and Music Lyrics?
Cultural Appropriation in Music: How to Navigate the Boundaries of Artistic Expression?
Can Listening to Music Enhance Cognitive Abilities in Alzheimer’s Patients?
Music Festivals and Environmental Impact: Balancing Entertainment and Sustainability.
Music Streaming Services: Does It Provide a Fair Compensation for Artists and Songwriters?
The Evolution of Hip-Hop: From a Subculture to a Global Phenomenon.
Classical vs. Contemporary Music: Which Has a More Profound Cultural Impact?
Does The Commercialization of Music Sacrifice Artistic Integrity for Profit?
How to Break Barriers to Gender Representation in the Music Industry for Female Artists?
The Role of Music in Shaping Social Movements: Protest Songs and Political Activism.
How Has Digitalization Revolutionized Music Production and Consumption?
Music and Memory: The Influence of Music on Autobiographical Reminiscence.
The Ethics of Music Sampling: Balancing Creativity and Copyright Infringement.
Can Background Music Improve Academic Performance?
How Efficient is Music Therapy for Veterans with PTSD?
The Future of Live Music Events: Are Virtual Concerts as Good as Real Ones?
A Musical Performance by Music From China It is worth noting the musician’s skill and how he conveyed the work’s mood to the public with his appearance. I would love to watch a Chinese music concert again, especially live.
Opinion About Classical Music Classical music loses its popularity among the wide public, which is explained by the fact that it becomes obsolete in the conditions of the modern-day world.
Beethoven’s Personality and Music The secret of discrepancy between the historic personality and creative work of genius has always been interesting for researchers and music worshippers.
“The Sound of Music” Opera Review The opera “The Sound of Music” is performed by means of genuine interaction of two men being a composer and a lyricist: Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein.
French Popular Music, Barbara (French Singer) Barbara becomes an icon of French culture, music and movie industry. In her lyrics and performance, she speaks about social and cultural problems, love and passion, etc.
Can Music Be an Enhancement to Education? The paper discusses the role of music as an enhancement to education. It is supported by the new data regarding the music effects on brain processes and reactions.
Sports, Music, and Arts for Modernization This paper aims at exploring the possibilities of using sports, music, and arts to assist the modernization. It also looks into the challenges that come with such new avenues.
Film Studies: “The Sound of Music” by Robert Wise This essay discusses the film “The Sound of Music” and the locational geography shown in the movie. It also discusses the geography shown in the movie.
The Functions of Film Music: Essay Example Music plays an important role in films. This paper will discuss how music has been used in the movie Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
Use of Technology in Arts and Music Industry Technology in art is a form of venture where artists use digital technologies to create their works and use tech as part of their creative or presenting process.
The Origin of Blues Music Genre Blues was established in the environment of traveling performers, thus not all the details are available to the researchers.
The Beatles Band’s Strategic Musical Evolution This paper provides insights into the formation of the Beatles, the British invasion, and their strategic musical evolution.
Musical Impact on Learning Process This essay aims to take a look into how music affects the learning process, and understand the positive and negative effects of its use.
Music Appreciation: A “Great” Composer This paper compares two historical periods in music: The baroque period and the classical era. Discusses influential composers for the periods, their characteristics and styles.
Music Elements Manipulation The process of music work creation requires a great deal of effort in terms of conveying the primary composer’s idea through some basic music elements.
Music Listening Journal Blog: Song Review “Life So Right” is a song written and performed by a talented woman from Holland Mariska Baars. “Leave me Alone” is a popular song of the 1980s, composed and performed by a rock band “New Order”.
Difference Between Hearing and Listening to Music Music has a unique way of conveying feelings, emotions, and even stories, regardless of the country and language of a person who listens to it.
Turkish Musical Instruments in Classical and Contemporary Music Turkish music is seen as oriental, with variegated intervals less than a semitone incomparable to European music. It is seen as exotic and peculiar.
Nursing Theory of Music, Mood, and Movement by Murrock and Higgins The purpose of this paper is to give a detailed description and analysis of the nursing theory of music, mood, and movement by Murrock and Higgins.
Musical Culture and Internet Influence Music is the most ancient and common in human culture. It is characterized as an art form that reflects reality in sounds, artistic images and actively influences the human psyche.
Music in the Movie “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” Jon Brion made a daring experiment by mixing different genres of music in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind that leaves a long-lasting impression.
Gil Scott-Heron’s Influence on Modern Hip-Hop Music Scott-Heron was not only a godfather (literally) of hip-hop but also an enthusiastic soul and blues performer.
Musical Pieces of the Baroque Era This paper explores musical pieces of the Baroque era through the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel.
Operations and Information Management: A Case Study of CC Music CC Music has accumulated market knowledge and expertise over the previous years, yet, the industry’s course over the past decade poses a significant obstacle.
The Classic Musical Film Grease Analysis In the Grease film, there are many unsettling concepts but many of them are linked to the participants’ strong characters which eventually results in love.
The “Hamilton” Musical and Its Significance This discussion will be dedicated to proving “Hamilton” success as a visionary fiction – referring to its essential elements and peculiarities.
Music Industry, Its Impact and the Future This work aims to examine the impact of the global music industry on the United States, the future of this sphere of society, and find out who benefits most from it.
Pink’s Music: Less Than Perfect and Raise Your Glass This paper will examine two songs written and performed by P!nk. The two pieces selected for this analysis are popular songs: Less Than Perfect and Raise Your Glass.
Shrek the Musical by David Lindsay-Abaire The paper analyzes Shrek The Musical’s various visual and musical aspects. It considers the stage design and overall atmosphere.
The Importance of Music and Its Impact on Mind The article argues certain music can enhance the mind, increase memory, relieve stress, accelerate learning, help concentrate, focus, and unleash inner abilities.
Native American Music of the Cherokee Indian Tribe Several scholars have studied and documented the rich music history and the place that music occupies in the life of the Cherokees.
Copyright Infringement in Music and Film Industry Copyrights are legal frameworks that allow access to exclusive control and ownership of music and film industry work. Such statutory provisions seek to govern commercial aspects.
Musical Style of Luis Miguel Luis Miguel is a legendary figure in the history of Spanish music in Latin America. The professional accomplishments and musical style of Luis Miguel are discussed in this essay.
Music of the Classical Period: Patronage in Music All the composers whose works are now considered the classics of world music once were fledgling talents unknown in the music circles.
Cover Versions and The Music of the Beatles The rich cultural history of African tribes and challenging life experiences of black Americans served as the foundation of African American music in the United States.
Huun-Huur-Tu Live Musical Performance in California In 2008, in a live performance in Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California, “Huun-Huur-Tu” remained committed to their homeland’s centuries-old music style.
The Britain Music of the 1960s In the 1960s, a new tradition in the music industry emerged in Liverpool and London that would transform Britain’s culture forever.
Musical Instrument Families and Ensembles It is important to note that several instrument families possess unique characteristics. The most used one is the strings family, which includes dobro, banjo, or autoharp.
Electronic Music in Film: Leitmotifs and Melody Over the past few years, electronic music has been used more flexibly in the movie context, including both its diegetic and non-diegetic forms.
Josquin Des Prez’s Musical Career and Works Though Josquin des Prez is famous as a contemporary musician and one of the most important Renaissance composers, details about his life and compositions are not well documented.
The Evolution of Jazz Music: From Its Origins to Modern Interpretations.
The Influence of Classical Music on Contemporary Compositions.
The Origins and Characteristics of Reggae Music from Jamaica.
The Impact of Music Therapy on Mental Health and Well-Being.
The Role of Music in Different Cultures: Celebrating Diversity through Melody.
How Technology Has Transformed the Music Industry: From Vinyl to Streaming.
The Science Behind How Music Affects the Brain and Emotions.
The History of Rock and Roll: Pioneers, Icons, and Cultural Impact.
The Significance of Music Festivals in Celebrating Art and Community.
Exploring Traditional Instruments from Around the World: A Musical Journey.
The Contribution of African Rhythms and Melodies to Contemporary Music.
The Art of Music Production: From Recording Studios to Mixing and Mastering.
The Influence of Hip-Hop Music on Youth Culture and Social Activism.
The Fascinating World of Opera: Opera Styles, Composers, and Iconic Performances.
The Healing Power of Music: Understanding Its Therapeutic Effects.
Music and Memory: How Melodies Can Trigger Powerful Recollections.
The Impact of Music Education on Children’s Cognitive and Emotional Development.
The Role of Music in Cinema: How Soundtracks Enhance the Movie Experience.
The Fascinating History and Legacy of The Beatles: Global Music Icons.
Music as a Universal Language: Uniting People Beyond Linguistic Barriers.
Elvis Presley’s Influence on Music Elvis Aaron Presley an immensely talented American artist gained extreme popularity at a point in time as a vocalist, actor, and musician.
Filmi: Indian Music Unique Element The lyrics are beautiful, poetic, and contribute to Filmi music’s appeal throughout the Indian Diaspora and the world at large.
Feminism and Sex in Hip-Hop Music Hip Hop music was introduced with the intention of combating poverty, racism, and violence that were prevalent in lower-income neighborhoods across the United States.
“Seussical the Musical” Theater Play Critique The production of “Seussical the Musical” intertwines the plots of several stories to create a magical world full of fantastic creatures and breathtaking adventures.
Pop Music of Japan, Korea and China Pop music varies in styles containing several sub-genres and differs depending on its geography. This paper focuses on studying pop music of Japan, Korea, and China.
The Beatles’ “Let It Be” and Youth Music Culture The Beatles were one of the most powerful musical icons of the 1960s and, as a result, their songs could serve as a good reflection of the time when the band was active.
Romantic Period: Music The 19th century marked a remarkable era in classical music, which is referred to as the Romantic Era. Music of this era was characterized by Nationalism, Expression, and Exoticism.
Evolution in Modern Indian Music Rich and diverse, Indian folk music is utilized for special occasions and educational purposes. The sources of Indian music are endless and its potentials are without limit.
Music as a Multifaceted Cultural Phenomenon Music is a multifaceted phenomenon with various layers, stages, and implications. It resembles self-expression that allows one to share feelings and emotions.
Religious Music Analysis: the Rock of Ages The paper looks into the history of hymns, particularly the Rock of Ages, and analyzes its lyrics and importance nowadays.
Haitian Compas Music and Its Crossover Crisis Haitian music has been affected by individuals who lived on the Caribbean Island before the colonization. It is comprised of a broad scope of influences.
The Development of the Music Industry This paper examines the changes that have arisen in the music industry since the middle of the 1990s. The focus is on the fight against piracy.
Parents Music Resource Center in the United States Parents Music Resource Center was a group created by four women in 1985. The aim of this group was to control the music that was released.
Contemporary RnB (Rich & Beautiful) Music Throughout decades, the genre of RNB underwent significant changes that have to be covered in order to explain the importance of the 2000s era of RNB music.
Rhythm: The Essential Element of Music Rhythm is the crucial element of world music. It predates the development of other basic elements of music in frames of evolution.
Electric Guitar in African Music This essay explores the origins of electric guitar music in Africa, the forms enriched by African guitarists, and the impact of the electric guitar on the evolution of music.
Big Band and Combo Jazz: Musical Groups Comparison The essay compares two types of musical groups, big band and combo jazz. Both of these directions are deeply rooted in the history of the music of the 20th century.
African American Musical Styles and Its Influence on the American Culture This paper seeks to discuss how the African American musical styles influenced American society’s social and cultural developments.
Traditional and Contemporary Music in Africa Traditional West African music displays intricate rhythmic and metrical patterns through singing, dance, and instrumental music.
Program Notes on Classical Music The strains of classical instruments can wake a full continuum of emotions, and the familiar movements stir a variety of memories in the heart of an involved person.
Music Therapy: Review Music therapy is the controlled use of music in treatment, rehabilitation, and a means of optimizing creativeness and pedagogical work.
How Music Reinforces Stereotypes? The contemporary entertainment world is mostly covered by music from renown artists all over the world such as Michael Jackson, Ja Rule, etc.
The Roots of Turkish Music: The Sound of Ney and Sufism Music had sacral and holy meaning, and the magic of deriving melodic sounds seemed was available only to those, who are closer to God than others.
Music Industry and Information Technology The music industry is a term used to describe a wide range of music-related businesses and/or organizations, and various types of musicians.
Music Listening: “Say a Little Prayer“ Song by Bacharach & David “I Say a Little Prayer” is written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. The genre of the song is pop, but it can be called soul too. The song is about a woman praying for her husband.
Music Listening: “Firestone” Song by Kygo The composition “Firestone” is performed by Kygo, who is its composer, featuring Conrad Sewell released in December 2014. The song belongs to the genre of tropical house.
Johnny Cash’s Life and Musical Career The songs of Johnny Cash are indicative of not only trends in the 1950s music industry but also of the American life, average enough for everyone.
Mozart’s Requiem Mass: Exploring Music History Requiem evoked numerous myths and discussions: one of the main questions is what is written by Mozart, and what was added by Süssmayr.
Reggae Music and Its Aspects Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the 1960s. The present essay will examine the intersection of reggae with race, class, gender, and sexuality.
Music During the Vietnam War: An Intangible Weapon American music during the 1960s was initially written to express emotions. It became a social tool for applying pressure to the US government to end their involvement in Vietnam.
Music Therapy and Its Positive Psychological Impact Music therapy is defined as an evidence-based and clinical use of interventions related to the musical experience.
Beethoven’s vs. Mozart’s Life and Music Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven rate among the most outstanding composers in the history of classical music.
How the Beatles Influenced Music The Beatles is probably one of the most influential music bands in the history of modern music. From the purely artistic standpoint, it essentially shaped rock music as we know it now.
Duke Ellington: Jazz Legend and Music Innovator Duke Ellington – a man whose talent was rare, whose improvising abilities were admired, and whose legacy continues to excite jazz lovers all over the world.
Alternative Medicine: Musical Therapy The aim of musical therapy is to meet patient needs through social activities that encourage communication through sharing and practice.
History of Aztec Music Their music also had some incorporation of the African music from the African slaves as well as the Salvadoran music from Mexico.
The Jazz Music Movement: A Listening Journal Charlie Parker, known as Yardbird, is one of the most significant music innovators of the 20th century because he brought bebop and influenced many musicians.
Elephants in the Music Room: The Future of Quirk Historicism Quirk Historicism’s discusses the recent trend among music scholars to use objects trouvés and historical micronarratives in their interpretations as a reaction to New Historicism.
The Legal Implications of Rap Music in Court This comprehensive analysis delves into the controversial use of rap lyrics as evidence in court cases, highlighting racial biases, and freedom of expression issues.
Identity and Music Commercialization in “Song for Ourselves” The paper states that the film “Song for Ourselves” is an important source for studying racial identity and people’s struggle to spread awareness about it.

🗣️ Persuasive Speech Topics about Music

The Importance of Music Education in Schools.
Music Therapy Should Be Promoted in Healthcare Settings.
Music Increases Productivity and Creativity in Workspaces.
Why Should We Attend Live Shows and Support Independent Artists?
Music Copyright and Piracy: Raising Awareness about the Need for Fair Compensation.
The Role of Music in Relieving Stress and Anxiety: Mindful Listening.
Promoting Music Diversity: Embracing Various Genres and Cultures in the Music Industry.
Protest Songs Have Immense Power: How Music Can Be a Catalyst for Social Change.
Music Should be Promoted as a Tool for Emotional Well-Being.
The Influence of Music on Teen Behavior: Encouraging Positive Role Models in Lyrics.
How Can Melodies Help Preserve and Enhance Cognitive Function?
The Impact of Music on Sports Performance: Advocating for Its Use in Athletic Training.
The Connection Between Music and Academic Performance: Supporting Music Education.
How Can Pleasant Tunes Influence Consumer Behavior?
The Role of Music in Building Cultural Bridges and Fostering Global Understanding.
The Importance of Equal Opportunities for Musicians with Disabilities.
What Are the Efforts to Preserve Musical Heritage?
How Can Songs Motivate and Inspire Change?
Music and Social Media: Leveraging Digital Platforms for Musical Discovery and Promotion.
How to Encourage Sustainable Practices and Fair Contracts in the Industry?
Music Companies’ Internal Analysis This paper will compare and analyze the financial performance of both UMG and Spotify for the years 2019-2021.
Music in Films: The Psychology in Film Music Music plays the role of a mood transmitter of a cinematic picture and sets the tone. “Dexter Opening Theme” throughout the introduction.
Different Functions of Music: Art and Social Movements Culture plays an important role in the conditions of the modern era because it defines society’s beliefs, values, and behaviors.
The Evolution of Classical Music to Modern Times Classical music has evolved over centuries, starting from the medieval period and reaching its modern form in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Future of American Music: Music Industry The history of music between 2025 and 2050 can be described as a shift toward more simplistic song recording and release.
Korean Popular Music’s Contribution to Nationalism Korean popular music represents a music genre that shows how the cultural practices of the Korean people use music to advance nationalism and national identity.
The “Bad Habits” Music Video by Ed Sheeran One of the most famous music videos on YouTube is Ed Sheeran’s clip for the song “Bad Habits”, which in just one year has collected more than 450 million views.
The Definition and Genres of World Music The paper states that there are varieties of global music because the phrase is inclusive and encompasses diverse civilizations and musical genres.
Role of Irish Traditional Music and Culture in Australian Music Irish traditional music has played a significant and crucial role in the development of Australian music, both famous and classical.
Classical Music and Composers of That Era Classical music is one of the directions of music that originated in the middle of the 17th century and is developing to this day.
Jazz Music as Reflection of Social Injustices During the civil rights movement, jazz music took a decidedly political tone to undertake an active role in the fight for civil rights.
Music and Its Impact on Cognition and Emotions People’s emotions are influenced by music because of the brain. Music actually engages every portion of the brain, having an impact on practically every bodily function.
The Beautiful Age in Art, Literature, and Music This paper analyzes the Beautiful Age in art, literature, and music based on the painting “Impression Sunrise” by Monet, Chekhov’s dramaturgy, and Arnold Schoenberg’s music.
Music Evolution and Historical Roots Music as a form of art was constantly changing throughout the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Baroque periods.
The Influence Music Has Over Various Generations The paper illustrates the influence music has over various generations. Each song is capable of transforming the views of the public and rebelling against issues.
Philosophizing About Music and Emotions The main abstract question about music and emotions is how music communicates feelings. This question is extended to how and why emotions are experienced in reaction to music.
Reasons Why Music Matters The paper discusses how music enriches and achieves sociability and commonality. Music should be embraced more in society for its benefits.
Entrepreneurial Profile of Private Music Teacher Mr. Phuoc Vu is a private music teacher that has been working in the industry for about 15 years. He stated his determination to always learn and improve.
Cosmopolitanism in Rap Music Due to the racial composition of the ghetto, rap music is known to articulate the struggle of the minority population.
Baroque and Classical Eras: Music Genre The musical changes between the Baroque and classical eras were the creative thinking used in composing the songs.
Same Song, Different Styles: Musical Elements Analysis Throughout its entire existence, music has performed many functions in people’s lives. It is intended not only for entertainment but also for education and development.
Classical Music Pioneers: Haydn, Mozart, Albrehc Joseph Haydn was born on March 31, 1732, in Austria. Haydn’s father was a wheelwright and His mother worked as a cook before she was married.
Mozart and Classical Period Music Everyone would agree that music nowadays is one of modern global civilization’s central, attention-grabbing, and brightest cultural and political drivers.
Swinging Bach: New Interpretation of Music The approach to Bach’s music throughout the Swinging Bach performance is unique in that it has allowed for the mixture of contemporary and classic in one performance.
Music: “Create, Produce, Consume” by Bruenger The book “Create, Produce, Consume: New Models for Understanding Music Business” by David Bruenger explores the music industry through the lens of culture and society.
History of Museums of “Classical” Music The combination of innovative and experimental solutions in the music industry was an impetus to various difficulties and limitations within the framework of “classical music.”
The Need of Censorship in the Music Industry Children should not be negatively influenced just because musicians have freedom of speech, so some products should be censored and restricted.
Latin American Protest Music of the 1960-70s This paper will analyze ten songs that belong to protest music culture written by prominent Latin American Artists.
Aspects of Beethoven’s Music The paper states that heroism and individualism are closely intertwined in Beethoven’s music, which can be observed in the use of SHMRG elements.
“Better Days” Song by OneRepublic: Music Analysis The song “Better Days” by OneRepublic exhibits more of a duple meter, and to some extent, there is some aspect of a triple meter.
The Discussion of Favorite Music Style Period Though each musical era has its unique and beautiful music, it is possible to discern the art pieces that appeal to a specific listener the most.
Jazz Music: Historical Background Jazz is a relatively young direction that quickly won its place in music. It started in the 19th and early 20th centuries in the States of Louisiana and New Orleans in the US.
“Weird” Art: An Invitation to Analytical Perception of Music Creators of “weird” music push the envelope of musical perception, challenging people’s ideas of entertainment and encouraging them to listen analytically.
Hip-Hop and Violence: Does This Music Genre Promote Crime? It is hard to disagree that various types and directions of art are extremely powerful and can have a severe impact on the world and society.
Musical Style and Cultural Identity The concept of collective identity and cultural uniqueness has been core to musical style. There exists a close relationship between musical style and cultural identity.
John Cage: Composer and Music Philosopher John Cage was both a composer and a music philosopher, engaging readers and listeners with inquiries about the similarities and differences between the nature of sound and music.
Jamaican Music’s Evolution and Forms Jamaican music finds its origin in enslaved West Africans who sang for their masters and got rewarded for the skill. This form of music was known as the Mento.
Impact of Kendrick Lamar Music on Racism The essay hypothesizes that Lamar’s music has conducted to a progress in abolishing racism by cultivating tolerant attitude in the society towards Afro-American population.
Schubert’s the Trout as an Excellent Piece of Music Schubert’s The Trout appeals to many due to its tunefulness and compositional concordance. It is an excellent piece of music that does not leave one’s mind.
Charles Luckeyth “Luckey” Roberts in Jazz Music This report analyzes various aspects of Charles Luckeyth Roberts, commonly known as “Luckey”, such as the events and people that shaped his life and career.
Can Preference for Background Music Mediate the Irrelevant Sound Effect?
How Has the Ability to Download Music From the Internet Affected the Music?
How Globalization Influences Students’ Music Consumption?
Does Heavy Metal Music Cause Suicides?
Does Loud Music Have Anything to Do With Your Intelligence?
How Effective Are International Copyright Conventions in the Music Industry?
Does Music Affect Our Quality of Life and Their Own Happiness?
How Franz Liszt’s Transcriptions Shaped the Path of Classical Music?
Does Music Affect Public Schools Affect Students?
How Gospel Music Was a Confort for African Americans in the Racist and Prejudist Society?
Does Music Construct Rather Than Reflect Cultural Identities?
How Has Music Changed Since the Middle Ages?
Does Music Really Create Better Students Education?
How Has Pop Music Changed Over the Last 80 Years?
Does Music Therapy Really Help Children With Special Needs?
How Does Music Contribute to the School Curriculum and Personalisation Agenda?
How Does Music Improve a Child’s Learning Ability?
How Does Music Influence Sex and Human Behavior?
How Has the Internet Changed the Music and Movie Industries?
Why Metal Music Does Not Create Violence in Teenagers?
What Were Two Major Influences on German Baroque Music?
What Effects Music Cognition for Therapeutic Effect Music Memory Recall?
What Digital Music Distribution Is and Why It Is Significant?
What Determines the Perception of Segmentation in Contemporary Music?
How Electronic Dance Music Is Taking Over the World?
Impact of Blues on the 20th-Century Music
Tin Pan Alley in the Music Industry Context
The Concert by the Musical Band Metallica
Listening to Music: Several Levels
The Relevance of the World Music Term
“Salome” the Opera: Characters, Meanings, and Musical Essence
The Musical Composition “Lux Aurumque” by Eric Whitacre
The Book “Living with Music” by Ralph Ellison
Michala Petri and Lars Hannibal Music Concert
Understanding Society Through Popular Music
Music from Bali with Gamelan Gong Kebyar of Belaluan
Hip-Hop Music, Culture, and Technology in Society
The Korean Pop Industry, Culture, and Music
Researching of Music of the Caribbean
Tejano as a Musical Genre of Texas and Mexico
Developing an Original Musical Instrumental
Expressionist Music and Its Features
The Future of Popular Music and Society
“Hamilton: An American Musical” by Miranda
Blake Shelton’s “Home” Music Video Analysis
Skills for Social Promotion in the Music Industry
Music: The 00s and Modern Latin Alternative Rock
Relationship Between the Medieval Music and Culture
A Musical Comparison of Beethoven and West
Movie Music: Soundtracks That Make the Movie
Music From China Ensemble
“How We Listen” by Aaron Copland: The Art of Listening to Music
Mutual Influence of Culture and Music on Each Other
Jennifer Hudson Musical Performance Review
Why Is Baroque Suite an International Music Genre?
Using Music to Portray and Emphasize Identity
Madonna’s Music Impact in the United States
Gustav Holst: Classical Music of Planetary Proportions
Venue for “Jesu, the Virgin’s Crown, Do Thou” Music
Response to a Musical Identity and The Queer Composition of America’s Sound
Worldly Writing on Music: K-Pop Culture
Western Art Music of the Classical Era
Perfect Outdoor Music Venue After Covid-19
George Bridgetower: Life and Musical Work
Hip-Hop and Early African-American Music
What Are the Reasons for the Imperfection of Baroque Music?
Discussion of Four Musical Pieces of Still, Gershwin, Copland, Márquez
How Wagner’s Preludes Transformed Opera Music
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in American Musical Theatre
The Music Pieces: “The Sacred Harp”, “Billings: When Jesus Wept”, and “Chester Overture”
Cherokee Music and Culture
Aaron Copland and His Contribution to American Classical Music
Louis Armstrong’s Career and Innovations in Music
Aspects of Zydeco Music
Hip Hop’s Globalization and Influence of Hip-Hop Music in Japan
Drake’s “Gods Plan”: Visual Analysis on the Music Video
How Does Composer John Williams Unify His Films Through His Music?
Preferred Piece of Music
Classical Opera and Musical Theater Conventions: “Carmen” vs. “Sweeney Todd”
Takht and Dabke as Part of Musical Heritage
Art and Music in Culture: Concepts of Beauty
American Folk Music and American Roots Music
The Culture of Music Consumption: The Changing Trends and Indie Label Management
Effects of Music Therapy on the Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
Music at Mary Baldwin: Seung-Hye Kim
One Direction Band and Its Impact on Music Industry
Two Genres of Music: Rap Music and Jazz Music
Music From the Renaissance Into the Baroque
Jazz Music and Civil Rights Liberation
Popular Culture and Musical Success
Data Analysis Relevance in Music Industry
Music Industry: A Revenue Plan for a Release
Brain Music System: Standardized Brain Music Therapy
Canada’s Gaming, Music, and Television Industries
Vietnamese Folklore Music of “Then”
Music, Art, and Dance of Latino Culture Group
Impressionism and Symbolism in Music
Program Music. Bedrich Smetana and Hector Berlioz
The Effect of Individually Selected Music
The Effect of Music Therapy on the Elderly
Music and the Second Reconstruction Relationship
Controversies About How to Interpret Music
Effects of Music Therapy on Depressed Elderly People
Electroencephalography Waves to Control Musical Instrument Digital Interface
Music as a Reflection of History Since the 1960s
Music as an Accelerator of a Learning Process
Contemporary Russian Folk Music
Chris Anderson: Digitization of Music
The Effect of Music Therapy on Depression
Live Musical Performances and Concerts’ Analysis
Operations and Information Management of CC Music
Rapalje Band’s Musical Performance in Castlefield
Music of a Classical Era: Personal Opinion
Music Therapy as ASD Individuals Alternative Treatment
Playing Music and Its Benefits for Health
42nd Street Musical by Stewart and Bramble
Social Stratification in the Music Art
Classical Symphonic Music Analysis Event
EMI Music: Company Analysis
The International Music Festival Event Industry as a Business Environment
Music and Movie Industry Analysis
Adolescent Music: Cultural, Moral and Political Messages
Influence of Technology on Marketing of Music in the 20th Century
Hip-Hop Musical Impact on the World
Christian Music and Vital Congregations
Appalachian Music: About Music Tradition
Contextualization: Music and Brain
The Music Industry Versus the Internet: Mp3 and Other Cyber Wars
The Story of Christian Music
Music Artists and Advertising Deals
Jazz Music History and Appreciation
Parallel Worlds: Country-And-Western and Rap Music
Thelonius Monk: Musical Genius
Live Music Pub: Company Analysis
Proper Education Through Music for Youth for HIV, AID Prevention
Jazz Music: Comparison to Music in Previous Eras
Teaching Music in Middle Schools
Music and Poetry Perception Ideas
Teaching Music in the Middle Schools
Popular Music. “West Side Story” Musical
David Williams on Outdated Music Education Model
Klezmer Musical Tradition in Jewish Communities
Michael Jackson: Essay on His Influence on Music & Pop Culture
“Memphis” Musical Theatre Production
Copyright Infringement in US Musical Industry
The Vietnam War and American Music
Music Language and History in Western Culture
Mozart Meets Beethoven: Influences in Music
The Effect of Music on Serial Short Term Memory
The Son as a Mexican Music Genre
E-Concert Report: 20th Century Music
Opera and Instrumental Music
E-Concert Report: Pieces from Early and Baroque Music
E-Concert Report: Classical and Romantic Music
The 66th International Music Festival in Prague
Music Reproduction in the Future
Musical for Kids: “Seussical”
Music Journalism in the Future Internet Age
Gangstagrass: Bluegrass and Hip-Hop Music Band
Cultural Heritage Course: Arts, Literature, Music
Music Ministry by Roberts and Wilson-Dickson
Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy & Chemotherapy
Latin American Women and Trap Music
“Strange Sounds: Music, Technology and Culture” by Taylor
Music’s Importance and Influences
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Musical Arts
Bachata as a Music Genre and Artists’ Creativity
The Process of Creating Music CDs
New Insights About Bachata Music
Music Therapy as an Additional Means of Psychotherapy
The Fender Music Foundation: Arts Organization Study
Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy and Cancer Treatment
Music: “Like a Rolling Stone” by Greil Marcus
New Insights About Bachata Music in Latin America
Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy and Mental Health
Musical Exoticism of Opera in the 19th Century
Music and Speech in Deutsch’s and Levitin’s Views
Music Therapy Effects for Breast Cancer Patients
The Role of Music in Improving Patient Outcome
“Grease” Musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Masterworks of 20th-Century Music
Music Video Making Movement as Art Tendency
Blues Music in “Blue Chicago” by David Grazian
Music Therapy in Nurse’s Work
Jazz Music and Its Role in Society
Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy in Cancer Patients
Music Festivals and Sustainable Event Management
Middle Eastern Musical Culture
Racism in the Music Video: Locked Up and Styles P
Music as a Part of Life: Personal Impressions
Film Studies – Bill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass Music
Bill Monroe – Father of Bluegrass Music Film Analysis
The Role of Music in Patient Therapy
Apple Computer Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business
Piano’ Music Concert by Misha Dacic
Music Album Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action
Evolution of Pop Music – Hip-Hop Genre
Robert Johnson’ Life and Music
Classical and Baroque Music Differences
Music: Salu International ‘Pedersen’ Band
Music Artist Tupac Shakur
Romantic Era’s Music
Identify World Music Terms
Sounds of Life: The Role of Music
Music Therapy and Pain Management
Attending Music Concerts: Musical, Jazz, Classical and Opera
Music History: Joseph Haydn
Music Marketing in a Digital World
Effects of Music Therapy for Adolescents with Autism
Psychology: Personality and Music Preferences
Effect of Music on Education
Legalizing Free Downloads Of Music And Movies

Cite this post

Chicago (N-B)
Chicago (A-D)

StudyCorgi. (2021, September 9). 440 Music Research Topics. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/music-essay-topics/

"440 Music Research Topics." StudyCorgi , 9 Sept. 2021, studycorgi.com/ideas/music-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . (2021) '440 Music Research Topics'. 9 September.

1. StudyCorgi . "440 Music Research Topics." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/music-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

StudyCorgi . "440 Music Research Topics." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/music-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2021. "440 Music Research Topics." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/music-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Music were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on June 24, 2024 .

Toastmasters →

50+ Informative Speech Topics to Engage Your Audience

We’ve all been there, staring at a blank page or empty presentation slide, trying to think of a good, informative speech topic that will engage our audience and stop them from staring numbly at their phones. Presentations and speeches can be a difficult task to tackle, especially if you lack a solid idea to get the ball rolling. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Today, we’ll dive into 50+ fresh and creative ideas for informative speech topics to help you capture your audience’s attention and give them something to engage with. Keep reading and you won’t be stuck with a dull speech topic ever again!

Interesting Informative Speech Topics

When it comes to selecting an interesting informative speech topic , there is no shortage of ideas. Choosing a topic that is engaging for both your audience and yourself can make the difference between giving a successful speech or not. There are many topics that have the potential to captivate listeners from politics to health, to relationships, and even to entertainment . The most important thing when deciding on a topic is to pick one that resonates with the interests of your audience, as well as being informative. Interesting topics should be specific enough for the speaker to cover in depth. For example, discussing the history of the American constitution would be too broad for a single speech, whereas discussing the second amendment could provide enough information for a full speech. It is also important to consider controversial topics as these can often be very interesting and engaging for listeners. When debating either side of an argument, it is important to do research and be aware of both sides of the issue. This will ensure that you are properly informed before taking part in any online debates or conversations surrounding the issue at hand. Whether you decide to discuss issues relating to current events or those that focus on more personal interest topics, there is no lack of inspiring ideas out there to create an effective informative speech. No matter what you decide, your goal should be to create an informative, engaging atmosphere that encourages others to learn from and appreciate your message.

What are some good topics for an informative speech?

1. The History of Space Exploration: Discuss the timeline from the first satellite in space to present day space exploration missions and their significance. 2. Advances in Artificial Intelligence: Examine how knowledge processing tools such as machine learning and neural networks have changed society. 3. Plastic Pollution: Outline the types of plastic pollution, explain their effects on ocean life, and provide solutions for reducing plastic waste. 4. Eating Disorders: Explain types of eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, their psychological impacts, and methods of treatment. 5. Alternative Energy Sources: Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of using renewable energy sources (e.g., solar power), future potential developments, and environmental issues associated with traditional methods of generating electricity. 6. Cancer Research: Explore modern cancer detection techniques, how genetics play a role in cancer development, and advances in research leading to new treatments or cures. 7. Food Waste Reduction: Describe current levels of food waste, its environmental costs, innovative strategies being employed to reduce waste production, and practical steps individuals can take to conserve resources. 8. Online Privacy: Investigate data security threats posed by technology companies or other entities and discuss strategies for protecting personal information online. 9. Climate Change: Review current scientific evidence demonstrating the accelerating rate of global climate change, discuss possible societal implications if warming trends continue unabated, and present potential solutions that would limit global temperature increases going forward.

10. The benefits and challenges of sustainable living 11. The history and significance of the world’s ancient wonders 12. The psychology of decision making and how to improve it 13. The evolution and impact of social media on our society 14. The importance of mental health and strategies for self-care 15. The benefits and potential risks of artificial intelligence 16. The role of technology in modern education 17. The history and significance of the Olympic games 18. The science behind climate change and solutions for a sustainable future 19. The benefits and drawbacks of globalization on culture and economy. 20. The art and science of lucid dreaming and how it can be used for personal growth and problem-solving.

Reasons to Give an Informative Speech

Informative speeches are often challenging and rewarding to give, as they not only require that the speaker become knowledgable about the topic at hand, but also that they also have the ability to persuade and engage with their audience. Informative speeches are essential elements in both education and industry, helping to promote engagement with a structured presentation and specialized topic or topics. On the one hand, giving an informative speech is beneficial for both the speaker and the audience being addressed. It gives the speaker an opportunity to sharpen their public speaking skills through research and careful preparation of the information being shared. Similarly, the audience members gain knowledge into a specialty field or area of interest, learning more about what they already knew or studying something completely new. Exploring abstract concepts while uncovering hidden facts can also be an invigorating experience for both parties involved in a discussion on an informative topic. However, some may argue that giving an informative speech is burdensome for the speaker for various reasons. Researching for a subject matter can prove difficult when there is limited access to factual information available online or offline. Additionally, informatic speakers must take into account the attention span of their audiences which often means having to parse down large amounts of data quickly or risk having a struggling audience lost in information overload. Despite potential obstacles associated with preparing and delivering an informative speech, opportunities abound when it comes to discovering new conversations and stimulating dialogue among participants. As such, it’s important for speakers to capitalize on these chances by researching thoroughly and honing in on key cornerstones of each topic that bring out its beauty and complexity. With this in mind, we will now move on to exploring best practices for researching an informing speech in the next section.

10 More Unique Informative Speech Topics: 41. The science and psychology of addiction and recovery 42. The history and cultural significance of tattoos in different societies 43. The benefits and challenges of homeschooling versus traditional education 44. The history and significance of different forms of dance, such as ballet, salsa, and hip hop 45. The impact of mindfulness and meditation on mental health and well-being 46. The role of music therapy in improving physical and emotional health 47. The science behind sleep and the importance of a good night’s rest 48. The history and cultural significance of different types of martial arts, such as karate, judo, and kung fu 49. The benefits and drawbacks of remote work and how it’s changing the way we work 50. The science behind alternative medicine and its effectiveness in treating different health conditions.

How to Research for an Informative Speech

When researching for an informative speech, it is important to equip yourself with accurate and trusted sources in order to effectively convey trustworthy information to your audience. It’s important to seek out authoritative sources who possess the most up-to-date details and facts about the chosen topic in order to give an informed and enlightening talk. Resources such as journals, books, websites are all valid places. For example, researching scientific topics may require more reliable resources such as scholarly articles or medical journals instead of online blog posts. It is also recommended that speakers research both sides of an argument if possible before forming their opinion and presenting it on a matter. That way you are well versed in understanding points beyond your own perspective and can provide insight into those perspectives as well. After compiling sufficient data, the next step is organizing them into a coherent message that can be easily digested by your audience. This includes preparing visual aids such as PowerPoint slides or props to both help audiences retain information better but also make the presentation more engaging than solely speaking alone. Questions throughout the presentation can also prompt your audience to become interactive while giving yourself a chance to gauge how well they understand the material presented. Now that you are armed with data from credible sources along with potential organizational tools, you are now ready for the final step which is presenting an informative speech.

How to Present an Informative Speech

When delivering an informative speech, it’s important to provide the audience with an engaging and interactive experience. To do this, speakers should focus on effective structure , clear speaking, and relevant content. Structuring an Informative Speech: Beginning with a strong introduction is essential for getting the attention of the audience. A powerful opening can be done with a joke, story, or quote. It’s also important to end the introduction with a “hook” that entices the audience to want to continue listening. The body of the speech should contain facts, evidence, and statistics to back up the content. Finally, conclude with a memorable statement that reinforces the main idea and encourages thought in the audience. Delivering an Informative Speech: When giving an informative speech, confidence is key. Strive to appear self-assured so that you can persuade your audience into listening. It’s also important to keep a steady pace while addressing the points rather than racing through them quickly – doing so will ensure that the listeners fully comprehend all of your information. Also make sure to clearly articulate each word and pause when necessary in order for certain points to set in before continuing on with other details. Utilizing Relevant Content: When selecting material for your informative speech be sure to pick topics that are not too mundane or complicated…you don’t want this presentation turn into a snooze-fest session! Keep your message lighthearted but still intriguing by offering anecdotes and examples of how this issue has been brought up in life experiences or news stories outside of its primary context. Although using humor is great for captivating an audience make sure you avoid offending anyone since this will not reflect positively on your talk. Lastly, strive to select a subject area that can prompt interesting conversations between you and your attendees. In conclusion, when crafting and delivering an informative speech remember that organization and confident delivery are two key components to getting across your message effectively. Supporting facts and data should also be included within your talk as well as relevant material related to the topic at hand which will allow listeners easily connect with what you are saying and receive value from it.

Creative Ideas to Grab the Audience’s Attention

When giving an informative speech, it is important to grab the audience’s attention right away. This can be done through creative and unique ideas that make the speech more interesting. To start, it is important to create a powerful opening by calling out common myths or misconceptions in the industry that are relevant to your topic. Focusing on one compelling fact can also help introduce the subject and get the listener engaged with your talk. Additionally, you can use personal stories or anecdotes that relate to the topic being discussed in order to draw your audience in and give them further context. Humor is also a great way to engage with an audience. Using jokes or funny stories can lighten any tense conversations and keep listeners engaged throughout the duration of the speech. By making your narrative relatable, instead of focusing on complex ideas, it will help break down difficult concepts and make people relate more closely to your experience and thoughts pertaining to the topic. A simple idea such as this could develop into an interactive experience for all in attendance. Furthermore, using visuals aids like graphics, images and videos can help tell a story for harder-to-grasp topics . This helps break up long passages of text and creates lasting impressions among viewers so they remember the points being put forth more easily. Providing visual representations from different angles of a specific concept makes abstract matters easier to comprehend since they are able to retain those visuals better than long sentences of words alone. These creative ideas should be used strategically so as not to move too far away from the main focus of an informative speech; however, they can be effective tools in engaging an audience when used correctly.

Responses to Common Questions with Explanations

How can i make an informative speech interesting.

Making an informative speech interesting starts with thoroughly researching the topic and understanding what areas of the topic will be most engaging for your audience. Take time to practice delivering the content, paying attention to how you present and pace your speech – vary the speed and style for different points in your presentation. Use humor and storytelling to liven up your delivery and make it more relatable. Incorporate visuals , as well as sound effects or music, to emphasize key points of your speech. Lastly, if you show enthusiasm when you speak and are truly passionate about what you’re presenting, that energy and emotion will be picked up on by your audience and will likely make them more engaged with your speech.

What are the best strategies for research for an informative speech?

The best strategies for research for an informative speech are to start by gathering as much reliable and accurate information as possible. It is essential to have sufficient evidence and facts to back up your claims. Therefore, begin by reading the latest reports on the topic available in books , journals, and articles. Additionally, consider conducting interviews with experts or people who can provide insight into the topic. When you’re researching, make sure you take notes accurately and quickly and that your material is properly organized for easy reference when writing your speech. Also, ensure all sources are up-to-date, credible, and unbiased. To ensure accuracy, cross-check the facts from other sources such as articles from reputable news outlets or interviews with knowledgeable professionals. Finally, anticipate counterarguments and understand different points of view that may exist about the topic. This will ensure you are able to effectively address potential debates during your presentation.

How can I effectively structure an informative speech?

When structuring an informative speech, it is important to keep in mind the goal of providing detailed and accurate information. This begins by understanding your audience and then narrowing the focus of your speech. Here are some key tips to help you effectively structure your informative speech: 1. Create an outline – Start by writing down a few main points you want to get across in your speech. Be sure you know what information each point covers and how it supports your overall message. 2. Make an introduction – Introduce yourself and the topic of your speech, as well as any relevant background information that the audience needs to understand the topic better. 3. Present facts and evidence – Use facts and evidence to support the points you make in your speech. Be sure to cite any sources used for accuracy. 4. Speak clearly – Speak at a steady pace and with a clear, strong voice so that everyone can hear you and understand what you are saying. 5. Reiterate main points – Remind the audience of the main points at least once during the speech, so that they remember them when they think back on what they have heard later on. 6. End with a summary – Summarize the main points of your speech quickly before signing off, again so that everyone remembers them before they leave the room..

Are there any tips for selecting an informative speech topic?

Yes, there are many tips for selecting an informative speech topic. First, pick something that interests you. When the topic is something that you find fascinating or enjoyable to research, it will make it easier to stay motivated while preparing your speech . Second, think of a topic that is broad enough to explore in detail but narrow enough to cover in the allotted time. If your topic is too vague or too specific, you may have difficulty finding information and sticking within the given time limit. Third, aim for a current topic so your speech remains relevant and engaging to your audience. But be sure not to go over topics that are too technical or complex—remember to keep your language accessible. Finally, do some research into any existing material available on the subject so you can avoid repeating information that has already been covered. This will also give you an opportunity to look at the different ways the subject has already been explored and form your own unique angle for presentation.

240+ Informative Speech Topics for College Students

Published by Boni on August 24, 2023 August 24, 2023

What is an Informative Speech?

An informative speech seeks to educate the audience on a specific subject. The speaker’s objective is to inform the audience of new information or to aid in their understanding of a well-known subject. Informative speeches contain factual facts and objective data but may offer a fresh viewpoint, gripping storytelling, or an impactful takeaway message. The speeches can be delivered in various instances, including conferences, seminars, and the usual educational settings.

Elevate Your Writing with Our Free Writing Tools!

Did you know that we provide a free essay and speech generator, plagiarism checker, summarizer, paraphraser, and other writing tools for free?

This field has six main categories of informative speeches, each with a unique goal and style.

The Six Key Types of Informative Speeches

Definition speeches – These speeches describe the definition of a term or idea, and most of their topics start with “What is,”

Explanatory Speeches – They describe how something operates or happens. The speeches provide step-by-step clarifications and explanations to make complex ideas understandable to a broader audience—for example, an explanatory address explaining how the heart works.
Demonstrative Speeches – Demonstrative speeches include physically demonstrating to the audience how something works or how to complete a task. To help the audience understand and be able to repeat the process themselves, these speeches frequently contain live demonstrations, visual aids, or props.
Comparative speeches – These types of speeches happen when a speaker contrasts or compares two opposing ideas, which aid the audience in understanding the similarities and differences between the two subjects—for instance, a speech stating the advantages and disadvantages of a Samsung and an iPhone.
Descriptive speeches – These speeches provide thorough explanations and detailed descriptions of an event, location, object, or person to build a realistic image. The objective facilitates a deeper understanding and connection between the subject and the audience.
Persuasive informative speeches – Although persuasive speeches are sometimes grouped individually, certain informative speeches can transition into persuasion by providing the audience with proof that a particular approach or viewpoint is preferable to its alternatives—for example, a tourist company convincing customers why they should use their company to travel.

Good Informative Speech Topics

Remember that the success of your informative speech depends on your ability to deliver your chosen topic in an understandable, engaging, and well-organized way. Creating such a speech should not sound like rocket science. If you are unable to write it from scratch you can always use an AI speech generator . Here are some excellent informative speech topics you can write about.

The printing press’s history
Origami as a craft
Climate change research and theory
The advantages of volunteering
The risks of driving while distracted
The psychology of discrimination
An examination of the civil rights movement’s history
The study of memory
Tips and tricks for public speaking effectively
Cracking the universe’s dark matter mysteries
How to make the perfect cup of coffee
Adaptation to climate change and biodiversity
Making decisions psychologically

Interesting Informative Speech Topics

Be sure to keep your audience in mind when selecting a topic, and choose something that would interest them the most. Additionally, make sure the subject is about which you have studied and are passionate about. Below are exciting topics that you can consider:

The origins of the chess game
Calligraphy is a form of art.
The principles of beekeeping
Yoga’s health advantages
Cyberbullying’s risks
Future of renewable energy sources
How deaf people express emotion when speaking
Why laughs are contagious
How Elon Musk became successful
The ethics and science of genetic alteration
How the electric car was created
Evidence of the existence of aliens
The impact of technology on our brains
How would the economy change if everyone produced his or her own food?
The ethics of genetic alteration and its science

Best Informative Speech Topics

Investigate your subject thoroughly, compile credible references, and create a presentation that informs, amuses, and engages your audience if you want to deliver an outstanding informative speech. A polished delivery, well-researched subject matter, and your passion for the topic will make your speech stand out and have lasting impressions. Below are among the best informative speech topics:

How America took over the world
The development of printing presses
The science of climate change
What are the risks of smoking?
The history of the internet
The danger of excessive social media use
The skills and techniques for effective public speaking
Celestial alignments with stonehenge in ancient astronomy
Understanding a criminal’s thought process
Parallel universe mysteries and multiverse theories
Language development: From grunts to global communication
Cultural importance and contemporary applications
Memory palace technique with mechanics for improved recall

Unique Informative Speech Topics

Unique speeches will capture most of the audience’s attention. Below is a list of unique, informative speech topics for individuals looking for standout subjects that pique interest and inspire study.

The use of graffiti as a social commentary medium
The earliest languages in the world’s history
The study of inadequate sleep
The amazing communication of insects
The mind-body connection: How emotions affect physical health
Traditional herbal medicine is making a comeback in modern healthcare
Bringing ancient Shamanism’s history and Rrtuals to light
The Science and Art of Perfumery: Making Fragrances Bionic limbs explained: combining technology and humanity for better lives
Impact of street art on culture: As a form of urban expression, graffiti
Examining ancient echoes in language evolution: Whispers from the past
Unraveling the mysteries of ball lightning: Bizarre weather events
Understanding the thoughts of young genius: The psychology of prodigies
Getting ready for interplanetary vacations in the future of space tourism
Understanding the nutrition and sustainability of entomophagy with edible insects

Informative Speech Topics for College Students

College students can also use our excellent speech writing service for their informative speech topics. Here is a list of topics for students looking for ideas that will appeal to their peers and pique their intellectual curiosity across a variety of disciplines and interests:

The background of protests on college campuses
How to avoid procrastination and the science behind it
College student’s guide to time management
How to manage stress psychologically
How college students can benefit from financial awareness.
The risks of plagiarism and methods to prevent it.
The craft of networking for college students
How to ace job interviews and understand their psychology.
Advantages of internships for college students
The risks of social media addiction and strategies for overcoming it.
Tips for acing a college exam
Why homework shouldn’t be assigned in schools
Fastest-growing cities in America
The communication styles of men and women differ
How crucial education is to the economy of a country
Artificial intelligence ethical issues

Fun Informative Speech Topics

Consider your audience’s interests, recent events, and the ability to elicit thought-provoking debates when choosing an informative speech topic. Most individuals know that playful topics like reality shows can still be informative. The following are some fun, informative topics that can capture your audience.

Effects of procrastination
Cultural Influence of Pop Art
The mystery of dreams
Do you enjoy watching video games?
What makes people happy?
Advantages of meditation
The risks of addiction to social media
The emoji’s background
The research on sleep
Graffiti as an art form
Persuasion psychology
The development of video games
Artificial Intelligence’s foreseeable future
The study of the human brain
The history of fashion

Easy Informative Speech Topics

For most students, choosing a topic that does not require a detailed explanation is essential to pass the point. The topics below are among the easy speech topics you can choose from:

How to enhance communication skills
The speeches that history remembers best
Why you ought to buy an electric vehicle
The year’s most famous automobiles
How to interpret nonverbal cues
The most well-known actors in history
The advantages of leisure time
Presidents who are less well-recognized
The benefits of volunteering for people and communities
Overcoming fear and speaking confidently in public: An introduction
The effects of social media on relationships and communication
College student’s guide to ginancial literacy

Funny Informative Speech Topics

Incorporating humour into speeches can make the learning process exciting and entertaining. Here is a list of ideas for funny, informative speeches that can make your audience laugh while also providing valuable information:

Internet Slang’s evolution: From LOL to ROFL and beyond
A Feline investigation into the Science of why cats own the internet
Understanding emoji’s hidden meanings
The unspoken guidelines for elevator etiquette: How to avoid awkward situations
The amazing benefits of laughter: How a good laugh improves health and mood
Managing multiple tasks at once: The tales of multitasking oops!
The odd world of urban lies: Verifying tales of the incredible
The ABCs of dad jokes: Laugh-out-loud classics for every occasion
Understanding cats’ hidden language
Internet memes’ funny evolution
A comedic investigation into the Science of why mondays get a bad reputation
The funny origins of superstitions: Cross your fingers and knock on wood!
World’s strangest delicacies
The best activities to engage in when bored
The world’s seven wonder

Mental Health Informative Speech Topics

The mental health sector is often overlooked. The following are speech topics that illuminate many aspects of mental health and promote knowledge, comprehension, and support:

The benefits of mindfulness meditation for treating depression and anxiety
Getting rid of the stigma associated with mental health and promoting open discussion
Social media’s effect on mental health
The positive effects of exercise on mood and stress reduction
Managing stress in college
The advantages of exercise in elevating mood and lowering stress
Strategies for improving your mental health
Making mental health a priority in a busy world
The difficulties of having a mental disease
The stigma associated with mental illness at work
The importance of college students’ mental wellness
Technology’s impact on mental health
The value of raising awareness of mental illness
Social media’s impact on mental health

Sports Informative Speech Topics

Regarding sports, you can talk about your favourite players or the best games. Below are some informative speech topics you can get insights from:

Issues with gambling in sports
What attributes are necessary for a successful sports coach?
The greatest football players ever
How yoga may supplement exercise
How participation in adult sports can enhance socialization
Regular exercise improves mental wellness
The benefits and drawbacks of CrossFit
The world’s most extreme sports
Sports injury prevention techniques
How data is Altering Sports analysis
The professional gaming industry’s competitive world
Prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation techniques for sports injuries
Women’s sports on the rise

5-minute Informative Speech Topics for College

Here are ideas that cover a wide range of topics for college students to choose from while giving compelling 5-minute presentations:

The Function of Renewable Energy in Climate Change Prevention
The Advantages of Regular Exercise for Mental Wellness
How to Break the Habit of Procrastinating
Healthful Diet
Ways to boost your confidence
How to launch a business
The Evolution of Fashion
Digital privacy
Uncovering the secrets of cryptocurrency
Understanding climate change
Advantages of volunteering
The effects of music on memory and cognitive function

Psychology Informative Speech Topics

Here are fascinating and diverse subjects that provide insights into the fascinating world of the mind for college and higher-level students interested in understanding psychology through enlightening speeches:

The strength of positive psychology
What motivates human behavior?
Peer influence’s effects on behavior and decision-making
Examining the effects of early experiences on relationships in adulthood
Causes and coping mechanisms for social media addiction in psychology
Understanding personality types
Examining how bullying impacts psychosocial and mental health
The psychology of resilience
The function of cognitive biases in decision-making
The psychology of loss and grieving
The mentality behind addiction
The psychology of discrimination and prejudice.
The psychology of persuasion and cults
The mindset behind the violence
A study of creativity’s psychology

Creative Informative Speech Topics

It takes skill to entertain your audience while delivering insightful information. Explore essential tips for crafting a remarkable graduation speech in our how to write a graduation speech guide.

Here are innovative and varied speech ideas for college and high school students who want to add some creativity to their informative presentations and capture listeners’ interest:

Making impactful narratives for communication through the art of storytelling
Investigating virtual reality: The experience of immersive creative expression through art
Colour Psychology: How Hues influence emotions and decision-making
The development of street art urban landscapes are changing
The effectiveness of images in communicating ideas
The influence of images in transmitting messages
Thinking beyond the box when solving problems creatively
How to design objects with endless creative possibilities
The development of graphic novels: Impact on culture of visual storytelling
The risks and effects of smoking
How to make people laugh through the art of storytelling.
The digital age of creative writing using blogs, vlogs, and more

Culture Informative Speech Topics

Learning about various cultures can significantly broaden your perspective on the world. These speech topics include a wide range of topics, including pop culture, ancient history, and language.

How to study a different culture while on vacation
The significance of organizational culture
How to create a culture that is favorable at work
How social media links people and advances civilization
The world’s oldest civilizations modern vs. traditional gender roles
How gender equality has changed business leadership
The risks of a culture of bustle
Self-esteem and social media culture
How movies may be used to learn
The emergence of podcasts and their place in contemporary culture
The many methods used in various civilizations to nurture children
The importance of gender roles in culture
Death and dying’s cultural importance

Medical Informative Speech Topics

Understanding the intricacies of medical science may be both eye-opening and profound. Below is a list of topics for informative speeches that highlight many parts of medical innovation and knowledge, including:

The development of vaccinations and their effect on health generally
The value of mental health and various approaches to managing it
Future of medicine and how technology is influencing it
The moral dilemmas in medicine, like assisted suicide and euthanasia
Drug misuse risks and how to open a fresh window
The significance of organ donation and instructions on how to donate
The many forms of complementary medicine and their efficacy
Research on Alzheimer’s disease: Challenges and progress
The Science and art of Medical illustration communicating complicated ideas
Artificial intelligence’s effect on medical condition diagnosis
From X-rays to MRIs and beyond: The complexities of medical imaging
Enhancing lives at the crossroads of Biotechnology and artificial organs

Public Speaking Informative Speech Topics

The following are public speaking informative speech topics students can write about:

The significance of nonverbal cues in public speaking
The evolution of public speaking
The various forms of public speaking
The science of persuasion
The psychology of Public speaking
The different methods for overcoming fear of public speaking
The various speech delivery methods
The value of experience in public speaking
How to respond confidently to audience questions during Q&A sessions
Body language’s effect on persuasion and credibility
Engaging audiences through powerful narratives: The art of storytelling
Cultural awareness’ effect on intercultural communication

Informative Speech Topics About Music

Music has a fantastic capacity to elicit emotions, tell tales, and influence cultures. Here is a list of speech topics covering a range of musical styles, influences, and histories:

From the origins to the modern variations in Jazz
The impact of Hip-Hop culture on identity and society
Keeping culture alive through melody and verse
The effect of streaming music on the music business and artists
The effects of music education on learning and cognitive development
The effects of music on human emotions and psychological health
The use of music for social change activism and protest songs
How american culture has been influenced by hip-hop music
The development of rap and hip-hop
Southern blues music is where rock n’ roll first emerged.
The development of opera
The top dance music, electronic
Reggae music’s Influence
How punk rock first emerged

Informative Speech Topics About History

Consider providing a distinct or obscure viewpoint on historical events for an engaging speech. Make your points using historical accounts and museum items. Below are history speech topics students can use:

Impact of the industrial revolution on society and the economy
Understanding the causes, events, and effects of the French Revolution
Getting a grip on the waters of discovery in the age of exploration
Understanding the world power during the cold war conflict and its repercussions
The great depression: Examining its causes and consequences
Recessions and financial panics throughout history
The time of prohibition
What created a culture of consumerism?
The War in Vietnam
The gold rush in California
Pocahontas’s real story unknown historical details about Mexico
Chinese society and modern identity after the cultural revolution
Following the trail of the American Revolution toward Independence and Nationhood
Managing the edge of a nuclear disaster

Do you want to dive into the dynamic field of human resource? Gudwriter through its team of experts has assembled an article highlighting the best HR research topics that will give you compelling research ideas.

How do you Choose a Suitable Informative Speech Topic?

Making the correct topic selection for an informative speech is essential to giving a compelling and memorable presentation. Choosing a topic that connects with your interests and fascinates your audience can make all the difference. Before selecting a topic, make sure your following speech concept is:

Authentically interesting – Talking about something you do not find interesting is pointless. Pick a subject or concept you genuinely care about for a genuine and passionate presentation.
Relevant to your audience – You could speak to yourself if you do not know your target. You should be aware of the degree of knowledge of your audience and the material that will be useful or entertaining to them
Easy to research – Exploring obscure issues can be intriguing and challenging. Pick a subject with a wealth of literature or online resources. Use reliable sources, and where necessary, cite them.
The proper length – The duration you have to speak ultimately determines how in-depth and detailed your speech will be. Choose a topic that you can fully explain in the provided time.
Relevance and significance – Pick a subject that has historical or contemporary significance. Maintaining audience interest and demonstrating the practical applicability of your selected topic will come from addressing current trends, challenges, or timeless ideas.

Thanks to a well-structured , well-researched topic, your presentation becomes an educational journey with an in-depth comprehension of the world’s complexities. It is essential to carefully evaluate your interests, audience preferences, the topic’s relevancy, and the resources available while choosing an informative speech topic.

You can ensure that your chosen topic aligns with your area of expertise, interests your audience, and has a significant impact by following the steps in this manual. Remember that a wise topic selection is the cornerstone of an effective informative speech that will inspire and interest your audience and educate them.

Special offer! Get 20% discount on your first order. Promo code: SAVE20

Essay topics, 300+ best motivational speech topics and ideas.

What is a Motivational Speech? A motivational speech is a public speech made by a speaker to inspire an audience and have an impact on their lives. A motivational speech should have a clear purpose Read more…

Demonstration Speech Ideas and Topics

What is a Demonstration Speech? A demonstration speech is a presentation by a speaker whose main goal is to help the audience learn how to complete a specific task. Students in colleges and universities are Read more…

Best Human Resources Research Topics

Human resources (HR) is a division of an organization charged with finding, screening, recruiting, and training job applicants, as well as administering benefits. Human resource management is an extensive topic. Its value is so immense to Read more…

Custom Essay, Term Paper & Research paper writing services

testimonials

Toll Free: +1 (888) 354-4744

Email: [email protected]

Writing custom essays & research papers since 2008

Best 100 music research topics (just updated).

If you are reading this, you are probably looking for the best music research topics for your next essay. Truth be told, choosing the right topic is very important. It can make the difference between a B and an A, or even between an A and an A+. Unfortunately, choosing the best topics is not as simple as you think. Even though the internet is full of music research topics, most of them are plain and, quite frankly, boring.

Your professor wants more than this. Let’s see why you need the most interesting topics and where you can find them. Of course, you are free to use any of our 100 topics for free and even reword them as you see fit. Read on!

Choosing Good Music Research Topics

By now, you are probably wondering why everyone keeps telling you to come up with the best music topics. The truth is that there are many, many benefits to choosing an awesome topic. Here are just some of them, so you can get a better idea of the importance of a great idea:

Excellent music research paper topics show your professor that you really did your best to get a top grade.
A good topic is one that you know much about. It should be relatively easy to you to research it and to write about it.
An awesome topic will pique the interest of your professor and will keep him or her reading. You will often get bonus points for this.
Great topics make you stand out from your classmates. Your professor will notice you, and the grade will reflect this.

Where Can You Find Decent Music Topics?

Finding amazing music research topics is easier said than done. Yes, the Internet is full of websites that are offering ideas. There are even websites where you can buy bundles of topics. However, the music argumentative essay topics you will get from these websites are not of the highest quality. Most of them are actually quite boring. And remember, you classmates are probably searching for music history research paper topics on the same websites as you do. You want your research topics on music or book review topics to be original, so your professor can have a reason to award your paper some bonus points. The best place to get excellent music topics to write about is this page. The list of ideas is updated frequently, so you can get an original topic for free right now.

Music History Research Topics

Are you looking for the most interesting music history research topics? If you do, just pick one from our list for free:

How did the Catholic church influence Renaissance music?
Social issues described in Baroque-period music.
Analyze the evolution of Romantic-era music.
How did the Baroque Opera come to be?
Who invented Medieval music and when?
Why has western music almost disappear in the last 10 years?
Analyze the evolution of music in the Classical era.
Analyzing violin music performance during the Romantic Era.

Music Argument Topics

Are you looking to find an argument and support it? Then you absolutely need to check out our exceptional list of music argument topics:

Music today is better than music in the 90s.
The most lucrative career for a musician.
Music helps you memorize faster.
The most popular kind of metal music.
The evolution of blues songs over the last 30 years.
Music helps children develop faster.
Hip-hop is a misunderstood music genre.
Jazz music is not obsolete.

Music Theory Topics

Interested in writing about music theory? Our amazing academic writers have put together a list of music theory topics for you:

Analyze the most important aspects of modern music.
Classical music has specific medical applications.
Hidden symbols in Renaissance-period music.
The unique features of Baroque-age music.
Analyze the evolution of music in the Baroque era.
The best music compositors in the Romantic era.
Remarkable characteristics of Romantic-age songs.
The peculiarities of Asian modern music.

Music Industry Topics

Writing about the music industry can be fun and entertaining. Your professor will love it. Pick one of our music industry topics and start writing:

What do you associate rock music with and why?
Should the music industry pay songwriters more?
How does illegal pirating of songs affect the music industry?
Do music sharing sites help new artists become famous.
Analyze the evolution of music labels in the US.
What differentiates a music label from all others?
Music talent shows and their effects on a musician’s career.
The difficulties of signing a contract with a major music label in the US.

Research Paper Topics on Music for High School

Are you a high school student? In this case, you will need our research paper topics on music for high school:

The best compositors of the Baroque Era.
What differentiates modern music from classical music?
Notable women in classical music.
Analyze the evolution of music in the Modern age.
How was Beethoven’s music influenced by his loss of hearing?
How would our world be without music?
Does music cause negative effects on US teens?

Music Thesis Topics

Writing a thesis about music is not easy. In fact, it can be one of the most difficult projects in your academic career. Start right now by choosing one of the best music thesis topics:

What made a musician stand out in the Baroque Age?
The most notable musical experiments in the Classical age.
Comparing Renaissance and Medieval music styles.
Analyze the evolution of music in the Renaissance age.
How did royalty in the UK benefit from music in the Renaissance era?
Discuss a folk song from the Renaissance age.
Differences between Asian and European classical music.

Music Controversial Topics

Music, like most other disciplines, has plenty of controversial topics you can talk about. Don’t waste any time and pick one of these music controversial topics:

Does digital music cut the profits of musicians?
Who owns the intellectual property to a song?
The difficulties of getting songwriting credit.
Illegal downloads are changing the music industry.
Should music education still be included in the curriculum?
Analyze medieval liturgical music.
Music should be free for everyone to download and use.

Persuasive Speech Topics About Music

Are you required the write a persuasive speech about music? If you are, you may need a bit of help. Pick one of these persuasive speech topics about music (updated for 2023):

Music has a significant effect on advertising.
The changes rap music has brought to the US culture.
Indie is a term that should not apply to music.
Metal music should be banned from the US.
Does listening to music have a great influence on mental health?
The amazing evolution of music in the Medieval age.
People should be free to listen to the music they like for free.
The fashion industry wouldn’t be where it is today without music.

Easy Topics About Music

Perhaps you don’t want to spend 5 or 6 hours writing the research paper . You need an easier topic. Choose one of these easy topics about music and write the essay fast:

How can one become a symbol of modern music?
My favorite singer today.
Which musician from the past would you bring back to life and why?
Do politics influence modern music?
Compare and contrast two music genres.
Analyze the evolution of music in the modern age in the United States.
The side effects of turning the volume too loud.
How is classical music used in Disney movies?

Music Education Research Topics

Are you interested in talking about music education? Perhaps you’ll have some suggestions to make after you’ve done the research. Just choose one of the music education research topics below:

Can E-Learning be applied to music education?
Can music teachers offer distance learning services?
The advantages and disadvantages of Zoom music lessons.
Why are music worksheets so important for high school students?
How did the Internet change music education?
Why are modern music studies so important?
Should we learn more about Asian music in school?
How can students learn music while respecting COVID19 measures?

Highly Interesting Music Topics

We know you want a top grade on your next music research paper. We advise you to select one of these highly interesting music topics and surprise your professor:

How did pop music came to existence and why?
Analyze the history of hip-hop music.
Compare metal music with classical music.
Why is rock music so popular in the United Kingdom?
Which song would best present our species to aliens?
Compare and contrast Korean and Chinese music.
Analyze the popular themes of Japanese music.
The stunning rise of K-pop bands.

Informative Speech Topics About Music

It’s difficult to find good informative speech topics about music these days. If you want to stand out from the rest of your classmates, choose one of our topics:

Discuss the ideas presented in romantic music.
What do people who appreciate classic music have in common?
Analyze the most popular Bach music.
Describe the role of market music in the Baroque era.
Analyze the evolution of European music.
Ways to make classical music popular with teens in the UK.
Discuss the most popular musical instrument in the Classical age.

Music Essay Topics for College

Are you a college student? If you want an A+ on your next research paper, use one of these music essay topics for college students:

Does modern music contain medieval themes?
Analyze a song from the Renaissance age.
Why is blues music so important for our culture?
Who invented the blues genre and when?
Analyze the evolution of American folk music.
Most popular names in Baroque-age songs.
Modern interpretations of medieval songs.
Listening to blues music can lead to depression.

Need some more music history paper topics? Or perhaps you need a list of music related research topics to choose from for your thesis. Our best paper writer can help you in no time. Get in touch with us and we guarantee that we will find the perfect music topic for your needs. You will be well on your way to getting the A+ you need. Give us a try and get an amazing research topic on music in 10 minutes or less!

Informative Speech Topics: 100+ Best Options

How to Choose an Informative Speech Topic?

Good informative speech topics, interesting informative speech topics, easy informative speech topics, funny informative speech topics, best informative speech topics.

Finding the perfect topic for your informative speech can feel like being lost in a maze of uninspired topics and tired clichés, especially when creativity seems to be on a coffee break. Crafting a presentation that's both captivating and enlightening is no small feat—it's like trying to find a needle in a haystack while juggling flaming torches.

But fret not, dear reader, for you've stumbled upon a sanctuary of inspiration here at our research paper writing services . We've curated informative speech topics that will transform your speech from mundane to mesmerizing, from ho-hum to high-impact. So, buckle up and pick your favorite!

Choosing among the best informative speech topics requires a keen eye and a discerning palate. But fear not, fellow speechsmiths. We've concocted a recipe for success that'll have you selecting your topic with the finesse of a seasoned chef.

And hey, if you're curious about what is a scholarship essay we've got some insights on that too!

Know Your Audience : Before diving headfirst into the sea of potential topics, take a moment to consider who will be listening to your speech. Are they tech-savvy millennials, curious seniors, or perhaps a mixed bag of both? Tailoring your topic to suit the interests and knowledge level of your audience is key to keeping them engaged.
Follow Your Passion : Imagine yourself as a tour guide through the landscape of your chosen topic. What sights and wonders excite you the most? Selecting a topic that ignites your passion will not only make the research process more enjoyable but will also infuse your delivery with an infectious enthusiasm that's sure to captivate your audience.
Keep It Relevant : While the history of medieval basket weaving might be fascinating to a select few, it may not resonate with the broader audience. Opt for topics that are timely, relevant, and, most importantly, relatable to your audience's lives and experiences.
Embrace Diversity : Variety is the spice of life, they say, and the same holds true for speech topics. Don't be afraid to explore a diverse range of subjects, from the wonders of space exploration to the intricacies of mindfulness meditation. A well-rounded repertoire of topics will keep your audience engaged and eager for more.
Test the Waters : Still undecided? Dip your toes into the pond of potential topics by brainstorming a list of ideas and gauging your level of interest in each. Experiment with different angles and perspectives until you find the perfect fit.

How to Choose an Informative Speech Topic

Now, are you ready to dazzle your audience with an unforgettable speech? Jump right into our handpicked selection of good informative speech topics, specially curated for students like you! Whether you choose to buy speech or craft it yourself, we've got the perfect ideas everyone will remember.

Informative Speech Topics for High School Students

How Junk Food Affects Your Brain
The Story of Your Favorite Social Media Platform
Mental Health Tips for Teens for Nurturing Your Mind's Well-being
Exploring Your Family Tree
The Truth About Energy Drinks
The Power of Positive Thinking
Understanding Climate Change and Deciphering Our Planet's Transformations
Cybersecurity Basics for Safeguarding Your Online Identity
The Importance of Voting
Learning Money Management for Teens

Informative Speech Topics for College

The History of Your Favorite Video Game
The Impact of Fast Fashion on the Environment
Breaking Down Your Carbon Footprint
The Psychology Behind Procrastination
How Machines Are Changing the World
Exploring Different Cultures Through Food
Mental Health Awareness on Campus
Living with Less in a Consumer Society
Understanding Your Options for Paying for College
How to Get Better Rest for a Healthier Life

While the previous suggestions were intriguing, here are some truly captivating informative speech topics tailored for students. These topics are guaranteed to captivate your audience and leave them amazed. And if you'd rather play it safe, you can always rely on our experts to craft your speech – just ask us, ' write a speech for me .'

Informative Speech Topics about Animals

How Dolphins Use Echolocation to Navigate
Understanding the Complex Societies of Ants
Exploring How Elephants Never Forget
Deciphering the Problem-Solving Abilities of Octopuses
Unlocking the Secrets Behind the Amazing Migrations of Monarch Butterflies
How Chameleons Blend into Their Surroundings
Exploring the Life Cycle of Bees
Decoding How Wolves Communicate in Packs
Why Bats Are Essential for Pest Control
Understanding Avian Communication Through Bird Songs

Sports Informative Speech Topics

The Physics Behind a Perfect Basketball Shot.
Tracing the Evolution of Soccer Tactics.
Strategies for Improving Concentration and Focus in Golf.
Breaking Barriers: The History of Women in Sports.
Fueling Your Body for Peak Performance: The Science of Sports Nutrition.
Exploring the Rise of eSports.
Enhancing Flexibility and Mindfulness Through Yoga for Athletes.
How Grandmasters Think Ahead to Win in Chess.
Coping with Stress and Anxiety: The Impact of Sports on Mental Health.
Experiencing the Thrill of Extreme Sports: Base Jumping, Skydiving, and More.

Music Informative Speech Topics

Tracing the Influence of African Rhythms on Modern Music.
From the Bronx to Global Phenomenon: The Evolution of Hip-Hop Culture.
Healing Through Sound and Song: The Power of Music Therapy.
Exploring the Origins of Jazz from New Orleans to Harlem Renaissance.
How Computers Changed the Sound: The Impact of Technology on Music Production.
Understanding the Subculture of Heavy Metal.
Female Composers and Performers Throughout the History of Classical Music.
How Artists Create on the Spot: The Magic of Musical Improvisation.
Bob Marley and the Rise of Jamaican Sounds: The History of Reggae Music.
Conquering the World: The Cultural Significance of K-Pop.

Psychology Informative Speech Topics

The Surprising Ways Your Name Influences Your Personality.
The Psychology Behind Conspiracy Theories: Why People Believe Them.
The Impact of Social Media on Teenage Brain Development.
Unveiling the Secrets of Body Language: What Your Gestures Really Mean.
The Intriguing World of Lucid Dreaming: Controlling Your Dreams.
The Link Between Childhood Trauma and Adult Relationships.
Understanding the Psychology of Procrastination: Overcoming the Habit.
How Color Affects Your Mood and Behavior: The Science of Chromotherapy.
Exploring the Phenomenon of Déjà vu: What Causes It?
The Psychology of Humor: Why We Find Things Funny.

Mental Health Informative Speech Topics

The Hidden Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety: Recognizing the Symptoms.
Overcoming Perfectionism: Strategies for Embracing Imperfection.
The Connection Between Gut Health and Mental Well-being.
Breaking Down the Benefits of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (C.B.T.).
The Healing Power of Nature: Ecotherapy and Mental Health.
Exploring the Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Mental Health.
Coping with Imposter Syndrome: Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy.
The Role of Nutrition in Mental Health: Foods That Boost Mood.
Mindfulness for Busy Minds: Incorporating Meditation into Daily Life.
The Science of Laughter: How Humor Affects Mental Wellness.

Cultural Informative Speech Topics

The Fascinating History of Tattoos: Cultural Significance and Evolution.
Exploring the Rituals of Coming of Age Around the World.
The Influence of Cultural Values on Decision-Making: East vs. West.
How Folklore Shapes Cultural Identity: Myths and Legends from Different Cultures.
Unveiling the Tradition of Day of the Dead: Celebrating Life and Death in Mexican Culture.
The Art of Tea: Cultural Traditions and Ceremonies Across the Globe.
From Sushi to Tempura: The Cultural History of Japanese Cuisine.
Exploring the Legacy of Ancient Civilizations: Contributions to Modern Society.
The Impact of Colonialism on Indigenous Cultures: Resilience and Survival.
The Evolution of Dance Styles: From Traditional to Contemporary Cultural Expressions.

Want to Command the Room?

Boost your confidence and make every presentation unforgettable with our expertly crafted speeches.

Whoever said informative speeches have to be complicated? What if you're in a rush and just need something simple to present? Don't worry; we've got your back! We've gathered some easy, informative speech ideas to make your presentation a breeze. Plus, if you're looking for tips on how to write a discussion board post , we've got straightforward solutions for that as well!

Simple Informative Speech Topics

Benefits of Drinking Water Daily
The History of Chocolate
How to Grow Your Own Herbs Indoors
The Importance of Recycling Plastics
Tips for Improving Posture
Basics of First Aid for Burns
Understanding Renewable Energy Sources
Fun Facts About Bees and Pollination
The Science Behind Dreams
Exploring Different Types of Clouds

5-minute Informative Speech Topics for College

Hiccups: Why Do We Get Them?
Bonsai Trees: Tiny Nature Wonders
Kintsugi: Fixing Broken Things Beautifully
Mandela Effect: Shared False Memories
Bioluminescent Creatures: Nature's Glow
Birdwatching: Finding Birds Nearby
Calligraphy: Beauty in Brushstrokes
Synesthesia: When Senses Mix
Fire Spinning: Dance with Danger
Competitive Whistling: Musical Contests
Why Are Hot Dogs Called 'Hot'?
What Houseplants Do When We're Not Looking
Office Creatures: Stories from Around the Water Cooler
Internet Heroes: Cats, Memes, and More!
Let's Try Laughter Yoga with Giggles and Stretching
Sock Mystery: Where Do They Disappear?
Elevator Etiquette: What to Do When It Gets Awkward
The Art of a Good Snooze
Spooky Stories: Bigfoot, Aliens, and Other Legends
How to Chill Without Doing Anything
Discovering How Trees Talk
Tricks to Improve Your Memory Using 'Mind Palaces'
Why Some Things Just Burst Into Flames, A.K.A. Spontaneous Combustion
The Cool World of Recycling and Reusing
The Amazing World Beneath Our Feet
How Board Games Changed Cultures
Why Music Makes Us Feel Things
What's Down There? Exploring the Deep Sea and Its Crazy Creatures
Why We Knock on Wood: The Weird Reasons We're Superstitious
How to Make People Agree with You

630 Informative Speech Topics & Unique Ideas

Icon Calendar 18 May 2024
Icon Page 5194 words
Icon Clock 23 min read

Informative speech topics cover diverse subjects meant to educate the audience by providing relevant data and unique insights. They can range from scientific themes to historical subjects. Topics can also encompass health matters, discussing breakthroughs in mental health therapy, or decoding the complexity of modern nutrition. Technology is another rich area, highlighting advancements in artificial intelligence or space exploration. Cultural and social topics, like the global influence of pop culture or the impact of social media, offer engaging perspectives. All speech topics should captivate, inform, and stir curiosity, ultimately enabling listeners to gain a greater understanding of the world.

Good Informative Speech Topics

Revolutionizing Medicine With 3D Printing
Understanding the Mechanism Behind Dreams
Mysteries of Dark Matter and Dark Energy
The Powerful Impact of Blockchain Technology
Climbing the Ladder: The Evolution of Video Games
Unearthing the Hidden Treasures of the Ocean
Delving Into the Science of Happiness
Biodiversity Loss: Implications for Our Planet
Exploring the Genius of Leonardo da Vinci
Grasping the Complexities of Artificial Intelligence
Impactful Women in History and Their Contributions
Journey into the Mind: Unraveling Mental Health
Effects of Climate Change on Polar Ice Caps
Advancements in the Field of Nanotechnology
Dismantling the Myths Around Vaccines
Food Security Challenges in the 21st Century
Fascinating Mysteries of the Universe Yet to be Solved
The Intricate Relationship Between Diet and Health
Encountering the Wonders of Bioluminescence
Unmasking the Reality of Cybersecurity Threats
The Legacy of Ancient Greek Philosophy
Bridging the Gap: Understanding Cultural Diversity
Pioneers in Space: The Achievements of NASA
Influential Social Movements of the 20th Century

Informative Speech Topics & Unique Ideas

Easy Informative Speech Topics

Decoding the Language of Body Expression
The Role of Microplastics in Environmental Pollution
Music’s Influence on Cognitive Development
Understanding Animal Behavior and Intelligence
Revealing the Magic of Magnetic Levitation
The Global Impact of Cryptocurrencies
Fossil Fuels vs. Renewable Energy: A Comparative Analysis
The History and Evolution of Comic Books
Unfolding the Story of Human Evolution
Tracing the Roots of Yoga: From Ancient Times to Modern Practice
Neuroplasticity: The Brain’s Remarkable Ability to Change
Tackling the Consequences of Deforestation
Discovering the Depth of Marine Biodiversity
Harnessing the Power of Wind Energy
The Fight Against Cancer: Modern Treatment Methods
Life on Mars: What Science Tells Us
Navigating the Complexities of Global Immigration
The Evolution and Impact of Social Media
Drones and Their Multifaceted Applications
Digging Into the History of Archaeology
Learning from Past Pandemics: Lessons and Precautions
The Sublime World of Quantum Physics
The Intertwined History of Mathematics and Astronomy
Revealing the True Impact of Fast Fashion
Analyzing the Causes of Youth Unemployment
The Influence of Classical Literature on Modern Society

Interesting Informative Speech Topics

Understanding Genetic Engineering and Its Potential
Delving Into the World of Performance Arts
The Power of Meditation and Mindfulness
Investigating the Effects of Noise Pollution
The Art and Science of Winemaking
The Fascinating Journey of Language Evolution
Advances in Electric Vehicle Technology: A Step Toward Sustainable Future
Exploring the Depths of the Mariana Trench
Immortality through Science: The Promise of Biogerontology
Dissecting the Socioeconomic Impact of Sports
Myths and Truths About Human Memory
The Role of Robotics in Modern Healthcare
The Science and Art of Coffee Brewing
Interplay of Climate Change and Global Food Production
The Stunning Architectural Wonders of Ancient Rome
Magic of Algorithms: The Backbone of Modern Computing
The Impact of Colonization on Modern Societies
Harnessing Solar Energy: Advances and Challenges
Understanding the Complex World of Tax Laws
Coral Reefs: Underwater Ecosystems at Risk
Gravitational Waves: Probing the Universe’s Violent Events
The Influence of AI on the Job Market
The Intricate Art of Origami and Its Mathematical Connections
The Marvel of Bioluminescent Organisms in the Deep Sea
Modern Architecture: Blending Aesthetics and Sustainability

Informative Speech Topics for Fun

Unraveling the Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle
Evolution of Video Games: A Walk Through History
Decoding the Art of Brewing the Perfect Coffee
The Fascinating Science Behind Dreams
The Adventurous Journey of Space Exploration
Impressive Architectural Wonders of the Ancient World
The Secret World of Animal Communication
Unlocking the Powers of Mindfulness and Meditation
Exploring the Underwater Kingdom: Marine Life and Its Wonders
Demystifying the Intriguing World of Magic Tricks
A Glimpse into the Mysterious Lives of Spies
Chocolates and Happiness: A Delicious Connection
Journey Through the Genres of Music: An Auditory Delight
The Enthralling Evolution of Animation in the Film Industry
Unearthing the Secrets of the Egyptian Pyramids
Robots and Their Influence on Future Society
The Thrilling World of Extreme Sports: Not for the Faint-Hearted
The Peculiarities and Beauty of Bioluminescent Creatures
The Influence of Comic Books on Popular Culture
Discover the Intriguing Origins of Internet Memes
The Art and Science Behind Making Perfect Sushi
Dive Into the History of the World’s Most Famous Landmarks

Informative Speech Topics for High School

Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Society
Climate Change: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
Renewable Energy Sources: Exploring Sustainable Options
Effective Study Techniques for College Students
Exploring the Benefits of Yoga and Meditation
Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Personal Information Online
The Role of Women in Leadership Positions
Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting Food Security
The Influence of Music on Mood and Emotions
Exploring Different Cultural Perspectives on Marriage
The Health Benefits of Regular Exercise and Fitness
The Future of Space Exploration and Colonization
Strategies for Stress Management in School Life
The Evolution and Impact of Social Networking Sites
Understanding and Addressing Food Waste in Society
Artificial Intelligence: Enhancing Healthcare Innovations
The Psychology of Persuasion: Understanding Influential Techniques
Exploring Alternative Medicine and Its Efficacy
The Role of Robotics in Manufacturing Industries
Sustainable Tourism: Preserving Natural Resources and Cultures
The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership

Informative Speech Topics for College Students

Renewable Energy Sources: Harnessing the Power of the Sun, Wind, and Water
Genetic Engineering: Advancements in Agriculture and Medicine
Artificial Intelligence: Exploring the Future of Technology
Climate Change: Understanding the Impact on Our Planet
Space Exploration: Journeying Into the Unknown
Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Stigma and Seeking Help
Sustainable Living: Eco-Friendly Practices for a Better Future
The Importance of Voting: Exercising Your Civic Duty
Human Rights: Advocating for Equality and Justice
The Influence of Social Media: Impacts on Communication and Society
Healthy Eating Habits: Nourishing Your Body and Mind
Renewable Energy: Transitioning to a Greener World
Effects of Bullying: Building a Safe and Inclusive Community
Robotics and Automation: Transforming Industries and the Workforce
Animal Conservation: Preserving Biodiversity for Future Generations
Mental Resilience: Strategies for Coping With Life’s Challenges
The History and Impact of the Internet: Connecting the World
Financial Literacy: Managing Money and Building a Secure Future
Climate Action: Individual and Collective Efforts for a Sustainable Planet
The Significance of Cultural Diversity: Celebrating Differences
Drug Abuse Prevention: Educating for a Drug-Free Society
Gender Equality: Promoting Fairness and Empowerment

Informative Speech Topics for University

Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Digital Assets in the Modern Era
Renewable Energy: Harnessing Sustainable Power Sources
Genetic Engineering: Advancements and Ethical Considerations
Artificial Intelligence: Revolutionizing Industries and Human Lives
Climate Change: Understanding the Impact and Solutions
Space Exploration: Unveiling the Mysteries of the Universe
The Human Brain: Unlocking Its Potential and Limitations
Sustainable Agriculture: Feeding the World While Protecting the Environment
Blockchain Technology: Revolutionizing Industries and Enhancing Security
Virtual Reality: Expanding Possibilities in Entertainment and Beyond
Mental Health Awareness: Breaking Stigma and Promoting Well-Being
Autonomous Vehicles: Transforming Transportation and Road Safety
The Power of Social Media: Impact on Communication and Society
Globalization: Effects on Economics, Culture, and Politics
Robotics: Advancements and Applications in Various Industries
The Importance of Financial Literacy in the Modern World
Sustainable Fashion: Balancing Style and Environmental Responsibility
Biotechnology: Innovations and Contributions to Health and Agriculture
Green Building: Designing Sustainable Structures for a Greener Future
The History and Impact of Feminism on Society
Ocean Conservation: Preserving Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity
The Future of Work: Automation, AI, and Job Market Trends
Food Security: Addressing Hunger and Nutrition Challenges
The Psychology of Motivation: Understanding Drivers of Human Behavior

Presentation Informative Speech Topics

Artificial Intelligence: Revolutionizing Modern Industries
Climate Change: The Global Challenge We Must Address
Renewable Energy: Powering a Sustainable Future
Space Exploration: Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe
Cybersecurity: Protecting Data in the Digital Age
Blockchain Technology: Transforming Business and Finance
Mental Health Awareness: Breaking the Stigma
Genetic Engineering: Advancements in Biotechnology
The Importance of Early Childhood Education
Sustainable Agriculture: Feeding the World Responsibly
The Future of Work: Automation and Job Market Trends
Alternative Medicine: Holistic Approaches to Health
Ocean Conservation: Preserving Marine Ecosystems
Robotics: Enhancing Efficiency and Productivity
The Art of Public Speaking: Effective Communication Skills
Urbanization: Challenges and Opportunities in Cities
The Power of Storytelling: Connecting People and Ideas
Financial Literacy: Building a Strong Foundation
The Science Behind Meditation and Mindfulness
Exploring Cultural Diversity: Celebrating Differences
The Evolution of Transportation: From Horse Carriages to Electric Vehicles
The Impact of Advertising on Consumer Behavior

Informative Speech Topics for Public Speaking

The Power of Positive Thinking in Achieving Personal Success
Understanding the Influence of Advertising on Consumer Behavior
Analyzing the Impact of Social Media Influencers on Youth Culture
Exploring the Science of Happiness and Well-Being
Investigating the History and Significance of Human Rights Movements
Unveiling the Mysteries of the Universe: Black Holes and Dark Matter
Examining the Effects of Climate Change on Wildlife and Biodiversity
Discovering the Benefits of Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques
Evaluating the Role of Education in Empowering Individuals and Communities
Unraveling the Secrets of Effective Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
Investigating the Evolution and Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Robotics
Analyzing the Psychological Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness
Exploring the Benefits of Meditation and Yoga for Mental and Physical Health
Understanding the Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Personal and Professional Life
Delving into the History and Influence of Ancient Civilizations
Examining the Implications of Genetic Engineering on Agriculture and Food Production
Investigating the Role of Mass Media in Shaping Political Discourse
Discovering the Health Benefits of Regular Exercise and Physical Activity
Unveiling the History and Cultural Significance of Traditional Festivals
Exploring the Impact of Technology on Work-Life Balance

Informative Speech Topics on Important Days & Events

World Environment Day: Preserving Our Planet’s Future
International Women’s Day: Celebrating Achievements and Empowering Women
World AIDS Day: Promoting Awareness and Support for Those Affected
World Mental Health Day: Breaking the Stigma and Promoting Well-Being
International Day of Peace: Building a Harmonious Global Society
World Water Day: Ensuring Access to Clean Water for All
International Day of Education: Empowering Individuals Through Learning
World Cancer Day: Spreading Awareness and Supporting Research
World Refugee Day: Understanding the Plight and Supporting Refugees
International Day of Forests: Preserving and Restoring Our Woodlands
World Humanitarian Day: Recognizing and Honoring Humanitarian Work
International Day of Happiness: Promoting Well-Being and Joy
World Food Day: Addressing Hunger and Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
World Diabetes Day: Raising Awareness and Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles
World Wildlife Day: Protecting Biodiversity and Endangered Species
World Hepatitis Day: Promoting Prevention and Treatment of Hepatitis
International Day of Families: Celebrating the Importance of Family Bonds
World Autism Awareness Day: Increasing Understanding and Acceptance
International Day of Older Persons: Honoring the Contributions and Challenges of Seniors
World Blood Donor Day: Encouraging Life-Saving Blood Donations
International Day of Democracy: Nurturing Democratic Values and Participation
World Tuberculosis Day: Combating Tuberculosis and Promoting Treatment

Science & Technology Informative Speech Topics

Augmented Reality Technology: Advantages and Challenges
Genetic Editing: The Potential for Disease Cures
Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: The Science Behind
Machine Learning in Personalized Medicine
Evolution of Smartphones and Mobile Technology
Energy Storage and Batteries: Future Innovations
Virtual Assistants and Natural Language Processing: The Science Behind
Gene Therapy: Benefits and Risks
Quantum Cryptography: Ensuring Data Security
Brain-Computer Interfaces: Advancements in Communication and Control
Innovations in Sustainable Energy: Harnessing Renewable Resources
The Role of Robotics in Healthcare and Medicine
Ethics of Gene Editing and Genetic Manipulation
Breakthroughs in Quantum Computing: Unleashing Computing Power
The Evolution of Cybersecurity: Protecting Digital Assets
Biometrics in Modern Society: Balancing Convenience and Privacy
Cloud Computing: Transforming Business Operations
The Science of Nanomaterials and Their Applications
Advancements in Virtual Reality Gaming and Entertainment
The Power of Data Analytics in Business Decision Making

Informative Speech Topics About Animals

The Evolution of Primates: A Journey Through Time
Endangered Species Conservation Efforts: Making a Difference
Incredible Adaptations: How Do Animals Survive in Extreme Environments?
The Mysterious World of Marine Life: Exploring the Depths
Animal Intelligence: Unveiling the Secrets of the Animal Mind
The Role of Bees in Pollination: Nature’s Unsung Heroes
Wildlife Trafficking: Combating Illegal Trade and Protecting Species
The Importance of Conservation: Preserving Biodiversity for Future Generations
Animal-Assisted Therapy: The Healing Power of Animals
Animal Camouflage: Nature’s Master Disguises
The Plight of Sea Turtles: Challenges and Conservation Efforts
Animal Migration: A Phenomenon of Epic Proportions
The Fascinating World of Insects: Diversity and Adaptations
Animal Agriculture: Balancing Food Production and Animal Welfare
Endangered Big Cats: Protecting Lions, Tigers, and Leopards
The Incredible Journey of Monarch Butterflies: Migration and Conservation
Animal Communication: Unlocking the Language of the Wild
The Wonders of the Great Barrier Reef: A World Heritage Site Under Threat
The Surprising Social Lives of Elephants: Complex Family Structures
The Intricate Web of Coral Reefs: Sustaining Marine Ecosystems

Informative Speech Topics for Sports

The Evolution of Basketball: From Naismith to the NBA
The Impact of Sports on Promoting Gender Equality
Sports Nutrition: Fueling Your Performance
Exploring the Science of Sports Injuries and Recovery
The History and Cultural Significance of Soccer
Mental Toughness in Sports: Strategies for Success
The Importance of Teamwork in Competitive Sports
Exploring the Psychology of Sports Fandom
The Role of Technology in Enhancing Sports Performance
Sports and Social Media: A Powerful Partnership
The Economics of Professional Sports: Money and Beyond
The Olympic Games: A Symbol of Unity and Excellence
Sports and Youth Development: Building Character and Skills
The Health Benefits of Regular Physical Activity
Sports Diplomacy: Building Bridges Through Athletics
The Rise of E-Sports: A New Frontier in Competitive Gaming
The History and Traditions of American Football
Exploring the Psychology of Winning and Losing in Sports
The Evolution of Sports Broadcasting: From Radio to Live Streaming
Sports and Ethical Dilemmas: Fair Play and Sportsmanship
The Rise of Extreme Sports: Pushing the Limits of Human Potential

Health Informative Speech Topics

The Role of Nutrition in Promoting Heart Health
Preventing Chronic Diseases Through Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Exploring Alternative Medicine: Benefits and Risks
Understanding the Effects of Stress on the Immune System
Managing and Preventing Obesity in Modern Society
Promoting Mental Wellness: Strategies for Stress Reduction
The Benefits of Regular Physical Activity for Aging Adults
Improving Digestive Health through Diet and Lifestyle Modifications
Unveiling the Truth About Popular Diets and Weight Loss Programs
Exploring the Dangers of Sedentary Lifestyles
Effects of Smoking on Respiratory Health
Understanding and Managing Food Allergies and Intolerances
Mental Health Stigma: Breaking the Silence and Seeking Support
The Importance of Regular Health Check-Ups and Screenings
Promoting Healthy Habits for Children and Adolescents
Understanding the Connection between Gut Health and the Immune System
The Impact of Technology on Sleep Quality and Sleep Disorders
Exploring the Link between Nutrition and Brain Function
The Benefits of Regular Physical Activity for Mental Health
Preventing Burnout: Strategies for Maintaining Work-Life Balance

Informative Speech Topics for Literature & History

The Impact of Shakespeare’s Tragedies on Modern Theater
The Influence of Charles Dickens on Social Reform
The Symbolism of Colors in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Analyzing the Historical Accuracy of the Arthurian Legends
The Evolution of the Hero’s Journey in Literature
Examining the Themes of War in Ernest Hemingway’s Novels
The Significance of the Harlem Renaissance in African American Literature
The Origins and Legacy of the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
Unraveling the Secrets of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”
Exploring the Mythology and Folklore of Native American Tribes
The Influence of Ancient Greek Philosophy on Western Literature
Analyzing the Historical Context of Jane Austen’s Novels
The Power of Satire in Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels”
Investigating the Historical Events Behind William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies”
The Evolution of Gothic Literature From Horace Walpole to Edgar Allan Poe
Understanding the Political Allegories in George Orwell’s “Animal Farm”
Examining the Historical Significance of the Renaissance Period
The Influence of Greek Tragedies on Modern Drama
The Symbolism of Nature in William Wordsworth’s Romantic Poetry
The Cultural Impact of Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote”
Analyzing the Historical Accuracy of Shakespeare’s Historical Plays
The Role of Religion in Colonial American Literature

Music Informative Speech Topics

The Impact of Classical Music on Brain Development
Exploring the Influence of Hip-Hop Culture on Contemporary Society
The Rise of Electronic Dance Music and its Global Phenomenon
Unveiling the Power of Music Therapy for Mental Health
How Music Shapes Cultural Identity: A Comparative Study
Examining the Life and Legacy of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
The Role of Music in Historical Movements: Protest Songs and Social Change
The Science Behind Musical Instruments: Acoustics and Engineering
Decoding the Secrets of Film Scores: Enhancing Emotion in Cinema
The Cultural Significance of Indigenous Music Traditions
The Art of Musical Improvisation: Techniques and Styles
Exploring the World of Opera: From Aria to Libretto
The Revolutionary Sound of Rock and Roll: Icons and Innovations
The Healing Power of Rhythm: Drumming and Percussion Therapy
Impacts of Music Streaming Services on the Music Industry
The Intersection of Music and Fashion: Styles and Subcultures
Examining the Legacy of Ludwig van Beethoven: Genius and Innovation
The Psychology of Music: How Does Sound Affect Human Emotion and Behavior?
The Power of Lyrics: Poetry and Storytelling in Songwriting
Uncovering the Origins of Blues Music: African Roots and American Heritage
Music and Memory: Exploring the Relationship Between Sound and Recall

Environment Informative Speech Topics

Advancements in Renewable Energy Technologies
Protecting Endangered Species: Conservation Efforts and Success Stories
The Role of Wetlands in Ecosystem Health
Sustainable Agriculture: Methods for Preserving Soil Quality
Ocean Acidification: Threats to Marine Life
The Importance of Recycling: Reducing Waste and Environmental Impact
Climate Change and Its Effects on Global Weather Patterns
Water Scarcity: Challenges and Solutions for a Thirsty Planet
Urbanization and Its Impact on Natural Habitats
Sustainable Fishing Practices: Balancing Human Needs and Marine Ecosystems
Ecotourism: Promoting Conservation and Local Economies
Natural Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Strategies
The Significance of National Parks: Preserving Natural Beauty
Restoring Degraded Landscapes: Reforestation and Ecological Rehabilitation
The Benefits of Green Spaces in Urban Environments
Renewable Energy Sources: Exploring Solar, Wind, and Hydroelectric Power
The Effects of Pesticides on Wildlife and Ecosystems
Sustainable Transportation: Promoting Alternatives to Reduce Carbon Footprint
The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Environmental Stewardship
Coral Reef Conservation: Protecting Biodiversity Hotspots

Informative Speech Topics on Education

Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills in the Classroom
Implementing Technology in Education: Trends and Benefits
Promoting Inclusive Education for Students With Disabilities
Addressing the Achievement Gap in Education
Effective Strategies for Classroom Management
Understanding Different Learning Styles and Tailoring Instruction
The Role of Arts Education in Developing Well-Rounded Individuals
Advantages of Bilingual Education in a Globalized World
Fostering Creativity and Innovation in Education
Exploring Project-Based Learning: Engaging Students in Real-World Applications
Teaching Financial Literacy: Preparing Students for Economic Independence
Benefits of Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning
Cultivating Emotional Intelligence in Schools
Assessing the Impact of Standardized Curriculum on Education Quality
The Role of School Counseling in Supporting Students’ Mental Health
Examining the Effects of Homework on Student Achievement
The Power of Teacher-Student Relationships in Academic Success
Promoting Gender Equality in Education: Breaking Stereotypes and Barriers
The Importance of Multicultural Education in a Diverse Society
Examining the Benefits and Challenges of Online Education

Informative Speech Topics About Society & Sociology

The Role of Gender Stereotypes in Society
Exploring the Effects of Income Inequality on Social Mobility
Analyzing the Influence of Media on Body Image Perception
Understanding the Rise of Online Activism in Modern Society
Examining the Causes and Consequences of Bullying in Schools
The Evolution of Family Structures and Its Impact on Society
Unraveling the Psychological Effects of Loneliness in the Digital Age
Investigating the Relationship between Education and Social Equality
The Power of Language: Exploring the Impact of Rhetoric on Society
Analyzing the Socioeconomic Factors Contributing to Crime Rates
The Significance of Cultural Diversity in Building Stronger Communities
Exploring the Effects of Social Class on Access to Healthcare
Understanding the Impact of Mass Incarceration on Communities
Examining the Relationship Between Religion and Society
Analyzing the Factors Contributing to Political Polarization
The Impact of Technology on Socialization and Human Interaction
Unveiling the Dynamics of Power and Authority in Societies
Investigating the Roots and Consequences of Prejudice and Discrimination
The Role of Social Movements in Promoting Social Change
Analyzing the Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity
Understanding the Psychology of Social Conformity in Groups
Effects of Urbanization on Social Structures and Quality of Life

Business & Finance Informative Speech Topics

Global Economic Trends: Opportunities and Challenges
Sustainable Business Practices: Enhancing Profitability and Environmental Responsibility
The Rise of E-Commerce: Transforming the Retail Industry
Effective Strategies for Personal Financial Management
Entrepreneurship: Navigating Risks and Achieving Success
Mergers and Acquisitions: Examining the Impacts on Companies and the Economy
Financial Literacy: Empowering Individuals for a Secure Future
The Gig Economy: Adapting to the Changing Nature of Work
The Importance of Business Ethics in Today’s Corporate World
The Role of Central Banks in Managing Monetary Policy
Green Investments: Promoting Environmental and Financial Returns
Innovation and Disruption: Key Drivers of Business Growth
Understanding the Stock Market: Basics and Investment Strategies
The Future of Banking: Digital Transformation and Fintech Innovations
Corporate Governance: Ensuring Accountability and Transparency
The Impact of Global Trade Policies on Businesses and Economies
Financial Planning for Retirement: Building a Secure Future
Effective Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses
Women in Leadership: Breaking Barriers and Driving Change in Business
The Economics of Climate Change: Addressing Environmental Challenges Through Business Initiatives

Informative Speech Topics on Banking & Economics

The Role of Central Banks in Economic Stability
Investment Strategies for Wealth Accumulation
The Evolution of Online Banking and Its Benefits
Analyzing the Causes and Consequences of Economic Recessions
Understanding the Stock Market: Key Concepts and Terminology
Exploring the Effects of Global Trade on Local Economies
The Importance of Financial Literacy in Personal Finance
The Influence of Government Policies on Economic Growth
Exploring Cryptocurrencies: Advantages and Risks
Analyzing the Impact of Interest Rates on Borrowing and Saving
The Economic Effects of Taxation Policies
Exploring the Concept of Supply and Demand in Economics
The Rise of Fintech: Disruption and Innovation in Banking
Understanding the Role of Credit Rating Agencies in Financial Markets
Exploring the Relationship Between Unemployment and Economic Growth
The Impact of Economic Inequality on Society
Analyzing the Causes and Consequences of Stock Market Crashes
Exploring the Principles of Microeconomics and Macroeconomics
The Influence of Economic Factors on Consumer Behavior
Analyzing the Role of Banks in Financing Small Businesses

Family Informative Speech Topics

Importance of Communication Within the Family
Benefits of Shared Family Meals
Roles of Parenting Styles in Child Development
Significance of Family Traditions and Rituals
Impacts of Technology on Family Dynamics
Strategies for Resolving Family Conflicts
Effects of Divorce on Children’s Well-Being
Exploring the Concept of Unconditional Love in Families
Understanding Sibling Relationships and Their Influence
Promoting Emotional Intelligence Within the Family
Exploring Multigenerational Family Dynamics
Nurturing a Healthy and Supportive Family Environment
Challenges and Rewards of Blended Families
Exploring Cultural Diversity within Families
Impacts of Social Media on Family Relationships
Exploring the Benefits of Family Therapy
Balancing Work and Family Life
Importance of Family Bonding Activities
Strategies for Building Strong Family Connections
Exploring the Role of Extended Family in Childrearing
Understanding the Effects of Substance Abuse on Family Units

Informative Speech Topics on Politics

The Importance of Media in Political Communication
Gender Equality in Politics: Breaking Barriers and Shifting Paradigms
The Art of Diplomacy: Negotiating Peace in Conflict Zones
The Impact of Globalization on Political Structures
Political Corruption: Unveiling the Dark Side of Governance
Environmental Policies: Balancing Economic Growth and Sustainability
Populism in Politics: Understanding Its Rise and Implications
Human Rights: Striving for Equality and Justice in Political Systems
The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Shaping Political Agendas
Political Leadership: Characteristics and Challenges in a Changing World
The Importance of Education in Fostering Political Engagement
Immigration Policies: Balancing National Security and Humanitarianism
Technological Advancements: Transforming Political Landscapes
The Role of Lobbying in Influencing Political Decision-Making
Political Ideologies: From Conservatism to Liberalism and Beyond
Nationalism and Patriotism: Navigating the Boundaries in Politics
Political Violence: Understanding Its Causes and Consequences
The Role of Religion in Politics: Examining the Intersection
Freedom of Speech: Protecting Democracy’s Fundamental Right

Informative Speech Topics for History & Culture

The Renaissance Era: Artistic Revival and Cultural Transformation
Industrial Revolution: Societal and Economic Evolution
Ancient Civilizations: Egypt, Greece, and Mesopotamia
American Revolution: Birth of a Nation’s Independence
Harlem Renaissance: Cultural Resurgence and African-American Contributions
World War II: Global Conflict and Its Lasting Impacts
Maya Civilization: Achievements, Culture, and Ancient Mysteries
French Revolution: From Monarchy to Republic
Civil Rights Movement: Striving for Equality and Social Justice
Ancient China: Dynasties, Inventions, and Cultural Heritage
Age of Exploration: Discovery, Trade, and New Horizons
Aztec Empire: Society, Religion, and Military Power
Russian Revolution: Overthrowing the Tsar and Soviet Union’s Formation
Roaring Twenties: Jazz Age, Cultural Shifts, and Prohibition
Civil War: Divided Nation, Abolition of Slavery, and Reconstruction
Vikings: Exploration, Conquests, and Norse Culture
Cultural Revolution in China: Mao’s Socio-Political Movement
Inca Empire: Engineering Feats, Social Organization, and Andean Civilization
Holocaust: Genocide, Nazi Regime, and Lessons From History
Age of Enlightenment: Intellectual Awakening and Philosophical Ideas

Law Informative Speech Topics

Analyzing the Effects of Mandatory Sentencing Laws
Exploring the Complexities of Intellectual Property Rights
Implications of Privacy Laws in the Age of Technology
Evaluating the Role of International Law in Global Governance
Unveiling the Truth Behind Wrongful Convictions
Understanding the Dynamics of Family Law and Child Custody
Investigating the Impact of Hate Crime Legislation
The Influence of Media on Public Perception of Legal Issues
Delving Into the Controversies of Capital Punishment
Analyzing the Impacts of Immigration Laws on Society
Possible Challenges and Benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution
Exploring the Legal Framework of Environmental Protection
Unraveling the Intricacies of Corporate Law and Ethics
The Rights and Limitations of Free Speech in the Digital Era
Examining the Intersection of Technology and Privacy Laws
The Consequences of Drug Policy on Public Health
Analyzing the Role of Criminal Profiling in Investigations
Understanding the Implications of Gun Control Laws
The Rights and Protections of Workers in Employment Law
The Challenges of Intellectual Property Theft in the Digital Age

Short Informative Speech Topics

Climate Change and Its Impact on Biodiversity
Sustainable Fashion: Reducing the Environmental Footprint
Exploring the Importance of Financial Literacy
Renewable Energy Sources and Their Advantages
Understanding the Benefits of Meditation for Mental Health
Delving into the World of Virtual Reality
The Rise of Electric Vehicles in Transportation
The Science Behind Vaccinations and Their Importance
Examining the Impact of Plastic Pollution on Marine Life
The Evolution and Advancements in Video Games
Harnessing the Power of Solar Energy for Sustainability
Emphasizing the Significance of Early Childhood Education
The Growing Trend of Remote Work and Its Implications
The Influence of Technology on Modern Communication Channels
Analyzing the Effects of Globalization on Culture and Society
Promoting Mental Health Awareness and its Importance
Embracing Sustainable Tourism for a Greener Future
Enhancing Education with the Integration of Artificial Intelligence
The Role of Nonprofits in Addressing Social Issues
Exploring the Future of Robotics and Automation
History and Significance of Human Rights
The Role of Technology in Enhancing Education
Exploring the Wonders of the Deep Sea
Benefits of Meditation for Stress Reduction

1-3 Minutes Informative Speech Topics

Exploring the Mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle
Understanding the Intricacies of Quantum Physics
Debunking Myths About the Human Brain
Unveiling the Truth about Genetically Modified Organisms
Dissecting the Impact of Climate Change on Wildlife
Analyzing the Causes and Effects of Cyberbullying
Discovering the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Encountering the Benefits of Renewable Energy Sources
Navigating the History of the Silk Road
Appreciating the Beauty of the Fibonacci Sequence in Nature
Grasping the Concept of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
Probing the Influence of Social Media on Youth
Observing the Evolution of Feminism Through History
Pursuing the Concept of Dark Matter in Cosmology
Revealing the Truth about Animal Testing in Cosmetics Industry
Contemplating the Impact of Meditation on Mental Health
Recognizing the Role of Microplastics in Ocean Pollution
Investigating the Science Behind Aeroponics and Hydroponics
Unraveling the Power of Vaccination in Disease Prevention
Delving into the Mysteries of Black Holes
Comprehending the Functioning of Autonomous Vehicles
Admiring the Wonders of Bio-Luminescence in Deep Sea Creatures

4-6 Minutes Informative Speech Topics

Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Health
The Influence of Social Media on Society’s Perception of Beauty
Financial Literacy and its Importance for Young Adults
The History and Advancement of Electric Vehicles
Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Functioning
The Significance of Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future
Women’s Empowerment in Business Leadership
Psychological Benefits of Exercise and Physical Activity
Understanding Climate Change and Global Warming
The Power of Storytelling in Effective Communication
Exploring Virtual Reality and Its Various Applications
The Influence of Advertising on Consumer Decision-Making
Early Childhood Education and its Impact on Cognitive Development
The Role of Technology in Transforming Education
Effects of Social Media on Mental Well-Being
The Value of Volunteerism for Building Stronger Communities
Overcoming Addiction: The Path to Recovery and Healing
Science Behind Human Nutrition and Its Impact on Health
Emotional Intelligence: A Key to Personal and Professional Success
Harnessing Renewable Energy Sources for a Sustainable Future
The Evolution and Cultural Significance of Music
Mass Media and Its Influence on Shaping Public Opinion
Early Detection and Prevention of Chronic Diseases

7-10 Minutes Informative Speech Topics

Renewable Energy Sources: A Sustainable Future
Artificial Intelligence and Its Role in Modern Industries
Benefits of Exercise for Overall Well-Being
Exploring the Evolution of Technology in Education
Understanding Space Exploration and Its Wonders
The Significance of Cultural Diversity in a Globalized World
Exploring the History and Impact of the Civil Rights Movement
Understanding Climate Change and its Consequences
Women in Leadership Positions: Their Role and Significance
The Power of Effective Communication in Relationships
Exploring the Influence of Media on Body Image Perception
The Pros and Cons of Online Shopping
Exploring the World of Virtual Reality
The Significance of Financial Literacy in Personal Finance
Understanding the Importance of Cybersecurity in the Digital Age
Exploring the History and Significance of Human Rights Movements
The Impact of Globalization on Local Economies
Education’s Roles in Empowering Individuals and Societies
Understanding the Science Behind Climate Change
Exploring the Influence of Advertising on Consumer Behavior
The Evolution of Transportation Technology

To Learn More, Read Relevant Articles

255 Controversial Research Paper Topics & Ideas

Icon Calendar 30 May 2023
Icon Page 2154 words

419 Controversial Debate Topics & Good Ideas

Icon Calendar 29 May 2023
Icon Page 3242 words

Informative Speech

Informative Speech Topics

Last updated on: Apr 26, 2024

100+ Informative Speech Topics for 2024

By: Cathy A.

20 min read

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

You're a student looking for a good topic for your informative speech, but you don't know where to start.

It's hard enough finding a good topic, let alone preparing and delivering a great speech on that topic.

We've got you covered.

Our list of informative speech topics is packed with interesting and timely subjects. They will engage your audience while teaching them something new.

Feel free to choose any topic and start preparing for a great speech.

On this Page

What is an Informative Speech?

An informative speech is a type of speech in which you educate your audience on a particular topic. It is used to inform the audience about complex and difficult things like events, objects, examples, living beings, personalities, etc.

They can include facts, definitions, statistics, and other forms of data to better inform the listener on the subject.

Want to learn more about informative speech? Read this comprehensive informative speech writing guide to learn how to write a striking one!

What are the 4 Types of Informative Speeches?

Informative speeches and speech topics are usually related to the following speech categories;

Definition Speech - A definition speech is one in which the speaker explains the meaning of something to their audience. This type of speech can be used to define words, concepts, or events.
Explanatory Speech - An explanatory speech explains how something works or why something happened. This type of informative speech can help the audience gain insight into complex topics or processes.
Descriptive Speech - A descriptive speech is one in which the speaker provides detailed information about something to their audience. This type of informative speech can be used to describe people, places, objects, or events.
Demonstrative Speech - A demonstrative speech is one in which the speaker shows their audience how something works or how they can do something themselves. This type of informative speech can demonstrate anything from cooking techniques to sports plays and beyond!

Choosing An Informative Speech Topic: Using The Five W's

If you aim to make a lasting impression during your TED Talk or public address, ensure that you have a well-defined goal. Your speech should be focused on capturing the attention of listeners and delivering an impactful message.

To make sure your topic is relevant and interesting, consider the five Ws:

When considering a topic for an informative speech, it is important to consider who your audience will be. You should ask yourself questions like Who will be in the audience? What knowledge do they have on the topic? Is it relevant to them?

Knowing your target audience can help you decide if the topic is engaging and relevant.

When deciding on a topic for your informative speech, think about what you want your audience to learn from it. Knowing what your goal is for the speech can help you decide on an interesting and informative topic.

Consider what key points or information you would like to provide and use that to help you determine a topic.

It is important to consider when the speech will happen. Is it in time for a certain event? Will it fit within the allotted time frame?

Answering these questions can help you decide on a topic that fits the requirements for your presentation.

It is important to consider the setting and location of your presentation. Will you be speaking in a formal setting or an informal one? Are there any restrictions on what you can talk about due to the location?

Consider why this particular topic should be discussed. Ask yourself why this topic is important to discuss and what it will accomplish.

Your goal should be to provide meaningful and relevant information. This should leave your audience with something to discuss or think about.

Interesting Informative Speech Topics for Students

Following are some great informative speech ideas that you can choose from and write your speech on.

Easy Informative Speech Topics for High School Students

Why does professional development matter?
Why is learning outside the classroom important?
Write about the benefits of e-learning
Why is it important to spend time with your family?
E-learning vs. classroom learning: which is better?
Write about the future of education
Should teachers and students connect over social media?
Should students have homework?
How to ace online classes in college?
Discuss the different types of learning styles

Easy Informative Speech Topics for College Students

How to make money while being a student?
The most important traits of a good student
Are test scores a good indication of a student’s competency?
Best tips for students with learning disabilities
Myths and misconceptions about Hypnosis
Use sandbags to protect your home
The pros and cons of bilingual education for kids
What is the importance of formal education?
Should students be allowed to eat in class?
How does single parenting affect a child?

5-minute Informative Speech Topics for College

Understanding and promoting mental well-being.
Protecting your online privacy and security.
Simple actions for a greener future.
Influences on relationships and well-being.
Exploring AI applications and implications.
Enhancing interpersonal interactions.
Making informed financial decisions.
Actions to address the global crisis.
Importance and strategies for better sleep.
Nurturing a balanced diet for improved well-being.

Best Informative Speech Topics for University Students

Different ways to engage youth in sports
Most effective strategies to foster creativity among students
How does education affect creativity?
Advantages and disadvantages of programming languages in high school
What are the benefits of electronic gadgets in learning?
How to become a superstar student?
What are adapted physical education activities?
What is the role of an effective educator?
How to become a career advisor?
The stigma associated with homelessness.

Entertaining Informative Speech Topics

The key to delivering an entertaining and informative speech lies in selecting the right topic! Here are some great ideas for entertaining and informative topics that can engage audiences of any age.

The secret power of introverts
Types of performances in theatres
Simple things you can do to protect the environment
The best dog breeds for individuals with disabilities
The secret behind the funniest TV shows of all time
How to cheat at Poker? 5 Tricks you should know
Difference between sympathy and empathy
How does technology help you become more creative?
Does life after high school get better?
The best way to skip class.

Psychology Informative Speech Topics

Psychology is a fascinating field that investigates the inner workings of the human mind and behavior. Explore the complexities of human psychology through these speech topics.

Some amazing benefits of greeting people by name
Positive thinking is the key to peaceful living
What are the characteristics of the child prodigy?
How to deal with an insensitive person?
Why are quiet people often misunderstood?
How to give and receive compliments?
Why do people lie in relationships?
What is the relationship between psychology and other sciences?
Social components and their effects on human behavior
The impact of social media on mental health

Creative Informative Speech Topics

Here we have listed a few creative informative speech topic ideas for you:

What is the role of music in social movements?
What is the main purpose of satire in comedy?
Media coverage of domestic violence
Methodology in art and popular cultures
The importance of teaching music in high schools
What benefits does art provide society?
An overview on fossil fuel combustion
Does money control our life?
Reasons why we should switch to organic foods
Why should music not be censored?

Sports Informative Speech Topics

Sports have the power to unite people from all walks of life. It is a great source of entertainment, motivation, and inspiration.

Below are some informative topics related to sports.

What are the mental health benefits of sports?
How do you join a club sport in college?
Why is watching sports bad for you?
What are the advantages of participating in sports during college?
Why is team bonding important in sports?
Is it good for athletes to endorse brands?
Things that make a vehicle legal for roads
Is chess recognized as a sport?
What are the benefits of physical exercise?
Why should hunting not be considered a sport?

Public Speaking Informative Speech Topics

A good informative speech can be the difference between captivating an audience and leaving them uninterested.

Below are some ideas for informative speech topics that can help you engage your audience.

Theories behind the mysterious Bermuda Triangle
Fast growing careers in 2021
What are the best ways to study for a test?
Negative effects of fast food on your body
Equality and human rights
What is the impact of politics on society?
Why is it not okay to discriminate?
Investing in the stock market
Fashion styles at parties and ceremonies
How to improve your communication skills?

Fun Informative Speech Topics

Check out some fun informative speech ideas to get you started!

How long is it ok to live with your parents?
Which Star Trek movie is the best?
Ripped jeans: yay or nay?
Ten ways to make yourself smarter
Health benefits of eating chocolate
The most dangerous organism in the world is a silent woman
Things you can do to improve your financial situation
Is there any truth to Zodiac signs?
Men should not wear skinny jeans
Artificial intelligence will make you smarter and lazier

Good Informative Speech Topics About Technology

Technology has revolutionized the way we live, work, and communicate - making it an important subject to explore.

Here are some good informative speech topics about technology to consider for your next presentation.

The pros and cons of social media
The negative effects of using smartphones
Importance of learning programming languages
Cybersecurity threats to college students
Difference between robotics and artificial intelligence
Technology has destroyed human interaction
Top 20 internet safety rules
The impact of technology on literature
The most recent astronomical technology
How to prevent computer viruses?

Persuasive and Informative Speech Topics About Animals

Animals play a vital role in our lives. The speeches about animals can provide an interesting way to learn more about them. Here are a few sample topics for you to get started!

Cats are better than dogs
How to care for Hermit Crabs?
Ten animals that make great pets
What exotic animals make the best pet?
How to train your dog?
Are animals happy in zoos?
Five things you don’t know about penguins
Why should animal fur be banned?
Animal fighting is illegal
How do animals survive in cold weather?

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Unique Informative Speech Topics About Music

Music has an undeniable power to captivate and inspire people around the world. It can evoke a range of emotions, provide meaningful messages, and bring people together in amazing ways.

Following are some unique and informative speech topics about music:

Lack of originality in modern music and TV shows
Different types of marching bands
How is the french horn played?
The origin and history of rock music
Good music makes our life better
What makes Haitian music unique?
Positive effects of listening to electronic dance music
What are the elements of Jazz music?
Music should not be censored
Three most common reasons why music bands breakup

Business Informative Speech Topics

Below are some of the most interesting and thought-provoking business-related topics for a speech about business:

The most effective sales strategies
Multilevel marketing and its advantages
Asset management: definition and benefits
The benefits of studying accounting
The most common types of marketing strategies
Motivation affects work performance
Why do some businesses fail?
Why are introverts better at business than extroverts?
Why is market research important for a new business?
How to prevent financial fraud?

Health Informative Speech Topics

Health is an integral part of our lives and a key factor in maintaining overall wellness. Nowadays because of the pandemic and everything going on, health-related discussions are becoming increasingly important.

Here are some topic ideas for your speech!

How to protect yourself from Covid-19 infection and transmission.
The Rising Cost of Healthcare and its Impact on Accessibility
Mental Health Awareness: Breaking Stigma and Providing Support
The Effects of Poor Nutrition on Physical, Mental, and Emotional Well-being
The Benefits of Exercise for Reducing Stress and Enhancing Well-being
The Link between Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders
Vaccination: Understanding the Pros and Cons of Immunization
Integrative Medicine: Exploring Alternative Treatments for Chronic Illness
Healthy Aging: Promoting Quality of Life in Older Adults
The Impact of Climate Change on Human Health
The Dangers of Prescription Drug Abuse and Misuse.
The Rising Rates of Obesity: Causes, Consequences, and Prevention Strategies

Mental Health Informative Speech Topics

Mental health is an important issue that affects people around the world. A sound mind is just as important as a sound body, and it is essential to take care of both.

Below are some informative speech topics about mental health:

What is the role of the CDC when it comes to mental health?
Do parents with mental health illnesses pass it on to their children?
What are the long-term effects of mental health illnesses?
What are the benefits of mindfulness?
What is the Alice in Wonderland Syndrome?
Is there a natural way to cure mental illnesses such as depression?
Comparison of countries with the most and the least cases of mental illnesses.
How effective is an exercise for depression and anxiety?
History of antidepressants.
Role of diet in mental health illnesses.

Medical Informative Speech Topics

Medical science continues to be one of the most important, yet complex fields of all time.

Here are some informative speech topics related to medicine and medical science.

5 surprising facts about Cellulitis
The disadvantages of being color blind
Basic principles of health care ethics
The importance of organ donation
What are the risks of acupuncture?
Arguments for stem cell research
What is the epidemiology of influenza?
Main techniques of genetic engineering
Difference between short-sightedness and long-sightedness
The benefits of ozone therapy

Informative Speech Topics About Science

Science is a continuously expanding domain. There are many subjects to investigate when it comes to educating people about the most recent scientific advances.

Check out these informative speech topics about science that you can use for your next presentation.

The Popularity of Science in Pop Culture
Exploring the Role of Technology in Advancing Scientific Research
Deciphering the Mysteries Behind Space Exploration
Examining the Benefits of Alternative Medicine
Understanding the Human Genome Project
Analyzing Global Infectious Diseases and Their Impact on Humanity
Exploring the Wonders of Renewable Energy Sources
Investigating the Wonders of Nanotechnology
Examining the Impact of Biotechnology on Society
Exploring the Impacts of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
Investigating the Role of Robotics in Modern Science
Understanding Animal Research and Its Benefits to Humans

Cultural Informative Essay Topic Speech

The cultural landscape of our world is vast and ever-changing, making it an endlessly fascinating subject to explore.

Have a look at a few cultural informative essay topics!

The Role of Religion in Different Cultures
Language Diversity Around the Globe
Exploring Cultural Cuisine from Around the World
How Gender Roles Vary Across Cultures
Musical Traditions from Around the World
Analyzing Social Structures In Various Countries
Common Beliefs and Values Across Cultures
Historical Context of Cultural Art Forms
Exploring the Impact of Colonisation on Cultures
Examining Cultural Interactions between Regions
Investigating the Dynamics of Globalization
Understanding Cultural Taboos Around the World

Environment Informative Speech Topics

Environmental protection is essential for the sustainability of life on Earth. We must all take responsibility to ensure our planet remains healthy and safe for generations to come.

Here are some of the important topics related to the environment:

How is climate change affecting our planet?
The effects of plastic pollution on the environment-The importance of recycling
How to reduce your carbon footprint?
What can we do to help preserve endangered animals and their habitats?
What causes smog and how can we prevent it?
How does acid rain affect the environment?
How to conserve water?
The dangers of fracking and its impact on the environment
What is the ozone layer and why is it important?
What are greenhouse gases and what effect do they have on the environment?

Education Informative Speech Topics

Education is an essential part of our lives; it shapes us into the individuals we become. Through education, we acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to lead meaningful and productive lives.

How to pick the right college for you?
The difference between private and public schools
The importance of early childhood education
Special education: what it is and how it can help students
Bullying in schools and what can be done about it
How to pay for college without going broke?
Choosing the right major for you
What you should know about student loans?
The pros and cons of study abroad programs
How to succeed in college (academically and socially)?

Society Informative Speech Topics

The effects of social media on society
The impact of technology on society
The rise of obesity in developed countries
The problem of child labor in developing countries
The increasing number of refugees and migrants around the world
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East
The global financial crisis and its impact on different economies
The increasing number of natural disasters around the world
The threat of global warming and climate change
The problem of illegal immigration in developed countries

Controversial Informative Speech Topics

These thought-provoking informative speech topics will keep your audience engaged, and eager to learn more.

The benefits of nuclear energy
The pros and cons of the death penalty
The efficacy of gun control measures
The impact of climate change on the environment
The dangers of genetically modified food
The use of animals in scientific testing
The benefits of medical marijuana
The dangers of texting while driving
The pros and cons of abortion
The impact of social media on our lives

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Economy and Finance Informative Speech Topics

Here are some informative speech topics related to economy and finance:

How does the stock market work?
The history of money and how it has evolved
How do central banks work?
What is inflation and how does it happen?
What is deflation and what causes it?
How are interest rates determined?
What are bonds and how do they work?
What is the difference between stocks and bonds?
What are mutual funds and how do they operate?
The role of credit in our lives and how to use credit wisely?

Family Informative Speech Topics

Below are some topic ideas for you related to family informative speech:

The Importance of Family Bonding
The Different Types of Families
The Role of grandparents in a family
The Benefits of a Large Family
The Disadvantages of Being an Only Child
The Struggles of Being a Single Parent
Adoption: Why It’s a Good Option
The Pros and Cons of Homeschooling
The Different Stages of Parenting
How to Choose the Right Spouse?

Politics Informative Speech Topics

Let's take a look at some informative speech topics related to politics.

The role of the media in politics
The relationship between politics and religion
The impact of globalization on politics
The rise of populism in developed countries
The role of social media in politics
The changing nature of political parties
The impact of economic inequality on politics
The role of interest groups in politics
The challenges of governing a multicultural society
The future of democracy

Law and Justice Informative Speech Topics

Check out these informative speech topics related to law and justice system:

The Role of the Supreme Court in Protecting Civil Rights
Exploring the Different Legal Systems from Around the World
An Overview of Criminal Law in the US
Understanding Juvenile Justice Practices
Examining Challenges Facing Access to Justice for All People
Exploring How Technology Is Changing the Legal System
Analyzing the Impact of International Law on Domestic Courts
Investigating Recent Trends in Immigration Law
Understanding the Differences between Civil and Criminal Cases
Examining the Social, Political and Economic Impacts of Environmental Laws

Literature and History Informative Speech Topics

Discovering the past through literature and history can be an enlightening experience. It sheds light on cultures and events that have shaped our world today.

Let's explore some of the fascinating topics in literature and history!

How the Iliad and Odyssey reflect life in Ancient Greece
The influence of Ancient Greek culture on Modern day society
Homer's Odyssey as an epic poem
What life was like for a gladiator in Ancient Rome
Sparta: A history of the city-state
The stories and myths of Ancient Egypt
The fall of the Roman Empire: A timeline
The history and legacy of the Viking peoples
Joan of Arc: A heroine of the Hundred Years' War
Life in Medieval Europe: A glimpse into the past

Discover the key to a successful informative speech with this comprehensive guide on creating an impactful informative speech outline !

Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing An Informative Speech Topic

When selecting an informative speech topic, it's essential to be aware of common mistakes that can lead to choosing the wrong subject. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

Select a topic that remains engaging and intriguing.
Focus on conveying main concepts and ideas, avoiding excessive information.
Stay on track with your chosen topic and avoid shifting subjects.
Consider the interests and background knowledge of your listeners.
Make your speech captivating with anecdotes, humor, and relatable examples.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can choose just the right informative speech topic.

In conclusion , informative speeches are an excellent way for people to learn about a topic in a fun and interesting way. Choosing the right topic is key to making sure that your speech is successful.

With our tips and an extensive list of 100+ informative speech topics, you have a variety of interesting topics to pick from. So go ahead, choose the right topic, and start writing!

If you need help with creating a speech, consider contacting a professional writing service such as MyPerfectPaper.net.

MyPerfectPaper.net provides online paper writing help to students who want to achieve academic success.

We have a team of experienced speech writers who take pride in their work and are dedicated to providing well-researched and well-written speeches.

Just place your speech request and let our professionals handle your speech!

If you are struggling to finish your paper on time or feel like you can't afford to hire our writing service, then we have you covered. Our free essay writer is a budget-friendly option. Try it out today for professional-grade essays without the cost!

Marketing, Literature

Cathy has been been working as an author on our platform for over five years now. She has a Masters degree in mass communication and is well-versed in the art of writing. Cathy is a professional who takes her work seriously and is widely appreciated by clients for her excellent writing skills.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

Everything you Need to Know About Informative Speech – Types, Writing Steps, & Example

Learn How to Create an Informative Speech Outline

List of Interesting Demonstration Speech Ideas & Topics

100+ Informative Speech Topics & Ideas for All Students

Post category: Uncategorized
Reading time: 30 mins read

As a student tasked with delivering an informative speech, finding the right topic can be a difficult first step. The challenge doesn’t just end with selecting a topic; it extends to researching, preparing, and effectively presenting it. We’ve got you covered.

Our selection of informative speech topics is filled with captivating and relevant ideas to keep your audience engaged while educating them. You can choose any of these topics as a starting point for an informative and memorable speech.

List of Informative Speech Topics for Students

When selecting informative speech topics for students, the aim is to find subjects that are educational, engaging, and relevant to their interests and experiences. Here are some diverse and thought-provoking informative topic ideas that college students can explore for their informative speeches:

Good Informative Speech Topics for Students

First Aid Basics and Their Importance
Cold and Flu: Symptoms and Prevention
Pediatric Nursing: Caring for Children
Mental Health Awareness in Adolescence
Essentials of Nutritional Health
The Science and Importance of Vaccines
Hygiene Practices to Prevent Illness
The Role of Sleep in Maintaining Health
Understanding and Managing Allergies
An Introduction to Human Anatomy
Special Considerations in Geriatric Nursing
Effective Stress Management Techniques
The Health Benefits of Regular Exercise
Ethical Considerations in Nursing
Managing and Understanding Diabetes
Fundamentals of Wound Care
Common Skin Conditions and Treatments
The Diverse Role of Nurses in Healthcare
Basics of Pain Management
Promoting Cardiovascular Health

Best Informative Speech Topics for College

Advanced First Aid and Crisis Management
In-depth Analysis of Mental Health Disorders
Pediatric Oncology: Challenges and Care
Lifestyle’s Impact on Chronic Diseases
Nutritional Therapy in Healthcare Settings
Vaccine Development and Effectiveness
Infection Control Techniques in Hospitals
Sleep Psychology and Related Disorders
Comprehensive Allergy Management
Detailed Study of Human Physiology
Geriatric Nursing and Age-Related Diseases
Advanced Stress and Anxiety Management
Exercise Physiology in Disease Prevention
Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing
In-depth Look at Diabetes and Endocrine Health
Advanced Techniques in Wound Healing
Dermatology from a Nursing Perspective
Leadership and Management in Nursing
Comprehensive Approaches to Pain Management
Cardiac Care and Rehabilitation Techniques

Easy Informative Speech Topics

Basic First Aid Techniques Everyone Should Know
The Importance of Hand Hygiene in Preventing Infections
Understanding Common Cold: Symptoms and Treatment
Introduction to Healthy Eating and Nutrition
Basic Steps for Blood Pressure Monitoring
Sleep Hygiene: Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep
Stress Management: Simple Relaxation Techniques
Basics of Diabetes: Types and Management
Understanding and Preventing Seasonal Allergies
Basic Wound Care: Do’s and Don’ts
The Role of Vaccinations in Public Health
The Impact of Smoking on Health
Introduction to Mental Health and Well-being
Basic Skin Care and Sun Protection
The Importance of Regular Exercise
Understanding Asthma: Basics and Management
Principles of Healthy Weight Management
Dehydration: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
Introduction to Geriatric Health Issues
Pediatric Health: Common Childhood Illnesses

Short Informative Speech Topics

Handwashing: The Best Way to Prevent Germs
Quick Tips for a Healthy Heart
Introduction to CPR: Basic Steps
The Dangers of Antibiotic Resistance
Understanding Migraines and Headache Management
Basic Nutrition: Vitamins and Minerals Essentials
The Significance of Breast Cancer Awareness
Recognizing and Responding to a Stroke
Basic Eye Care and Common Eye Problems
Importance of Vaccines in Disease Prevention
Ear Health and Preventing Hearing Loss
Simple Techniques for Anxiety Relief
Oral Hygiene and Dental Health Basics
Foot Care for Diabetics
Dealing with Common Digestive Disorders
Bone Health: Preventing Osteoporosis
Overview of Common Respiratory Diseases
Basic Understanding of Arthritis
Skin Cancer Awareness and Prevention
Basics of Maternal and Child Health

Interesting/ Fun Informative Speech Topics

The Evolution of Nursing Throughout History
Fascinating Medical Discoveries and Innovations
The Role of Pets and Animals in Healing
Bizarre but True: Unusual Medical Conditions
Medical Miracles: Remarkable Recovery Stories
How Laughter Benefits Physical Health
Exploring the Power of the Placebo Effect
Myths and Facts About the Human Brain
Pioneering Women in the Field of Nursing
The Science Behind Love and Its Health Benefits
Unique Traditional Healing Practices Around the World
The Future of Telemedicine and Virtual Healthcare
The Psychology of Pain: Perception vs. Reality
The Weird World of Rare Genetic Conditions
How Music Therapy Enhances Health and Well-being
The History and Significance of World Health Day
Famous Medical Experiments in History
The Impact of Space Travel on Human Health
The Influence of Social Media on Health Trends
Nursing in War: Stories from the Frontline

Unique Informative Speech Topics

The Link Between Climate Change and Public Health
The Future of Genetic Engineering in Medicine
Exploring the World of Rare Diseases
Nursing Practices in Different Cultures
Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
The Psychology of Color in Healing Environments
The Impact of Globalization on Healthcare
Revolutionary Medical Treatments Under Development
The Ethical Dilemmas of Modern Medicine
The Role of Nutrition in Chronic Disease Management
Virtual Reality and its Application in Healthcare
The Evolution of Surgical Techniques
The Role of Nurses in Disaster Response
Breakthroughs in Brain-Computer Interfaces
The Connection Between Art and Healing
The Growing Field of Gerontechnology
The Science of Sleep Disorders
The Challenges of Healthcare in Remote Areas
The Effects of Social Isolation on Mental Health
The Role of Robotics in Modern Surgery

Informative Speech Topics – 2024 Ideas

The Role of Nursing in Global Health Initiatives
Advances in Stem Cell Research and Therapy
The Future of Personalized Medicine
The Ethics of Assisted Reproductive Technologies
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Patient Care
The Growing Trend of Plant-Based Diets and Health
The Use of Big Data in Healthcare
The Challenges of Providing Healthcare in Conflict Zones
The Role of Mental Health First Aid
The Impact of Climate Change on Infectious Diseases
Innovations in Wound Care and Healing
The Future of Nursing Education
The Role of Nurses in Palliative and End-of-Life Care
The Effects of Pollution on Respiratory Health
The Importance of Global Vaccine Equity
The Challenges of Rural Healthcare Delivery
Emerging Trends in Healthcare Technology
The Psychology Behind Chronic Pain Management
The Importance of Cultural Competence in Nursing
The Growing Field of Nursing Informatics

Creative Informative Speech Topics

The Art and Science of Nursing
The Role of Storytelling in Patient Care
Innovative Approaches to Patient Education
The Impact of Urban Design on Public Health
The Intersection of Fashion and Medical Wearables
Creative Therapies in Mental Health Care
The Use of Gamification in Health Education
The Role of Nurses in Health Policy Development
Exploring the World of Holistic Nursing
The Future of 3D Printing in Medicine
The Importance of Empathy in Healthcare
The Use of Augmented Reality in Surgical Training
The Role of Nutrition in Cancer Prevention
Innovations in Home Health Care Technology
The History and Future of Epidemics and Pandemics
The Role of Nurses in Climate Change Advocacy
The Use of Social Media in Health Awareness Campaigns
The Evolution of Maternal and Neonatal Care
Exploring the Benefits of Alternative Medicine
The Role of Nurses in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

What Is An Informative Speech?

An informative speech is a type of speech that aims to educate the audience on a specific topic, providing them with facts, insights, and information in a clear and understandable manner. Its main objective is to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the listeners about the subject being discussed.

What are the 4 Types of Informative Speeches?

Informative speeches are a cornerstone of effective communication, especially in educational and professional settings. They serve the crucial purpose of educating and enlightening audiences on various topics. Broadly categorized, there are four distinct types of informative speeches, each serving a unique role in conveying information.

The four types of informative speeches are:

Descriptive Speeches: These speeches aim to provide a detailed, vivid, and clear picture of a person, place, object, or event. The goal is to make the audience feel as if they are familiar with the subject through the use of descriptive language.

Explanatory Speeches: These focus on explaining a concept, idea, or phenomenon. The objective is to clarify the subject matter and help the audience understand it better, often involving the breaking down of complex ideas into simpler parts.

Demonstrative Speeches: These speeches are about showing or demonstrating how to do something. They are often accompanied by visual aids and step-by-step instructions, making them particularly useful for teaching processes or procedures.

Definition Speeches: This type involves explaining the meaning, context, or background of a specific term, concept, or issue. It’s about providing a clear and precise definition that enhances the audience’s understanding of a subject that might be abstract or complex.

Choosing Informative Speech Ideas

When writing an informative speech, one of the most critical steps is selecting a compelling and appropriate topic. Choose an informative speech topic that is interesting and can captivate your audience and ensure your message is conveyed and understood. Here’s how to choose a topic using the Five W’s – Who, What, When, Where, and Why – approach:

Who: Consider your audience. Who are they? What are their interests, age group, and educational background? Selecting an interesting topic that resonates with the specific demographics of your audience will make your speech more impactful.

What: Determine the subject of your information speech. What topic do you want to address? Ensure it’s informative, interesting, and something you’re passionate about. The ‘what’ should also align with the purpose of your speech – are you aiming to educate, explain, demonstrate, or define?

When: Timing can be crucial. When is the best time to talk about these essay topics? Choose a subject that is timely and relevant. For instance, discussing technological advancements would be more engaging if aligned with recent breakthroughs.

Where: The setting or context where your professional speech will be delivered can influence your choice. Where will you be speaking? In a classroom, a business meeting, or a community event? The environment and occasion can dictate the appropriateness and tone of your topic.

Why: Finally, consider why this topic is essential. Why should your audience care about it? The ‘why’ is crucial for creating a compelling speech that informs and connects with the audience on a deeper level.

How to Write a Killer Informative Speech

Writing a good informative speech involves several key steps, each designed to ensure that your speech is engaging, informative, and memorable. Here’s a guide to help you craft an effective informative speech:

Choose a Topic

When selecting a topic for an informative speech essay, choose one that aligns with your interests and expertise, ensuring a passionate and knowledgeable presentation that resonates with your audience. The topic should be engaging, offering new insights or a deeper understanding of a subject, and appropriately scoped to be thoroughly covered within the time allotted for your speech. This balance ensures that your speech is informative, interesting, relevant, and impactful to those listening.

Understand Your Audience

Understanding your audience is a crucial aspect of preparing an informative speech. This involves analyzing their interests, background knowledge, and expectations to tailor your presentation for maximum engagement and relevance. For instance, a speech aimed at industry professionals should differ in complexity and terminology compared to one intended for high school students.

Knowing the audience’s baseline understanding of the topic helps avoid oversimplification or excessive complexity. Additionally, understanding their interests can guide you in choosing which aspects of the topic to emphasize, making the speech more appealing and relatable. A well-tailored speech, cognizant of its audience, delivers information effectively and ensures that the audience remains engaged and interested throughout the presentation.

Gather Evidence and Facts From Credible Scholarly Sources

Gathering evidence and facts from credible scholarly sources is fundamental in preparing an informative speech. This process involves extensive research to ensure the information you present is accurate, current, and authoritative. Utilizing sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable online databases adds depth and credibility to your speech. It’s important to critically evaluate these sources for their reliability and relevance to your topic.

Incorporating well-researched facts and evidence strengthens your arguments and enhances your speech’s overall quality. It demonstrates to your audience that you thoroughly understand the subject and are committed to providing them with trustworthy and informative information. This careful attention to source selection and fact verification is key to delivering a speech that is engaging and intellectually robust.

Deconstruct the Topic to Select the Best Ideas

Deconstructing the topic involves brainstorming and breaking down the overarching subject into its constituent components or key ideas. By identifying these core elements, you can structure your speech in a logical and organized manner.

This ensures you cover all relevant aspects of the topic and enables you to prioritize and emphasize the most significant and compelling ideas. Through this deconstruction and selection process, you can create a clear, focused, and engaging speech, providing your audience with a well-structured and informative presentation.

Write a Thesis Statement for Your Informative Speech

A thesis statement serves as the compass that guides the entire public speaking presentation. It encapsulates the main message you aim to convey and provides a roadmap for both you as the speaker and your audience.

A well-constructed thesis statement should state the topic and indicate the specific angle, perspective, or key points you plan to cover. It’s the nucleus around your informative essay speech, ensuring your content remains focused and relevant. Moreover, a strong thesis statement provides your audience with a clear understanding of what to expect, enhancing their comprehension and engagement throughout your speech.

Inform Rather Than Persuade the Audience

Here, the primary objective is to inform and educate the audience rather than to persuade or convince them. This key distinction underlines the importance of objectively presenting facts, data, and information without bias or attempting to sway opinions. The aim is to give the audience a well-rounded understanding of the topic, enabling them to form opinions and make informed decisions.

While persuasive speeches focus on advocating for a particular viewpoint, informative speeches prioritize clarity, objectivity, and the dissemination of knowledge. By adhering to this principle of informing rather than persuading, speakers can build trust with their audience and ensure that their message is received as credible and unbiased.

Write the First Draft of Your Speech

Here, you transform your research, unique ideas, and thesis statement into a cohesive and structured narrative. Focusing on getting your ideas down on paper without being overly concerned about perfection is important. Start with a strong introduction that grabs the audience’s attention and presents your thesis statement. In the body of the speech, present your key points or ideas logically, providing supporting evidence and examples.

Finally, craft a conclusion summarizing the main points and leaving a lasting impression. While the first draft may be rough around the edges, it serves as the foundation for refining and improving your speech in subsequent revisions. It’s a critical step in turning your knowledge and insights into an informative and engaging presentation.

Start Writing Your Essay with Power Words

Power words can include compelling statistics, vivid anecdotes, thought-provoking questions, or impactful quotations. The goal is to grab your audience’s attention immediately, piquing their curiosity and drawing them into your speech. They set the tone for your presentation and create an initial impression that can linger throughout the speech.

They also serve as hooks, enticing the audience to listen attentively and setting the stage for the valuable information you are about to impart. Starting your speech with such impactful words creates an engaging opening that sets the tone for the rest of your presentation.

Develop the Body of the Speech

The body of your informative speech is where you delve into the core content, presenting your key points, supporting evidence, and explanations. Each key point should be organized logically, and transitions between them should be smooth to maintain the flow of your speech. To ensure clarity, providing examples, statistics, and relevant facts that bolster your main ideas is essential. Visual aids, if applicable, can enhance comprehension and engagement.

Remember to maintain an objective and informative tone, steering clear of persuasion or bias. By developing the body of your speech with a clear structure and comprehensive content, you enable your audience to follow along easily and gain a deep understanding of the topic. This is where the substance of your speech lies, and a well-structured body ensures that your informative message is effectively conveyed to your audience.

End Your Informative Speech with a Bang

Concluding your informative speech with impact is essential to leave a lasting impression on your audience. This closing section is where you summarize your main points, reinforcing the key takeaways for your listeners. It’s also an opportunity to make a final statement or leave the audience with something to ponder.

An effective conclusion can involve a powerful quote, a thought-provoking question, or a call to action, depending on the nature of your speech. By ending your speech with a “bang,” you ensure that your audience departs with a clear understanding of the topic and a sense of closure, making your presentation memorable and impactful.

Proofread and Edit, Then Present

Proofreading and editing your informative speech is the final critical step before the presentation. Carefully review your speech for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy. Check for any factual inaccuracies or inconsistencies in your content. Ensure that your speech flows smoothly, with logical transitions between ideas. Pay attention to your pacing and tone to ensure a natural and engaging delivery.

If using visual aids, ensure they are well-prepared and integrated seamlessly into your presentation. You must practice your speech multiple times to refine your delivery and become comfortable with the content. Effective proofreading and editing, followed by diligent rehearsal, contribute to a polished and confident presentation that will effectively inform and engage your audience.

Bottom Line

Selecting topics for an informative speech requires thoughtful consideration to ensure the audience is engaged, informed, and enlightened. The key is to choose subjects that are not only interesting and relevant but also rich in content, allowing for a deep dive into facts, data, and insights. A compelling informative speech topic should entertain and cater to the audience’s interests and knowledge level while offering new perspectives or information.

Balancing complexity with clarity is crucial, ensuring the topic is neither too esoteric nor overly simplistic. Whether the speech aims to educate, raise awareness, or provide a fresh outlook on a familiar subject, the topic should spark curiosity and invite further exploration. Ultimately, the success of an informative speech lies in its ability to convey knowledge in a compelling and accessible manner.

Health policy and the future of health services delivery, dorothy johnson nursing theory discussion – 400 words, nursing discussion board question 0.

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

126 Good Informative Speech Topics – 2024

June 23, 2024

What is an informative speech? You may be asking this question if you find yourself needing to give one for a class or extracurricular. Unlike a persuasive speech , which is designed to convince an audience of something, or a debate , which can be polemic by nature, an informative speech is meant to educate its listeners on a topic, elucidate an unclear idea, or simply help an audience delve more deeply into a subject. In other words, while informative speeches can persuade or argue, they don’t have to. In this article, we’ll highlight a few tips on how to choose good informative speech topics, and then provide a list of 126 informative speech ideas to get you brainstorming for your next big speech!

How to Choose Informative Speech Topics

Your choice of informative speech topic will depend greatly upon the task at hand: is this speech for a class? A passion project ? A campus rally? A professional development conference? Recruiting for a particular major, club, or community service organization? A high school speech competition? Once you know the purpose and parameters of your speech, it will be easier to select an informative speech topic that is an appropriate subject and size. Additionally, it’s important to consider your audience, expertise, scope, research, and tone before you delve into your writing.

Knowing your target audience is key to creating reciprocity, or the necessary give and take between speaker and listener that creates communication and understanding. Speakers who know their audiences are better able to shape their speeches to be well-received. [i] Imagine, for example, you’re giving an informative speech on “Jane Austen’s narrators.” You must ask yourself: are you giving your speech to a panel of scholars, to educated adult non-experts, or to grade school-aged children? If your audience will be comprised of literature professors, your speech should provide fairly advanced and in-depth knowledge and should be filled with the latest developments in professional literary criticism. If your audience is made up of grade school-aged children, you’ll want to start with the basics, like who was Jane Austen? And what, exactly, is a narrator?

As you give your informative speech, you’ll want to think about not only your audience’s level of expertise in your speech topic, but also your own (and it’s okay if you’re a novice in the subject!). [ii] An informative speech often includes or takes into consideration a synthesis of preexisting scholarship in a field or information around a topic. While you don’t need to apprise your audience of an entire body of research before you begin delivering your speech, you do want to have a working knowledge of the preexisting conversation around your informative speech topic. [iii] This will inform the level of research you’ll need to perform before you begin writing your speech.

In terms of selecting research sources, it’s good to remember the three P’s: peer-reviewed , published , and prestigious . A peer-reviewed source is one that has been evaluated by a group of experts in the field of the writer. It has undergone the most stringent editing and fact-checking and, when first published, is the most up-to-date information in a field. A published source is one that has also usually undergone some editing before publication – though you’ll want to be wary of self-published sources and online publications (these usually don’t receive the same kind of scrutiny as printed texts).

Finally, it’s certainly okay to use online sources, but you want to make sure they are coming from a prestigious or at least well-known source like a national newspaper or even an established commercial website. A good tip for assessing a source’s quality is to check: does this source cite any outside resources in a works cited or in footnotes?

You want to be sure that you are able to cover a topic thoroughly, given the time and resources allotted. For example, if you have five minutes to give an informative speech to your psychology 101 classmates, you could choose a general topic like, “Why was Sigmund Freud important to psychology?” If you have an hour to give an informative speech at a professional psychology conference, you might provide a detailed account of Sigmund Freud’s most important contributions to a particular branch of modern psychology and explain its current significance to the field, including recent developments in research and clinical practice.

Finally, something crucial to consider is the emotional register of your speech. Is the subject matter something serious like an illness or climate change? Or is it a politically charged topic like immigration or gun control? Is it light, like “how to make pizza dough” or “the invention of the roller coaster?” Or is it merely intriguing or educating like, “personality typing and psychology,” “owning a poodle,” or “Ben Franklin’s top five aphorisms?” Gauging the emotional involvement of your audience will help you choose an appropriate informative speech topic for the project at hand and will ultimately let you craft a more effective speech.

The 126 informative speech ideas below run the gamut from broad to very specific and can all serve as starting points as you brainstorm what you’d like to give a speech on. Good luck!

Health & Medicine Informative Speech Topics

1) Ideas on curbing the spread of future global pandemics.

2) What is the endocrine system?

3) What is a physician’s assistant?

4) The importance of blood donation.

5) Disparities in healthcare between different demographic groups.

6) How did Marie Curie contribute to the medical field?

7) What is the role of nurses in primary care settings?

8) What subspecialties are there in women’s health?

9) What recent developments have been made in knee replacement surgery techniques?

Good Informative Speech Topics/Informative Speech Ideas (Continued)

10) What is Traditional Chinese Medicine?

11) Telehealth and patient outcomes in recent years.

12) How to MRI machines work?

13) Comparing healthcare systems in different countries.

14) The five most important cancer research innovations in the past five years.

15) What is a plague?

16) How does social media affect mental health?

17) What is the World Health Organization?

18) What are the differences between a midwife and an obstetrician?

STEM Informative Speech Topics

19) What are some important differences between commercial and government-sponsored space flight programs?

20) How do rollercoasters work?

21) The relationship between AI and defense.

22) How are robots used in surgeries?

23) How do you solve a quadratic equation?

24) Why are information systems an important part of modern marketing?

25) What recent innovations have been made in the field of machine learning algorithms?

26) How has cloud computing changed in the past five years?

27) What is the role of engineers in mining and extraction?

28) What is a black hole?

29) What is internal combustion?

30) How self-driving cars work.

31) What are some differences between aeronautical and aerospace engineers?

32) What is Euclidian geometry?

33) How is probability be used in sport management?

34) Why are we running out of helium?

35) What is the relationship between cybersecurity and national politics?

36) The most important uses of 3D printing?

Arts & Humanities Informative Speech Topics

37) What are the most likely interpretations of Hamlet’s “To be or not to be?” speech ?

38) What was the Dadaism movement?

39) Why is the Mona Lisa so popular?

40) The differences between highbrow, lowbrow, and commercial cultural production.

41) What are the major tenets of postmodernism?

42) The influences of Alfred Hitchcock on modern cinema.

43) What is the difference between “performance” and “performativity?”

44) What are the differences between an early novel and a romance?

45) Recent developments in literature and ecocriticism.

46) What is the debate on the Elgin Marbles?

47) In what ways was fashion an important element of the Belle Epoch era?

48) The top five most influential texts in speculative fiction.

49) What is pop art?

50) Who was Andy Warhol?

51) What is The Iliad ?

52) Postcolonial studies as an academic field.

53) The history of the Louvre museum.

54) Jane Austen’s narrators and free indirect discourse.

Psychology and Sociology Informative Speech Topics

55) What is the Enneagram and how is it used in therapeutic settings?

56) How did Pierre Bourdieu define “fields?”

57) What is the Panopticon?

58) What is intersectionality?

59) The role of psychologists in school settings.

60) How is behavior psychology related to consumerism and marketing?

61) What is gentrification?

62) The role of the pharmaceutical industry in psychiatric treatment.

63) Who was Sigmund Freud and why is he important?

64) What is the difference between clinical and research psychology?

65) What is the relationship between social media and mental health?

66) What is neuropsychology?

67) What is an ethnographic study?

68) How did Habermas define the public sphere?

69) What is multiple personality disorder?

70) What is are the “gaze” and the “mirror stage,” according to Lacan?

71) Describe the prisoner’s dilemma.

72) What is Maslow’s hierarchy of needs?

Nature and Environment Informative Speech Topics

73) What are some pros and cons of wind farming?

74) Why are microbiomes important for health?

75) What is an axolotl?

76) Death Valley: the hottest place on Earth

77) What threats do spotted lanternflies pose?

78) What are the most significant climate change “points of no return?”

79) Water conservation strategies in the American West.

80) What is biodiversity?

81) How do dolphins communicate?

82) Why was Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring significant for the environmentalist movement?

83) How was the Santorini caldera created?

84) What are plate tectonics?

85) How and why tornadoes happen.

86) What is the El Niño phenomenon and why is it important?

87) Fungus and blue spruce disease in Northeast Ohio.

88) What measures are being taken to curb deforestation in the Amazon?

89) How is the Galapagos ecosystem preserved today?

90) Floridian ecosystems and the Red Tide.

Business, Marketing, Finance and Economy

91) The role of sports merchandising in U.S. women’s Olympic events.

92) Subprime mortgages and the housing market crash of 2008.

93) What are the eight best steps you can take to better your personal finances?

94) Which social media platforms are most lucrative for marketing to each current online generation?

95) What is inflation?

96) What is the relationship between politics and the unemployment rate?

97) What is market saturation?

98) How do we measure the GDP of emergent nations?

99) What developments to we expect to see in the industry competition between EVs and regular automobiles?

100) What is an index fund? What is a mutual fund?

101) Bond holdings late in retirement.

102) The role of social justice in branding.

103) How does search engine optimization work for marketing?

104) Is the influencer economy a bubble?

105) Describe the differences between a CFA and a CPA.

106) What developments have we seen in start-up economies in the past five years?

107) What is embezzlement?

108) What is the history of human resource departments?

History and Travel

109) The religious persuasions of each of Henry VIII’s wives .

110) How the aqueduct system worked in ancient Rome

111) What are the tallest buildings in the world?

112) What was the Black Death?

113) The Watergate Scandal.

114) In what ways was the printing press an important invention?

115) What is the Chernobyl site like today?

116) What was the relationship between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla?

117) Why was the Great Wall of China built?

118) Who were medieval anchorites?

119) The political significance of whistle-stop train tours.

120) What was the significance of the Second Boer War?

121) The Tennis Court Oath .

122) What are the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World?

123) Witch hunting in 1600s New England.

124) What was the Space Race?

125) Why are the bodies of Pompeiians preserved?

126) What is Machu Picchu?

Good Informative Speech Topics – Works Cited

[i] Lloyd-Hughes, Sarah. How to Be Brilliant at Public Speaking: Any Audience, Any Situation . Pearson Educated Limited, Edinburgh 2011.

[ii] Downs, Douglas and Elizabeth Wardle. “What Can a Novice Contribute? Undergraduate Researchers in First-Year Composition,” Undergraduate Research in English Studies (2010) pp. 173-90).

[iii] Graff, Gerard, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing . W.W. Norton & Company, New York, 2006.

Informative Speech Ideas – Additional Reading

149 Capstone Project Ideas and Examples
100 Best Political Science Research Topics
64 Social Issues Topics
High School Success

Jamie Smith

For the past decade, Jamie has taught writing and English literature at several universities, including Boston College, the University of Pittsburgh, and Carnegie Mellon University. She earned a Ph.D. in English from Carnegie Mellon, where she currently teaches courses and conducts research on composition, public writing, and British literature.

2-Year Colleges
ADHD/LD/Autism/Executive Functioning
Application Strategies
Best Colleges by Major
Best Colleges by State
Big Picture
Career & Personality Assessment
College Essay
College Search/Knowledge
College Success
Costs & Financial Aid
Data Visualizations
Dental School Admissions
Extracurricular Activities
Graduate School Admissions
High Schools
Homeschool Resources
Law School Admissions
Medical School Admissions
Navigating the Admissions Process
Online Learning
Outdoor Adventure
Private High School Spotlight
Research Programs
Summer Program Spotlight
Summer Programs
Teacher Tools
Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

A List of 272 Informative Speech Topics: Pick Only Awesome Ideas! [2024]

Just when you think you’re way past the question “How to write an essay?” another one comes. That’s the thing students desperately Google: “What is an informative speech?” And our custom writing  experts are here to help you sort this out.

Informative speaking is a speech on a completely new issue. Tell your audience something they never knew!

Now that you know what informative speaking is, check out our great informative essay topics list – here you’ll find plenty of great ideas and issues to talk about! For more variety, try using a topic picker , in case nothing on our list caught your attention.

And remember to check your speech draft for vocabulary and grammar mistakes.

🔝 Top 10 Topics
👨⚕️ Healthcare and Medicine
🎼 Topics about Music
🤔 Psychology & Mental Health
🖥️ Topics for Presentations
ℹ️ Other Informative Topics
📃 Thesis Statement Samples

🗣️ How to Choose an Informative Speech Topic

✏️ Frequent Questions

🔝 Top 10 Informative Speech Topics 2024

Foster care system in the US
Lunar New Year in different countries
Social media impact on trends
What are seasonal strategies?
Winter and Summer Olympics cost difference
Disadvantages of student loans
Carbon footprint of cryptocurrency
Difference between affirmation and meditation
Are beauty pageants exploitive?
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the tourism industry?

👨‍⚕️ Health Informative Speech Topics

The impact of sport on mental health
Technology contribution to healthcare
Benefits of healthy eating
Side effects of paracetamol
Can nasal spray be addictive?
Is herbal medicine efficient?
The importance of first aid
What are the risks of using pain relievers?
Can chronic diseases be cured?
How harmful are antibiotics?
Lifestyle diseases : learning to avoid unhealthy behaviors
Evidence-based medicine: achieving measurable outcomes with medical interventions
Medical trials: why vaccines take ten years to develop
How do natural medicines become drugs?
Antibiotics: what they can and cannot cure
Can pain medication do more harm than good?
Palliative care: when all medicine can do is relieve suffering
Explain the health issues that develop with age
Research how one’s immune system develops
Demonstrate the principles of personal and environmental hygiene
The variety of healthy lifestyle choices : it is time to take care of yourself
The connection between health and happiness : playing the “glad” game
Modern health care: new issues, approaches, and technologies
Mental hygiene: taking proper care of your brain
Healthy eating vs. eating disorders: what causes anorexia and bulimia and how to fight both
Healthy habits and how to acquire them: be careful what you eat
Healthy child development: new trends and theories
Germs: health risks related to the lack of hygiene. Discuss the most common adverse outcomes of poor sanitation and what disorders it can cause.
Natural remedies for cold and cough: safe for adults and children. Focus on common products used to treat cold: honey, herbal tea, chicken soup, etc.
Birth control: types of emergency contraception. Talk about various forms of emergency contraception and its influence on the reproductive system.
Practice daily kindness to improve your psychological well-being: developing a grateful approach toward others. Explain how gratefulness and acceptance build compassion and enhance our perception of the world.

Dehydration : the role of water in our lives. The speech will help the audience understand why fresh water is crucial for our health and emphasize the importance of staying well-hydrated.
Older adults and depression : symptoms, risks, and prevention. Discuss what symptoms (e.g., mood swings, irritation) indicate a potential depression and how they can be handled (through conversations, counseling, etc.).
Chronic neck and back pain : what actions should be taken and when you need to see your doctor. Consider using your speech to present different types of neck and back pain and prove that prolonged pain almost always requires professional treatment.
Heatstroke: first aid, potential risks, and outcomes. Elaborate why heatstrokes are dangerous and how they can affect movement and coordination if untreated.

You’ll find more essay ideas in our health-related topics list .

🎼 Informative Speech Topics about Music

Is music therapy effective for ASD?
The effect of classical music on the brain
How has music technology evolved?
How does music separate generations?
4 elements of musical theatre
Why does music affect our mood?
How does cultural context define a music genre?
Why do movies have background music?
Health benefits of playing musical instruments
The similarities in traditional music around the world
Assess the importance of music in cinema
From Strauss to nu-metal: tracing the unexpected origins of a genre
When music is not “musical”: talk about deliberately dissonant or chaotic works
In what ways does a song change when translated for a different culture?
Timeless classics: discuss how a composition can hold up for centuries
Discuss how the electric guitar evolved from lyre
How is a child’s development affected by listening to music or playing an instrument?
Discuss songs that function as political statements
Explore how a subculture can form around a musical genre
In what ways are songs and art in general affected by copyright laws?
Musical instruments and character peculiarities: melancholics prefer violins
The role of music in society : a means to spur creativity or calm people down?
Music therapy and its effects: another panacea for humankind
Music as a mixture of art and industry: 21 st century pop culture
Musical theater as the most unforgettable experience: something you never knew
The most notable person in music history : changing the world in a moment
Tendencies in musical genre development in the 21 st century
Musical expression: definition and the modern interpretation
The influence of music on infants’ psychological response. Center you discourse around the use of classical and modern music during pregnancy.
Everybody hurts: how listening to sad music can enhance mood. Present different examples from the media that illustrate why sad music is helpful to our well-being.
Music, musicians, and brain plasticity. Use recent research on brain plasticity to discuss why early musical training can be beneficial.
Music is not just entertainment but also a tool for empowerment. Discuss how punk and other genres became tools of self-expression for marginalized groups.

Prolonged exposure to music via earphones can cause tinnitus and other adverse effects : a speech topic for students. Using various examples, explain how earphones affect hearing acuity in adolescents and adults.
Getting scientific: what EEG tells us about our brains during music listening. Explain what EEG is and present research that uses it to study human perception of music .
Music for stroke or brain trauma rehabilitation. With the help of media and research, illustrate how music used in patients undergoing recovery after stroke.
Classics, pop, and metal: how different types of music affect our mood. Elaborate whether the stereotype about “angry metalheads” is true; don’t forget to discuss pop as a “girly genre” as well.

You can also check out our music essay topics list for more ideas.

🤔 Psychology & Mental Health Informative Speech Topics

Reliability of personality tests
How can one learn empathy?
The mechanisms of social cognition
Dreams as a way of self-discovery
The concept of persona and shadow
Observation as a mental process
Role of genetics in developing ADHD
The difference between stress and anxiety
Why is group therapy effective for depression?
Cultural differences of nonverbal communication
Discuss intrinsic vs. external motivation. What makes people do the things they do?
Why are some things harder to turn into a habit?
Present the factors affecting the development of one’s personality
Discuss the biological processes influencing one’s psyche
What makes some people resist even positive changes?
Describe how the first impression forms and what influences it
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): its causes and treatments
What makes it difficult to escape abusive relationships?
Do opposites really attract? What qualities do people find attractive in others?
How does positive stress (eustress) help people grow?
The Mandela effect: explore the phenomenon of several people misremembering objects or events
Review the qualities that make strong leaders. Are these qualities innate or acquired?
Explore the motivations behind pathological greed and hoarding disorders
Discuss the adverse effects of prolonged stress on one’s mental health
Determine the role of one’s appearance during a job interview
How does trust form between individuals? Why can it be difficult to regain once it’s been lost?
Discuss how phobias develop and we can treat and manage them
Examine the causes and effects of peer pressure. Argue whether it needs to be prevented.
Assess the effectiveness of group therapy programs
Explore the sunk cost fallacy. Why can people be irrational in choosing not to abandon failing plans or endeavors?
Systems that classify personality types . In this speech, you can explain the history of such theories ranging from the four humors to Myers-Briggs personality types. Elaborate on their strengths, weaknesses, and applicability.
Douglas McGregor’s theories of human motivation. Explain what they mean and how they have come to affect practical management. Argue their validity and applicability in different situations
Learned helplessness: a psychological effect common to victims of abuse. In this demonstrative speech, you can explain the nature of the phenomenon. How is it acquired? What means of treatment are available? Elaborate on how it can affect one’s life.
Explore the psychology of perfectionism. How can this motivation lead to adverse outcomes?
Why are mean people popular? What psychological factors draw people to those who offend and alienate others? Explore the possible evolutionary or biological reasons for this attraction.
Examine the techniques companies use to make people buy their products. Discuss how it reflects in shop environments, pricing, etc.
The phenomenon of an online persona. People tend to act in different ways when interacting in-person and online. Describe the psychological reasons for this discrepancy. Focus on how people can respond differently to similar behaviors. How can it lead to misunderstandings? How damaging can these misunderstandings be?
Emotional and rational decisions. In this speech, discuss how the two can lead to different choices in the same situation. Can we create conditions that encourage one or the other kind of decision? Elaborate on the ethical issues with such manipulation.
The psychology of attention. Present how objects capture and retain one’s attention. Elaborate on how this knowledge is used for manipulation.
How altruism affects one’s behavior. In this persuasive speech, explain how cultures encouraged or discouraged selflessness. Discuss the way animals can act altruistically. In conclusion, present how such actions shaped human history.

Don’t forget to check out our list of psychology and communication topics !

🖥️ Informative Presentation Topics

Cut-up technique in poetry
The Chinese tea ceremony
An easy mindfulness technique
Prevention of California wildfires
COVID restrictions around the world
Charter schools: controversies
Phosphates and water quality
Wonder Woman as a feminist icon
Light pollution in the US
The stages of a business cycle
Impressive buildings from antiquity to modern day
Ethics in robotics: self-driving vehicles and robots
Explore how elements of the military organization are applied in business
Discuss the social and economic consequences of automation
Health benefits of yoga and similar practices
Explain how you can be environmentally conscious in your day-to-day life
Present the current plans to create an undersea infrastructure. What benefits would this have? What challenges must be overcome?
Discuss the positive and negative effects of criminalizing an activity
Review the issues of working across national and cultural borders
The emerging space tourism industry and its perspectives
Speak about the healthy balance of diet and exercise
Explore the use of statistics and analysis in political decision-making
What are the challenges in translating or adapting poetry?
News neutrality: discuss the issues with biased or partisan reporting
Discuss why some countries choose to import foods instead of producing their own
Examine the dangers of exposing personal information online. What can you do to avoid it?
Explain the process of launching a vehicle to Earth’s orbit
How is water reclaimed and purified? Why is access to clean water so important?
What are the perspectives of augmented reality in learning applications?
Discuss the applications of remote-controlled technology in a field of your choice
Medical basics: pathogens. In this informative speech, explain the differences between the common types of pathogens. Focus on critical differences in diagnosis and treatment, as well as common misconceptions.
The Space Race. Speak about the competitive space exploration by the Soviet Union and the US in the mid-20th century. Elaborate on the major events and their political and scientific consequences. You can also demonstrate the technologies that found use in daily life.
The air we breathe. Discuss the composition of the air and the elements we need to live. Focus on the effects of pollutants and the breathing mixtures used by divers or astronauts.
The Christmas truce. In this speech, describe the Christmas truce of 1914, when World War I soldiers left their trenches to exchange greetings and celebrate the holiday with their enemies. Determine the cultural and political significance of this event.
Service animals. In what ways do animals, besides dogs, help people in various tasks? Discuss both current and historical use of animals. Elaborate on the training and selection, as well as the ethical aspects.
Public transit vs. personal transport. Compare and contrast these two options. Elaborate on the city planning techniques required to encourage one or the other option.
City beautification . What’s the role of parks, recreational areas, and monuments in city planning? Focus on their less apparent benefits. Argue for or against preserving natural green spaces within cities.
The space business. How do individual entrepreneurs turn space exploration into private businesses? Demonstrate the advances made by private space companies. Explain the main legal and ethical issues of private spaceflight.
Space debris. Assess the danger posed by debris left behind by previous space missions. Demonstrate the measures taken to reduce the accumulation of debris. What are the plans to reduce it in the future?
Green energy . Discuss the perspectives of environmentally-friendly sources of power. Focus on the current plans for implementing renewable energy sources.

An informative presentation is like a speech with visuals. That’s why it makes sense to choose topics that you can illustrate with graphs and pictures. You can find more ideas in our presentation topics list.

ℹ️ Informative Speech Topics: Other Ideas

Informative speech topics on food and nutrition.

In case you’re looking for essay topics and ideas concerning nutrition , there are plenty of wonderful speeches for you to choose:

Do superfoods live up to their name? Explore misconceptions about the new trend
Free, added, and natural sugars: what’s the difference?
Flavor enhancers: more than MSG. How do they affect nutrition?
What basic principles do you need to consider when choosing a diet?
Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins: what they are and what they do
What do we need vitamins and minerals for?
How do ethical food choices affect one’s body and the environment?
Explain how one should eat to be healthy
Discuss the importance of each daily meal, such as breakfast and dinner
Explore the nutritional basis behind a traditional cuisine of your choice
The most exotic food ever: a snapshot of world culture
Food additives , their effects, and threats: be careful what you eat
Food chains: mechanisms, efficiency, and revenue
Providing food security: learning what meals consist of
Food habits in different countries : learning the peculiarities of etiquette
Food and nutrition: differences and similarities
Food resources in impoverished countries: solving the problem
Steak vs. Salad: how we should reach balance in the daily food intake. Discuss the pros and cons of vegetarian dieting or too frequent consumption of meat.
Junk food: advantages, risks, and relation to obesity. Talk about the influence of junk food, soda drinks, and sweets on the epidemic of obesity in the USA .
How corporations shape our food preferences. Explain why branding and marketing are important for shaping our perception of food value.
Undereating and overeating: how children and adults acquire eating disorders and what needs to be done to overcome them. Using research, discuss the prevalence of bulimia and anorexia in different demographic groups.

Cereals and soda: our favorite food can directly contribute to unstoppable obesity epidemic. In this speech, you can focus on the current obesity epidemic in the USA and explain how junk food affects our food preferences and health.
Mediterranean diet : advantages and disadvantages . Prepare a short speech about the Mediterranean diet, its history, and research.
Going green : how climate change affects food supply and global hunger. During this speech, you should talk to your audience about food shortages and famine caused by natural disasters.
Food allergies: types, causes, and actions to prevent adverse effects. Indicate different types of food allergies and outline their outcomes on individual health.

By the way, you can easily turn these speech ideas into informative essay writing topics!

A List of Informative Speech Topics: Teaching and Education Issues

In case you’re looking for a couple of informative topics for a presentation on an educational issue, consider the following suggestions:

Standardization in education: are equal programs and guidelines for everyone worthwhile?
How do you make changing schools easier?
Inverted classroom methodology: can pre-recorded lectures improve education?
Enumerate the developmental milestones associated with early childhood
Discuss how making students engaged influences their learning outcomes
Learn a new language early: how does a child benefit from it?
Pursuing further education after college: benefits and drawbacks
Describe the pros and cons of self-education
Studying abroad: what do you gain from it?
Discuss what important subjects are omitted from a standard curriculum
Education in America vs. education in Europe: differences and similarities
What makes education important: in praise of literacy
Education and unemployment: the reasonability of studying
The difference between education and personality development
Education helps reach the career goals… and shapes them
Technological advances in promoting a better quality of education
Current issues in education and the means to solve them
Education for groups of ESL speakers: challenges and solutions
Education and poverty: how poverty influences children’s health, performance, and social skills. Using the examples of poor districts and communities, discuss the performance and mental illness of students from these areas.
Inclusive education: current breakthroughs and challenges . Elaborate on new inclusion techniques that help students with disabilities. Use the examples of the USA and Canada.
The use of project-based learning to improve student’s performance. Focus your speech on classroom projects and their ability to enhance social skills of students.
Common Core standards : a 5-minute speech about goals and objectives. Provide a short lecture about the most known CC standards and how local teachers achieve the goals presented there.

The Common Core State Standards Initiative.

Humorous education: how a good sense of humor can affect the learning environment. Using the examples from professional literature, make a short presentation about teachers who base their instructions and lessons on jokes and wit.
We are all different, but equal: diversity in education. Explain how students from different ethnic backgrounds affect others’ perception of their culture and what teachers can do to help them.
Online learning : a science topic about web-based education. Talk about online testing and the gamification of the learning experience.
Testing is not scary: standard and creative assessment methods for your class . Explain how testing should be modified to improve student’s performance and self-perception.

With these informative speech topics, you’ll always be on top!

Cultural Informative Speech Topics for Students

Culture is an exciting, multi-faceted concept that includes language, art, and customs. There’s so much to explore! Choose one of these interesting topics for your informative speech on culture:

The challenges of translating literature into different languages
Describe how culture has changed since the internet made it easier for individuals to contribute
How a culture develops in small groups, e.g., an office
Explore the customs of immigrant or expatriate communities
What things do different cultures interpret in opposite ways?
Discuss how a nation’s views on certain foods have changed through history
Speak about the role of pets or livestock in a culture of your choice
Online culture: does it qualify as a separate culture?
Explore the agricultural roots behind modern holidays
Collectivism vs. individualism : how do the civilizations centered on these values differ?
Discuss the hero’s journey phenomenon as described in J. Campbell’s book The Hero with a Thousand Faces
Explain the value of traveling to discover other cultures
Discuss the coincidental similarities found in otherwise unrelated cultures
Describe cases when a text is improved by translation
Demonstrate the interaction between informal speech and language in general
Transgressions: the cultural mechanism for controlling undesired behavior
The value of comedy, satire, or parody
Generational strife: how do individuals respond to culture changing around them?
Explore the role of dance in the world’s cultures
Cultural exchange. Discuss things that Americans could learn from other countries. Can you give examples of such exchanges happening in the past?
Science fiction : the new philosophy. Examine how this genre has evolved into discussing philosophical and ethical issues. Focus on writers such as Philip K. Dick and Isaac Asimov
Dystopian fiction and political critique. Explore how the dystopian genre critiques ideologies and political structures. Can such texts influence political discourse?
A heroic figure in history. How do heroes reflect and inform contemporary cultural ideals? Show examples of the hero changing as cultural values shift.
Modern heroes. Discuss how the contemporary age gave rise to new heroic figures. What values do real and fictional heroic figures embody?
Lost in adaptation. The same story can be presented in various visual ways. In this speech, discuss how it can change from its original inception to different adaptations. What traits are critical for a story to remain recognizable? Which of them are unique to adaptations in a particular format?
Culture and technology. Discuss how they influence and shape one another. How did technological innovations alter cultures? In what ways can cultural changes direct the development of new technology?
Superheroes as modern myths. In this speech, critically examine ancient mythical figures and pop culture’s superheroes . Compare them, noting the similarities and differences.
How do subcultures form? In this speech, explain the reasons behind the development of subcultures . Then, discuss how subcultures interact with the mainstream and influence it.
Culture and oppression. Research historical precedents where culture was shaped by attempts to suppress or curtail it. Did these changes originate from subversive texts or other works of art? How did it influence the dominant culture?
Culture of poverty . People living in poverty in developed countries have been noted to gravitate towards certain behaviors called “culture of poverty.” In this speech, discuss this phenomenon and suggest ways of counteracting it.

Informative Speech Topics: Fun and Easy

Do you want a light-hearted or entertaining topic for your informative speech? Then this section is for you!

How documentaries affect the perception of historical events
Explore the history of one sport of your choice
Discuss popular films that fictionalize or dramatize real-life events
Determine the psychological reasons why people are drawn to dangerous sports
Assess the appeal of grand competitions such as the Olympics
Present the graffiti preserved since AD 79. In what ways are they similar to modern graffiti?
What are the best unconventional ways of coping with stress? Review the methods ranging from shouting into a bag to gallows humor.
What effects do have social networks have on people’s relationships?
Discuss historical events and figures turned into folklore
Speak about the representation of mythical creatures in modern media
The history of cars and the recent developments in their construction
Outline the current advances in prosthetics technology. What do they enable people to do?
Discuss tricks used by marketers, such as prices ending in .99
Review computer programs that play chess and other games. How do they contribute to the research of artificial intelligence and algorithms?
Describe what makes a song catchy, memorable, and successful
Assess the challenges of constructing tall buildings
Rotoscoping: how did it influence the animation industry?
Discuss inventive ancient solutions to issues in designing buildings, e.g., ventilation
Present the concept and potential applications of general AI
The health benefits of hiking or traveling long distances by foot
From tragedy to comedy. Explore the subject of tone in writing or presentation. In this demonstrative speech, you can show how a minor change can turn a tragic scene into a comedic one.
Drinking around the world. Discuss the role of alcoholic beverages in the world’s cultures. Focus on customs and rituals associated with the consumption of alcohol.
Petty competitions. Speak about the lengths people go to compete over a generally insignificant achievement. Mention almanacs like the Guinness World Records. What psychological or social reasons drive people to compete for these records?
Talking animals. What animals can be taught to mimic human speech? You can discuss whether this constitutes actual communication or just mimicry.
Expanded fictional universes . Review how subsequent works from other creators expand and develop imaginary worlds. Elaborate on the cultural and artistic influences of this phenomenon. What legal issues are involved in creating a work based on a pre-existing idea?
Computers in media. Computers have become an element of daily life, yet the media still portrays them as almost magical. In this speech, discuss the common misconceptions that artistic works perpetuate in their presentation of computers and information technology.
Pets and comfort animals. Explore the importance of pets for one’s mental well-being. Describe situations where animal companionship is prescribed to help with mental health issues. Mention some of the less common comfort animals.
Pop musicians and their image. Focus on artists who try to shock their audience with their outrageous clothing designs or stage acts. Or, choose the artists who are successful despite their image.
Charity and volunteer work: pros and cons. Research small groups that were able to cause significant changes. Elaborate on the dangers involved in these activities. Give examples of charities being involved in fraud.
Working remotely. How did the ability to work remotely change the workplace? Explore the benefits and difficulties of working from home, as well as the challenges of managing a team of employees who don’t share one office space.

📃 Thesis Samples for Informative Speeches

When writing a speech, you’ll need a thesis. It’s one of the most important elements of any text, so take a glance at the thesis statement examples below:

Thesis Statement #1

Because of the increasing impact that the R&B and Indie genres have on the audience, it can be suggested that the main tendency of 21 st century music is going to be a cross between the two.

Thesis Statement #2

Despite the abundance of information concerning the threat of environmental pollution, it is not pollution but a lack of resources that is likely to threaten humankind.

Finally, check out this example of an introduction with a thesis statement:

[…] In the 21 st century, there is hardly a single sci-fi idea that has not been turned into reality yet. Even a seemingly impossible concept of invisibility was finally put into practice. However, despite the numerous achievements of humankind, the ability to turn people or things transparent is but a dream. Nevertheless, with the help of recent developments, the dream is likely to turn into reality in the near future.

The first issue that needs clarifying is the difference between invisibility and transparency. […]

Congratulations – now you’re ready to write the informative speech of your dreams!

Do you find presenting a speech in front of a live audience too challenging? Or perhaps you’re struggling to choose the topic for your informative presentation? Are you looking for interesting and informative speech or presentation ideas to impress your audience?

Seven effective methods to open a speech

Here are some helpful tips.

Think of what topic would be interesting to your target audience. When you are trying to find a topic for an informative speech, think of yourself as a teacher who will instruct the audience about something they don’t know. The informative speech topic should be new and relevant to your audience. In this way, you can be sure that your audience will listen carefully and learn from the information you deliver.
Choose an informative speech topic you are interested in. It should be something you really care about so that you can convey your enthusiasm to your audience.
A good idea is to choose a topic that you know a lot about. You will not have to do much research, and the informative speech writing process will be much easier.
But the best choice of all? Select a topic that is totally new to you! You will need to read and research a lot to gather the necessary information, but you’ll learn a lot from the process.
You will probably be given a small amount of time to deliver your speech, so avoid topics that are too complex. You will not have enough time to tackle all the relevant issues if your topic is too broad.

After selecting your topic, brainstorm the subject of your informative speech presentation to be sure you know enough to deliver an impressive speech.
Make sure there is plenty of material available for you to research. If there is not enough information on your topic, choose another one.
Keep in mind the three P’s of success in informative speaking: perseverance, preparation, and practice.
Another good P? Have a positive attitude when you’re delivering your speech!
Some topics always provide good material for informative speaking, like history, medicine, health, education, law, and science.
Get help from the internet. You can find many lists of interesting, informative speech topics on the web.

If you still feel that you lack the necessary skills to write a perfect informative essay, look for professional writing help online.

This might be interesting for you:

Funny Informative Speech Topics and Ideas for Presentation
Good Informative Speech Topics: How to Get Thunders of Applause
Social Studies Topics for Your Research Project
Best Science and Technology Essay Topics to Write About
Satirical Essay Examples and Best Satire Essay Topics

✏️ Informative Speech Topics FAQ

To pick an appropriate speech topic, decide on the type of your speech first. The subject depends on whether it is a persuasive, informative, inspiring speech, etc. A good topic would correspond to the aim of the presentation. Moreover, it should fascinate you personally.

An informative speech aims to present some facts in a clear and interesting way. It might tell about a place, a person, sometimes even about yourself. To make sure that you have a coherent and structured speech, start with an outline.

A great introduction is crucial to capturing your listeners’ attention. Make sure to start off your presentation in a positive and upbeat manner. The best way to grab attention might be to begin with a (rhetoric) question. Another option is to tell a joke or an anecdote.

Your informative speech should be exciting to listen to. Naturally, it would be annoying to listen to something too specific and unfamiliar to your audience. So the best way to find an interesting topic is to think about the interests of your potential audience.

🔗 References

The Most Popular TED Talks of All Time
RAND Reports by Topic
Brookings Research Topics
Delivering an Informative Speech
Informative Speech Sample
The 31 Literary Devices You Must Know
5 Tips on How to Write a Speech Essay
Rhetorical Situations
9 Tips to End a Speech With a Bang
Preparing a Speech
Health Topics: NIMH
Diseases and Conditions: Mayo Clinic
Health Topics: World Health Organization
Human Nutrition: Encyclopedia Britannica
Psychiatry and Mental Health Disorders: Medscape
What Is Culture: Livescience
Integrated Studies: Edutopia
Education Topics: Gale
How Psychologists Define Attention: Very Well Mind
Marketing Psychology: 10 Revealing Principles of Human Behavior: HubSpot
Music Research: NAMM Foundation
Share to Facebook
Share to LinkedIn
Share to email

435 Literary Analysis Essay Topics and Prompts [2024 Upd]

Literature courses are about two things: reading and writing about what you’ve read. For most students, it’s hard enough to understand great pieces of literature, never mind analyzing them. And with so many books and stories out there, choosing one to write about can be a chore. But you’re in...

A List of 580 Interesting Research Topics [2024 Edition]

In school and college, you will be required to write research papers. Yes — papers in the plural. And that’s the first reason you may want to turn to Custom Writing and seek help with research projects. When assigned a paper, the very first undertaking is to choose from a...

335 Unique Essay Topics for College Students [2024 Update]

The success of any college essay depends on the topic choice. If you want to impress your instructors, your essay needs to be interesting and unique. Don’t know what to write about? We are here to help you! In this article by our Custom-Writing.org team, you will find 335 interesting...

626 Dissertation Topics for Ph.D. and Thesis Ideas for Master Students

If you are about to go into the world of graduate school, then one of the first things you need to do is choose from all the possible dissertation topics available to you. This is no small task. You are likely to spend many years researching your Master’s or Ph.D....

192 Free Ideas for Argumentative or Persuasive Essay Topics

Looking for a good argumentative essay topic? In need of a persuasive idea for a research paper? You’ve found the right page! Academic writing is never easy, whether it is for middle school or college. That’s why there are numerous educational materials on composing an argumentative and persuasive essay, for...

209 Sports Topics: Argumentative Essay & Persuasive Speech Ideas

Persuasive speech is the art of convincing the audience to understand and trust your opinion. Are you ready to persuade someone in your view? Our list of sports persuasive speech topics will help you find a position to take and defend. If you need more options quick, apart from contents...

Top 100 Research Topics & Titles about Food & TVL

When you look for a good research paper topic, you can easily become the severest critic of any proposed idea. Some topics do not interest you at the very least, while others might shock your teachers. Where is the golden mean? Check out this list of top 100 research paper...

Funny Persuasive Speech Topics: Best Ideas for 2024

Can there possibly be anything fun about academic writing? It seems there is – what are all those fun persuasive speech topics then for, after all? However, creating a bunch of good topics might seem hard the first time around. No need to worry though – there’s always plenty of...

Easy Persuasive Speech Topics: 285 Simple Ideas for 2024

A persuasive speech on any topic is a performance designed to convince people about something and prove your point. Choosing a suitable topic is crucial for your speech’s success. Do you need some help with finding easy topics for a persuasive speech? Then check these fantastic and easy ideas from...

348 Interesting Proposal Essay Topics and Ideas for 2024

A proposal argument is an essay in which you describe a specific issue that needs fixing. It focuses on problem solutions. Are you interested in writing high-quality proposal essays? Or maybe you’re wondering what can make your writing truly outstanding? Here you will find answers to these questions as well...

217 Motivational & Inspirational Essay Topics

Sometimes you just wish there was a marketplace with vendors shouting, “Topics for argument essays! Who wants inspirational topics to write about?” Well, you are lucky enough: you’ll find plenty of inspiring things here! Coming up with some argument essay topics is quite easy! In this article, you’ll find some...

260 Controversial Debate Topics and Questions for Discussion

Are you searching for original, thought-provoking, and really controversial debate topics? Here they are! Selecting any of these 25 controversial topics for debate from Custom-writing.org, you can guarantee a heated dispute in class or exciting polemics with your friends. But first, let’s figure it out, what is debate and how you should pick up great...

Howdy! This is a kind of topic, but I need some guidance from an established blog. Is it tough to set up your own blog? I’m not very technical, but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about creating my own, but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Thanks

Innuendoes (Aleida)

Hello Joanna, It’s not tough to set up your own blog. You have 2 options here: 1) Easy option – Use any blogging platform – weebly.com, wordpress.com, blogger.com and many many more. 2) Less easy option – Buy hosting, set up everything yourself from scratch. You can read about the process on the Internet, for example here https://websitesetup.org/. Good luck with that, and thanks for stopping by!

Well, we all went to school as kids, and we remember listening to speeches was so boring. Maybe on this website, you could add some topics that perhaps you did as a kid. Or even maybe some questions that you think kids would be on the edge of there seats because they want you to keep talking. Like I am in elementary school, and I am looking at some of these topics, and they are really good I just don’t think they would catch the attention of grade 7 kids in my school. Maybe if you think about my topic, it will make you remember when you were in school. Thanks, Megan 🙂

Dear Megan,

Thank you for writing such useful feedback. Much appreciated for your suggestion. We will definitely take into account it while discussing our content topics.

Thanks again and all the best!

How It Works
PhD thesis writing
Master thesis writing
Bachelor thesis writing
Dissertation writing service
Dissertation abstract writing
Thesis proposal writing
Thesis editing service
Thesis proofreading service
Thesis formatting service
Coursework writing service
Research paper writing service
Architecture thesis writing
Computer science thesis writing
Engineering thesis writing
History thesis writing
MBA thesis writing
Nursing dissertation writing
Psychology dissertation writing
Sociology thesis writing
Statistics dissertation writing
Buy dissertation online
Write my dissertation
Cheap thesis
Cheap dissertation
Custom dissertation
Dissertation help
Pay for thesis
Pay for dissertation
Senior thesis
Write my thesis

216 Awesome Music Topics That Will Inspire Your Thesis

On this page, you will find the ultimate list of 216 brand new, 100% original music topics for high school, college and university students. No, it’s not a trick! You can use any of our topics about music for free and you don’t even have to give us credit. Many of these research topics on music should work great in 2023.

In addition, we have the best step by step guide to writing a research paper right here on this page. Just like the topics, you can read the guide for free. It will help you stay focused on what’s important and ensure you don’t miss any steps. And remember, if you need assistance with your academic writing tasks, our native English-speaking writers are the most reliable on the Internet!

Writing A Research Paper About Music

So, what is music? Music is a form of art that uses sound and rhythm to create an emotional or aesthetic experience. It can be created by combining different elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm and timbre. Music is a universal language that can be found in all cultures and has been an important part of human history for thousands of years. It can evoke emotions, tell stories, and communicate ideas. Music can take many forms, including vocal or instrumental, solo or ensemble, live or recorded, and can be classified into various genres such as rock, pop, classical, jazz, and many more.

But how do you write a research paper about music quickly? Well, we have a great step by step guide for you right here.

Choose a music topic. Select a topic that interests you and that you have enough background knowledge on to research and write about. Conduct research. Use a variety of sources to gather information on your topic, including books, academic journals, online databases, and primary sources such as interviews or musical recordings. Organize your research. Once you have gathered enough information, organize your research into an outline or a mind map to help you visualize how your paper will flow. Write a thesis statement. Your thesis statement should be a concise statement that summarizes the main argument of your paper. Write a rough draft. Begin writing your paper using the information you have gathered and the outline or mind map you created. Focus on creating a clear and coherent argument, and be sure to cite all sources using the appropriate citation style. Help with coursework services can aid you in succeeding with this part. Revise and edit. Once you have completed a rough draft, revise and edit your paper to improve its clarity, organization, and coherence. Check for grammar and spelling errors, and make sure all citations are correct and properly formatted. Create a bibliography or works cited page. Include a list of all sources you used in your research, including books, articles, interviews, and recordings. Finalize your paper. After making all necessary revisions and edits, finalize your paper and ensure that it meets all the requirements set by your instructor or professor. Proofread everything and make sure it’s perfectly written. You don’t want to lose points over some typos, do you?

Easy Research Topics About Music

The history and evolution of hip-hop culture
The impact of classical music on modern composers
The role of music in therapy for mental health
The cultural significance of jazz in African-American communities
The influence of traditional folk music on contemporary artists
The development of electronic music over the past decade
The use of music in film to enhance storytelling
The rise of K-pop and its global popularity
The effects of music on our learning abilities
The use of music in branding in the fashion industry
The influence of the Beatles on popular music
The intersection of music and politics in the 1960s
The cultural significance of reggae music in Jamaica
The history and evolution of country music in America
The impact of music streaming on the music industry

Opinion Essay Music Topics

Music piracy: Should it be considered a serious crime?
Should music education be mandatory in schools?
Is autotune ruining the quality of music?
Are music awards shows still relevant in today’s industry?
Should music lyrics be censored for explicit content?
Is it fair that some musicians earn more money than others?
Is classical music still relevant in modern society?
Should music festivals have age restrictions for attendees?
Is it fair for musicians to be judged on their personal lives?
Is the current state of the music industry sustainable?
Should musicians be held accountable for the messages in their lyrics?
Is the role of the record label still important in the age of digital music?
Should musicians be able to express their political views in their music?
Does the use of music in movies and TV shows enhance or detract from the storytelling?

Interesting Music Research Topics

The impact of music on athletic performance
The use of music in advertising and consumer behavior
The role of music in enhancing cognitive abilities
The effects of music on stress reduction and relaxation
The cultural significance of music in indigenous communities
The influence of music on fashion and style trends
The evolution of protest music and its impact on society
The effects of music on Alzheimer’s disease
The intersection of music and technology in the music industry
The effects of music on emotional intelligence and empathy
The cultural significance of hip hop music in the African diaspora
The influence of music on human behavior and decision-making
The effects of music on physical performance and exercise
The role of music in promoting social and political activism

Research Paper Topics On Music

The effects of music on the brain and mental health
The impact of streaming on the music industry
The history and evolution of rap music
The cultural significance of traditional folk music
The use of music in video games to enhance the gaming experience
The role of music in religious and spiritual practices
The effects of music on memory and learning
The development of rock and roll in America
The intersection of music and politics in the 21st century
The cultural significance of country music in the South
The use of music in autism therapy
The impact of social media on music promotion and marketing
The influence of music on the LGBTQ+ community
The effects of music on social behavior and interaction

Argumentative Essay Topics About Music

Does music have a negative effect on behavior?
Is streaming music harming the music industry?
Can music censorship be justified in certain cases?
Is cultural appropriation a problem in the music industry?
Should musicians be held accountable for controversial lyrics?
Is autotune a helpful tool or a crutch for musicians?
Should music education be a required part of the curriculum?
Is the use of explicit lyrics in music harmful?
Should music festivals be required to have safety measures?
Does the use of profanity in music undermine its artistic value?
Can music be used to promote political messages effectively?
Should musicians be allowed to profit from tragedies?

Current Music Topics To Write About In 2023

The rise of TikTok and its impact on music promotion
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK music
The use of virtual concerts and live streaming during COVID-19
The influence of social media on music consumption and trends
The emergence of new genres and sub-genres in popular music
Talk about cancel culture in music
The debate over the use of explicit lyrics in music
The impact of climate change on music festivals and events
The use of artificial intelligence in music production and composition
The influence of music on political and social movements
The rise of female and non-binary artists in the music industry
The effects of globalization on the diversity of music around the world
The role of nostalgia in the popularity of music from past decades

Musical Topics About Famous Musicians

The life and legacy of Beethoven
The impact of Elvis Presley on rock and roll
The career and contributions of Bob Dylan
The influence of Michael Jackson on pop music
The musical evolution of Madonna over time
The enduring appeal of the Rolling Stones
The career of Prince and his impact on music
The contributions of David Bowie to pop culture
The iconic sound of Jimi Hendrix’s guitar
The impact of Whitney Houston on the music industry
The life and career of Freddie Mercury of Queen
The artistry and impact of Joni Mitchell
The groundbreaking work of Stevie Wonder in R&B
The musical legacy of the Beatles and their influence on pop music

Music Research Paper Topics For College

The cultural significance of the accordion in folk music
The use of sampling in hip-hop and electronic music production
The evolution of the drum kit in popular music
The significance of Taylor Swift in contemporary country-pop music
The effects of drug abuse in the music industry
The role of music in shaping political movements and protests
The impact of streaming services on the music industry and artists’ income
The significance of the Burning Man festival in music and culture
The emergence and growth of Afrobeat music globally
The role of musical collaboration in the creation of new music genres
The use of autotune and other vocal processing tools in pop music
The effects of social and political issues on rap music lyrics
The significance of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in pop culture
The impact of music on emotional regulation and mental health

Our Controversial Music Topics

The controversy of the “cancel culture” in US music
The impact of music piracy on the industry and artists
The ethical concerns of music sampling without permission
The controversy surrounding lip-syncing during live performances
The debate over the authenticity of auto-tune in music
The controversy surrounding the use of profanity in music
The debate over the cultural appropriation of music styles
The controversy surrounding music festivals and their impact on local communities
The debate over the role of music in promoting violence and aggression
The controversy surrounding the ownership of an artist’s discography
The ethical concerns of musicians profiting from songs about tragedies and disasters

Captivating Music Thesis Topics

The role of music in promoting social justice
The impact of music streaming on album sales
The significance of lyrics in contemporary pop music
The evolution of heavy metal music over time
The influence of gospel music on rock and roll
The effects of music education on cognitive development
The cultural significance of hip-hop music in America
The role of music in promoting environmental awareness and activism
The impact of music festivals on local economies
The evolution of country music and its impact on popular music
The use of music in advertising and marketing strategies

Classical Music Topic Ideas

The influence of Baroque music on classical music
The history and evolution of the symphony orchestra
The career and legacy of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
The significance of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony
The evolution of opera as an art form
The role of women composers in classical music history
The impact of the Romantic era on classical music
The use of program music to tell a story through music
The significance of the concerto in classical music
The influence of Johann Sebastian Bach on classical music
The contributions of Antonio Vivaldi to the concerto form
The use of counterpoint in classical music composition
The role of chamber music in classical music history
The significance of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah in classical music

Interesting Music Topics For High School

The history and evolution of the piano as a musical instrument
The significance of Beethoven in classical music
The impact of Elvis Presley on US music
The emergence and growth of the hip-hop music genre
The role of music festivals in contemporary music culture
The effects of technology on music production and performance
The influence of social media on music promotion and distribution
The effects of music on mental health and well-being
The role of music in popular culture and media
The impact of musical soundtracks on movies and TV shows
The use of music therapy for individuals with autism spectrum disorder
The significance of the Coachella Music Festival in modern music culture
The cultural significance of the ukulele in Hawaiian culture

Awesome Music Research Questions For 2023

Should musicians be required to use their platform to promote social justice causes?
Is music piracy a victimless crime or does it harm the industry?
Should music venues be required to provide safe spaces for concertgoers?
Is the Grammy Awards selection process biased towards mainstream artists?
Should music streaming services pay musicians higher royalties?
Is it appropriate for music to be used in political campaign advertisements?
Should music journalists be required to disclose their personal biases in reviews?
Is it ethical for musicians to profit from songs about tragedies and disasters?
Should music education be funded equally across all schools and districts?
Is it fair for record labels to own the rights to an artist’s entire discography?
Should music festivals have more diverse and inclusive lineups?
Should musicians be allowed to use drugs and alcohol as part of their creative process?

Fantastic Music Topics For Research

The evolution of the electric guitar in rock music
The cultural significance of the sitar in Indian music
The impact of synthesizers on contemporary music production
The use of technology in the creation and performance of music
The influence of Beyoncé on modern pop music
The significance of Kendrick Lamar in contemporary rap music
The effects of misogyny and sexism in the rap music industry
The emergence and growth of K-pop music globally
The significance of Coachella Music Festival in the music industry
The history and evolution of the Woodstock Music Festival
The impact of music festivals on tourism and local economies
The role of music festivals in shaping music trends and culture
The effects of music piracy on the music industry
The impact of social media on the promotion and distribution of music
The role of music in the Black Lives Matter movement

Catchy Music Related Research Topics

Is hip-hop culture beneficial or harmful to society?
Is it ethical to sample music without permission?
Should music streaming services censor explicit content?
Is auto-tune a valid musical technique or a crutch?
Does the music industry unfairly exploit young artists?
Should radio stations be required to play a certain percentage of local music?
Is the practice of lip-syncing during live performances acceptable?
Is music education undervalued and underfunded in schools?
Does the use of profanity in music contribute to a decline in society?
Should music venues be held accountable for the safety of concertgoers?

Informative Speech Topics About Music

The history and evolution of jazz music
The cultural significance of classical music in Europe
The origins and development of blues music in America
The influence of Latin American music on American popular music
The impact of technology on music production and distribution
The role of music in expressing emotions and feelings
The effects of music therapy on mental health and wellbeing
The cultural significance of traditional music in Africa
The use of music in films and television to create mood and atmosphere
The influence of the Beatles on popular music and culture
The evolution of electronic dance music (EDM)
The role of music in promoting cultural diversity and unity
The impact of social media on the music industry and fan culture

Get Quick Research Paper And Thesis Help

Do you need assistance with your research paper or thesis? Getting thesis help has never been easier! Our experts with write you a high quality academic paper in as little as 3 hours, even in the middle of the night. Yes, our customer support department is online 24/7 to take your order and assign it to our best available writer. We can write you a good essay for any class and any course – online or face to face.

Get a cheap thesis writing help about music fast and spend more free time with your friends or family. Everything we send to our customers is unique, 100% written from scratch online. Every student will be satisfied with our work because every professor will be compelled to give our work an A+ rating. What are you waiting for? Get the help you need right now and improve your GPA!

83 Rock Music Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best rock music topic ideas & essay examples, 📌 good research topics about rock music, 🔎 interesting topics to write about rock music.

History of Rock Music: The Influence and Importance of Bon Jovi Jon Bon Jovi is among such influencers and redefiners of the rock anthem, and the purpose of this paper is to study his career and find out why it is crucial to include Jovi in […]
Woodstock: Peace, Love and Rock n’ Roll The assassination of the President Kennedy and the Cold War contributed greatly to the rise of people’s concerns. Of course, the involvement of the country in the war in Vietnam was criticized by the majority […]
The Evolution of Heavy Metal Rock Music in UK and US In the United States, the tempo of heavy metal music is slower than the heavy metal rock music in Great Britain.
Development of Rock & Roll Music Introduction of Rock and roll music had major effects in the cultural background of the Americans as it created a generation gap which made the youth to be rebellious to their parents.
History of Rock Music: Aerosmith The band drew their inspiration from the British blues rock that dominated the rock scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s, such as Cream, Led Zeppelin, Jeff Beck Group, and the Rolling Stones.
Deviant Behavior of Punk, Metal, and Rock Fans However, this music and the dressing style associated with it were perceived as “the proof of the degeneracy of capitalist culture and evidence of the disaffected youth of the West”.
Influence of African-American Culture on Rock n Roll Music Rock and Roll were introduced to the mainstream in the 1950s by white musicians such as Elvis Presley. Rock and Roll was a distinct amalgamation of different genres of African-American music such as jazz, blues, […]
Researching of Hard Rock Movement The band differs from the genre’s originators in their more melodic sound; however, it shows a resemblance to the hard rock establishers such as Led Zeppelin in the complex musical patterns.
Rock Music and Led Zeppelin’s Impact on It Led Zeppelin was a British rock band that performed in the classic rock genre with occasional elements of folk. In conclusion, the rock genre originated from a unique collection of different cultures that shaped its […]
Southern Rock and Its Peculiarities The mix of these instruments and the song’s time put it in a genre of blues rock. Here, the combination of the instruments, Clapton’s solos as the major part of the performance, and the song’s […]
The Pearl Jam Rock Concert 2022 The carefully selected Set List contained some of the all-time favorites “Of the Girl”, “Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town”, “Super blood Wolf moon” and others. The concert was splendid with a […]
The Emergence and Popularity of Indie Rock Vampire Weekend and Connor Oberst were next: the former being dance-oriented and afro-pop-influenced creators and the latter being an indie-maker who worked with a range of labels.
Rap and Rock: Combination of Styles Another prominent example of the rap-rock style is Limp Bizkit the band’s style is similar to Korn in that the musicians utilize a fusion of rap and rock and use the seven-string guitar and screaming.
Punk Rock: The History of Genre Their lyrics were unfiltered, abrasive, and frequently political, which proceeded to later become one of the staples of the punk genre.
Pre-Recorded Rock Concert: Fundraising The phenomenon of mega-events is a unique conjunction of forces that calls into question the fundamental nomenclature of mass culture and the understanding of the nature of political action.
The Demise of the First Rock’s Wave In addition, the growing popularity of rock and roll threatened the business interests of the major record companies and labels. The following payola scandal resulted in the removal of rock and roll from radio station […]
Annotated Bibliography of Rock Analysis Sources The authors of this book conduct a worldwide and large-scale study of the role of rock motifs and certain musical instruments in the life of primitive societies. This book explores the relationship between culture and […]
The Rhythm Section in Creating Rock Music The bass player follows the drummer and connects the rhythmic and harmonic music, providing bass notes to the guitar and keyboards. Overall, the drums, bass, and guitar assemble a special basis for the song and […]
Five New Approaches the Beatles Brought to the Rock and Roll Scene Undoubtedly, The Beatles are considered to be one of the greatest, most popular and revolutionary bands in the history of music. To begin with, the effect of The Beatles’ music on rock and roll in […]
Rock and Roll as a Musical Phenomenon Rock and roll are one of the brightest phenomena in the history of music. Their role was to enhance the quality and variety of rock and roll.
Rhythm-and-Blues and Rock-n-Roll in the 1950s Rhythm-and-Blues and Rock-n-Roll rose in the 1950s and became the most dominant music genre among the youth. Rhythm-and-Blues and Rock-n-Roll came as a solution for safeguarding the place of radio in entertainment and communication.
Beatles Contribution to Rock Music If we analyze the time when the Beatles performed it was a time of revolution, a time of youthful change and creativity and the Beatles were a major part of that revolution.
Rock and Roll`s Influence on Modern Music According to, “Effective skills of the player combined with efficient music instrument provide a significant role in determining the quality of music because they shape the form, color and texture of the music all of […]
Rock and Roll Development Since 1992 The greatest contribution of the Rolling Stones into the Rock and Roll development in the 1990s was that they sustained the popularity of this musical style.
Music Education and Rock Music The aim of this research proposal is to explore the possibility of teaching Rock music and /or the inclusion of teaching Rock music with ensembles in the school.
Rock as a Part of Music Art The history and the origins of that music show that the seditious features of rock were caused by various factors. First of all, to define the harm of rock music, we need to get acquainted […]
Women’s Contribution to Rock Music Development Joplin was the queen of psychedelic and blues rock, and one of the most influential figures in punk rock was Patti Smith who became the female leader of the punk movement in the 1970s.
Alternative Rock Soothed Millions: Hybrid Theory The alternative rock scene that emerged in the 1980’s and gained further popularity in the 1990’s provided the youth of the 2000’s with a soundtrack to the emotional struggles that they experienced in the environment […]
Rock’n’Roll: Musical Genre of the Twentieth Century Being quite intense, the guitar solo in the middle of the song introduces the energy of rock and roll and also helps to express the disappointment in love, one of the key themes in rock […]
Disco, Rock, Jazz and Popular Music: Comparison With the support of God, the songs encourage the audience to believe in the power of God to overcome the unfortunate events.
Rock Music as an Unique Cultural Phenomenon The emergence of such an expressive music style was made possible by the invention of the electric guitar in the 20s of the XX century and by the social transformations of the postwar period.
Rock Music of the 1970s It is possible to note that the 1970s was the period when the basis of the contemporary rock music and culture was formed.
In the Rhythm of Rock: Supreme Sound Explosion Seeing how it involves a careful consideration of the existing resources, the careful evaluation of all possible transportation issues, the comparison of the costs for transportation and the self-cost of the product that is going […]
Canuck Rock: A History of Canadian Popular Music Besides, the book helps one understand the evolution process of the Canadian music industry.”Canuck Rock” is a determined assessment of the inception and development of trendy music in Canada starting from the late 1950s to […]
Music Styles: Indie Rock The Killers is one of the most popular indie rock bands in the USA. The Killers is one of the most popular bands performing the indie rock music.
Kurt Cobain: Pure Devotion Killed a “Rock Star” Kurt Cobain is one of the most prominent personalities of the American rock’n’roll culture, he “has been hailed as the first true rock’n’roll star of the nineties”[1]. He was in the spotlight of media, he […]
Beatles – The Influential Performing Group in the History of Rock
American Culture and American Rock Music
The Influence of Rock Music on Youth
Rock’s Departure from Norms: Music and Social Change
Does Heavy Metal Rock Music Encourage Violence in Teenagers?
The Differences between Pop Music and Rock Music
Rock Stars Music Icons: Alcohol and Drug Overdose
Great Rock Musicians: Their Achievements and Effect on Music
Violence and Music: What Causes People to Become Violent at Rock Concerts
The Origins, Music History, and Achievements of the Rock Group ‘Beatles’
Japanese Culture and Japanese Popular Rock Music
Historical Precedents for the Rise of Rock Music
Rock Music and Heavy Metal Bands
Popular Culture, Rock Music, and Tattoos
Features of Rock Music Culture during the Early 1970s
The Influence Rock and Rap Music Has on Young People
Changes and Influences between 1955 to 1965 on Rock Music
The Woodstock Festival and the Music of the 60s: A Peaceful Rock Revolution
Hard Rock and Postmodernism
Rock Music, Drugs, and the Influence They Had on the Baby Boomer Generation
The Fascination with Rock Music in the 1960s
Why You Need to Appreciate and Understand Rock Music
Evaluating the Negative and Positive Effects of Rock Music on the Society
Relationship between Rock Music and Political Lyrics
Baroque Era Music Compared to Modern Rock
Rock vs. Classical Music: Pros and Cons of Each Type of Music, as well as a Comparison of Styles
Aggression and Hard Rock: Attitude of Rock Music
The Influence of Classical Music on Rock
What Defines Alternative Rock
Argument That There Exists No Connection between Suicide and Rock Music
Rock Music and Limited Sexual Repression in the 1960s
The Early History and Characteristics of Rock Music
Rock Music Has Widely Influenced Music and Society
Classic Rock and Generation X: Fulfilling Rock`s Promise
Rock Music Effects and Values
Facts about the Beatles as the Greatest and Influential Artist of the Rock Era
Youth Subculture, Slang, and Rock Music
Rock and Hip-Hop – The Most Loved Forms of Music
How Rock Music Reflected the Society of the Sixties
Rock Music Has an Impact on the Youth That Puts Society at Risk
Comparing Rock Music and Hip-Hop
The Rock Music Era Affected Society in More Negative Ways than Positive Ones
Rock Music and Famous Rock Bands
The connection between Rock Music and the 1970s Drug Culture
Festival Essay Ideas
Hip Hop Essay Topics
Music Topics
Subculture Research Topics
The Beatles Questions
Jazz Research Topics
Popular Music Paper Topics
Ritz-Carlton Topics
Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, February 29). 83 Rock Music Essay Topic Ideas & Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/rock-music-essay-topics/

"83 Rock Music Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." IvyPanda , 29 Feb. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/rock-music-essay-topics/.

IvyPanda . (2024) '83 Rock Music Essay Topic Ideas & Examples'. 29 February.

IvyPanda . 2024. "83 Rock Music Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." February 29, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/rock-music-essay-topics/.

1. IvyPanda . "83 Rock Music Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." February 29, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/rock-music-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "83 Rock Music Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." February 29, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/rock-music-essay-topics/.

Environment
Science & Technology
Business & Industry
Health & Public Welfare
Topics (CFR Indexing Terms)
Public Inspection
Presidential Documents
Document Search
Advanced Document Search
Public Inspection Search
Reader Aids Home
Office of the Federal Register Announcements
Using FederalRegister.Gov
Understanding the Federal Register
Recent Site Updates
Federal Register & CFR Statistics
Videos & Tutorials
Developer Resources
Government Policy and OFR Procedures
Congressional Review
My Clipboard
My Comments
My Subscriptions
Sign In / Sign Up
Site Feedback
Search the Federal Register

This site displays a prototype of a “Web 2.0” version of the daily Federal Register. It is not an official legal edition of the Federal Register, and does not replace the official print version or the official electronic version on GPO’s govinfo.gov.

The documents posted on this site are XML renditions of published Federal Register documents. Each document posted on the site includes a link to the corresponding official PDF file on govinfo.gov. This prototype edition of the daily Federal Register on FederalRegister.gov will remain an unofficial informational resource until the Administrative Committee of the Federal Register (ACFR) issues a regulation granting it official legal status. For complete information about, and access to, our official publications and services, go to About the Federal Register on NARA's archives.gov.

The OFR/GPO partnership is committed to presenting accurate and reliable regulatory information on FederalRegister.gov with the objective of establishing the XML-based Federal Register as an ACFR-sanctioned publication in the future. While every effort has been made to ensure that the material on FederalRegister.gov is accurately displayed, consistent with the official SGML-based PDF version on govinfo.gov, those relying on it for legal research should verify their results against an official edition of the Federal Register. Until the ACFR grants it official status, the XML rendition of the daily Federal Register on FederalRegister.gov does not provide legal notice to the public or judicial notice to the courts.

Design Updates: As part of our ongoing effort to make FederalRegister.gov more accessible and easier to use we've enlarged the space available to the document content and moved all document related data into the utility bar on the left of the document. Read more in our feature announcement .

Trade Regulation Rule on the Use of Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

A Rule by the Federal Trade Commission on 08/22/2024

This document has been published in the Federal Register . Use the PDF linked in the document sidebar for the official electronic format.

Document Details Published Content - Document Details Agency Federal Trade Commission CFR 16 CFR 465 Document Citation 89 FR 68034 Document Number 2024-18519 Document Type Rule Pages 68034-68079 (46 pages) Publication Date 08/22/2024 RIN 3084-AB76 Published Content - Document Details
View printed version (PDF)
Document Dates Published Content - Document Dates Effective Date 10/21/2024 Dates Text This rule is effective October 21, 2024. Published Content - Document Dates

This table of contents is a navigational tool, processed from the headings within the legal text of Federal Register documents. This repetition of headings to form internal navigation links has no substantive legal effect.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Supplementary information:, table of contents, i. background, a. advance notice of proposed rulemaking, b. notice of proposed rulemaking, c. notice of informal public hearing, ii. the legal standard for promulgating the rule, a. prevalence of acts or practices addressed by the rule, b. manner and context in which the acts or practices are deceptive or unfair, c. the economic effect of the rule, iii. overview of the comments 52, a. furthering the commission's goal, b. adoption of the proposed rule as a final rule, iv. section-by-section analysis, a. § 465.1—definitions, 1. overview, 2. definition-by-definition analysis, a. business, b. celebrity testimonial, c. clear and conspicuous, d. consumer review, e. consumer testimonial, f. indicators of social media influence, g. officers, h. purchase a consumer review, i. reviewer, j. substantially different product, k. testimonialist, l. unjustified legal threat, 3. proposed additional definitions, a. dissemination, c. relative, d. purchase or procure fake indicators, e. review hosting, b. § 465.2—fake or false consumer reviews, consumer testimonials, or celebrity testimonials, 1. common language in § 465.2(a), (b), and (c), 2. § 465.2(a), 3. § 465.2(b), 4. § 465.2(c), 5. § 465.2(d), 6. knowledge standard, 7. other proposals, c. § 465.3—consumer review or testimonial reuse or repurposing, d. § 465.4—buying positive or negative consumer reviews, e. § 465.5—insider consumer reviews and consumer testimonials, 1. material connections, 2. relatives, 5. knowledge standard, 6. other suggestions, f. § 465.6—company-controlled review websites or entities, g. § 465.7—review suppression, 1. § 465.7(a), 2. § 465.7(b), h. § 465.8—misuse of fake indicators of social media influence, i. § 465.9—severability, v. final rule, vi. final regulatory analysis under section 22 of the ftc act, a. need for, and objectives of the final rule, b. anticipated costs and benefits of the final rule, 1. estimated benefits of the final rule, a. consumer welfare benefits from better-informed purchase decisions, b. consumer time savings from increased reliability of summary ratings, c. benefits related to competition, 2. estimated costs of the final rule, a. compliance costs, b. other impacts of the rule, c. reasonable alternatives and explanation of why particular alternative chosen, vii. paperwork reduction act, viii. regulatory flexibility act—final regulatory flexibility analysis, a. reasons for the rule, b. statement of the objectives of, and legal basis for, the rule, c. issues raised by comments, the commission's assessment and response, and any changes made as a result, d. comments by the chief counsel for advocacy of the sba, the commission's assessment and response, and any changes made as a result, e. description and estimate of the number of small entities to which the rule will apply, f. description of the projected reporting, recordkeeping, and other compliance requirements, g. description of steps taken to minimize impact of the rule on small entities, ix. congressional review act, list of subjects in 16 cfr part 465, part 465—rule on the use of consumer reviews and testimonials.

This feature is not available for this document.

Additional information is not currently available for this document.

Sharing Enhanced Content - Sharing Shorter Document URL https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2024-18519 Email Email this document to a friend Enhanced Content - Sharing
Print this document

This document is also available in the following formats:

More information and documentation can be found in our developer tools pages .

This PDF is the current document as it appeared on Public Inspection on 08/21/2024 at 8:45 am.

It was viewed 10 times while on Public Inspection.

If you are using public inspection listings for legal research, you should verify the contents of the documents against a final, official edition of the Federal Register. Only official editions of the Federal Register provide legal notice of publication to the public and judicial notice to the courts under 44 U.S.C. 1503 & 1507 . Learn more here .

Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following:

the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document
the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to
the agency docket number / agency internal file number
the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions

See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details.

Federal Trade Commission

16 CFR Part 465
RIN 3084-AB76

Federal Trade Commission.

Final rule.

The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC” or “Commission”) is issuing this final rule and Statement of Basis and Purpose (“SBP”) relating to certain specified unfair or deceptive acts or practices involving consumer reviews or testimonials. This final rule, among other things, prohibits selling or purchasing fake consumer reviews or testimonials, buying positive or negative consumer reviews, certain insiders creating consumer reviews or testimonials without clearly disclosing their relationships, creating a company-controlled review website that falsely purports to provide independent reviews, certain review suppression practices, and selling or purchasing fake indicators of social media influence.

This rule is effective October 21, 2024.

Michael Ostheimer, (202) 326-2699, Attorney, Division of Advertising Practices, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, Room CC-6316, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580.

III. Overview of the Comments

b. Other Impacts of the Final Rule

B. Issues Raised by Comments, the Commission's Assessment and Response, and Any Changes Made as a Result

C. Comments by the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA, the Commission's Assessment and Response, and Any Changes Made as a Result

D. Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities to Which the Rule Will Apply

E. Description of the Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Other Compliance Requirements

F. Description of Steps Taken To Minimize Impact of the Rule on Small Entities

On November 8, 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (“Commission” or “FTC”) published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (“ANPR”) to address certain deceptive or unfair acts or practices involving consumer reviews or testimonials. [ 1 ] Specifically, the ANPR discussed: (1) reviews or endorsements by people who do not exist, who did not actually use or test the product or service, or who were misrepresenting their experience with it; (2) review hijacking, where a seller steals or repurposes reviews of another product; (3) marketers offering compensation or other incentives in exchange for, or conditioned on, the writing of positive or negative consumer reviews; (4) owners, officers, or managers of a company (a) writing reviews or testimonials of their own products or services, or publishing testimonials by their employees or family members, which fail to provide clear and conspicuous disclosures of those relationships, or (b) soliciting reviews from employees or relatives without instructing them to disclose their relationships; (5) the creation or operation of websites, organizations, or entities that purportedly provide independent reviews or opinions of products or services but are, in fact, created and controlled by the companies offering the products or services; (6) misrepresenting that the consumer reviews displayed represent most or all of the reviews submitted when, in fact, reviews are being suppressed based upon their negativity; (7) the suppression of customer reviews by physical threat or unjustified legal threat; and (8) selling, distributing, or buying followers, subscribers, views, and other indicators of social media influence. As part of the ANPR, the Commission solicited public comment on, among other things, whether such practices are prevalent and, if so, whether and how to proceed with a notice of proposed rulemaking ( print page 68035) (“NPRM”). [ 2 ] The ANPR provided for a 60-day comment period, and the Commission received 42 responsive comments [ 3 ] from review platforms and other businesses, trade associations, consumer advocacy organizations, entities dedicated to fighting fake reviews, a public interest research center, a think tank, academic researchers, and individual consumers. [ 4 ] Most commenters expressed support for the Commission proceeding with the rulemaking. Five comments expressed the view that a rulemaking was unnecessary, was premature, or should not apply to the commenter's constituents, or expressed skepticism about the utility of a rulemaking.

Based on an extensive review of the comments received in response to the ANPR, the Commission's own history of enforcement, and other sources of information, the Commission published the NPRM on July 31, 2023. [ 5 ] In the NPRM, the Commission stated that it has reason to believe that certain unfair or deceptive acts or practices involving consumer reviews or testimonials are prevalent, including: (1) fake consumer reviews and testimonials, as well as reviews and testimonials that otherwise misrepresent the experiences of the reviewers and testimonialists; (2) the unfair or deceptive reuse or repurposing of consumer reviews; (3) the giving of incentives for reviews conditioned on the sentiment of the reviews; (4) the use of consumer reviews and testimonials written by company insiders without disclosure of their relationships to the company; (5) marketers setting up purportedly independent websites, organizations, or entities to review or endorse their own products; (6) seller websites representing that the consumer reviews displayed represent most or all of the reviews submitted when, in fact, reviews are being suppressed based upon their negativity; (7) review suppression by unjustified legal threat or physical threat; and (8) the sale and misuse of fake indicators of social media influence for commercial purposes. [ 6 ] The Commission identified no disputed issues of material fact; explained its considerations in developing the proposed rule; solicited additional public comment thereon, including specific questions designed to assist the public in submitting comments; and provided interested parties the opportunity to request to present their position orally at an informal hearing. [ 7 ] Finally, the NPRM set out the Commission's proposed regulatory text. [ 8 ]

In response to the NPRM, the Commission received 100 responsive and non-duplicative comments [ 9 ] from entities and individuals interested in the proposed rule, [ 10 ] which are discussed in sections III and IV. Although some commenters raised concerns and recommended specific modifications or additions to the Commission's proposal, the majority of commenters generally supported the Commission's proposal. Three commenters submitted timely requests to make oral statements at an informal hearing (“the hearing requesters”). [ 11 ]

On January 16, 2024, the Commission published an Initial Notice of Informal Hearing, which also served as the Final Notice of Informal Hearing. [ 12 ] The Notice designated the Honorable Carol Fox Foelak, an Administrative Law Judge for the Securities and Exchange Commission, to serve as the presiding officer for the informal hearing and stated that the hearing requesters could speak at the informal hearing, make documentary submissions to be placed on the public rulemaking record, or both. Written submissions were due on or before January 30, 2024. In response to the Notice of Informal Hearing, the Commission received seven comments. [ 13 ] The Notice also stated that the Commission had decided not to proceed with proposed § 465.3, [ 14 ] which pertained to the unfair or deceptive reuse or repurposing of a consumer review written or created for one product so that it appears to have been written or created for a substantially different product.

As announced in the Notice of Informal Hearing, the informal hearing began as scheduled on February 13, 2024. [ 15 ] Because the Commission had not designated disputed issues of material fact, the February 13 hearing session included no cross-examination or rebuttal submissions but did include oral statements from the three hearing requesters. [ 16 ] One of the hearing requesters, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (“IAB”), a trade association, argued that there were two disputed issues of material fact. [ 17 ] The other two hearing requesters discussed their comments submitted pursuant to the NPRM. At the conclusion of this hearing session, the presiding officer issued an order inviting further submissions, including specific evidence, concerning whether there were disputed issues of material fact. [ 18 ] IAB submitted a letter that described the results from a survey directed to its members—to which eighteen unidentified members responded [ 19 ] —regarding the impact of the proposed rule, including their estimated compliance costs. [ 20 ]

On February 23, 2024, the presiding officer issued an order finding one disputed issue of material fact, namely, “[w]hether the compliance costs for businesses will be minimal.” [ 21 ] However, the February 23 order stated that “[i]t can be argued that . . . even ( print page 68036) if the actual costs are more than double what the FTC assumed, it would not change the outcome of the rule, and therefore, it is not a `disputed issue[ ] of material fact necessary to be resolved.' ” [ 22 ] The order provided that the presiding officer was nevertheless scheduling an additional hearing session for March 5, 2024, because “an expert witness or proposed testimony from affected firms' compliance officers or legal counsel” might “shed light on what would be involved with compliance review and implementation” and “could give the FTC a way of better quantifying cost.” [ 23 ] The March 5 hearing session was subsequently moved to March 6, 2024 at the trade association's request. [ 24 ]

At the March 6 hearing session, the trade association put on one witness: its Executive Vice President for Public Policy, an attorney, who testified about the results of two limited surveys of its members. [ 25 ] FTC staff conducted cross examination. The attorney's testimony about the surveys [ 26 ] did not call the Commission's cost estimates into legitimate question. Only a small number of unidentified trade association members completed the surveys, and no evidence was submitted to indicate that they were representative of any group, much less all affected businesses. [ 27 ] Further, only a few of the survey respondents gave compliance cost estimates, none of which were accompanied by explanation or evidence of their factual bases, and all of which could have been influenced by the trade association's misconceptions about the law and the proposed rule. [ 28 ]

The presiding officer issued a recommended decision on May 8, 2024, stating that based on the evidence, “it cannot be found whether or not the proposed rule will have compliance costs that will be minimal.” [ 29 ] Later in the decision, the presiding officer explained that the evidence “falls short as the basis for a finding that compliance costs would not be minimal” because “a minute sample of businesses that would be affected by the proposed rule responded to the surveys, and there is insufficient information about the nature of those businesses, how they calculated potential compliance costs, and the methodology of the surveys.” [ 30 ]

In crafting the final rule, the Commission has carefully considered the comments received and the rulemaking record as a whole, which includes the oral statements made at and documents submitted for the informal hearing. As a result, the final rule contains some changes from the proposed rule. These modifications, mostly clarifications and limitations, discussed in detail in section IV of this document, are based upon input from commenters and careful consideration of relevant law. Section IV also discusses commenters' recommendations that the Commission declined to adopt, along with the Commission's reasons for rejecting them. Accordingly, the Commission adopts the proposed rule with limited modifications as discussed below. The rule will take effect October 21, 2024.

The Commission is promulgating 16 CFR part 465 pursuant to section 18 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 57a , which authorizes the Commission to promulgate, modify, and repeal trade regulation rules that define with specificity acts or practices in or affecting commerce that are unfair or deceptive within the meaning of section 5(a)(1) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 45(a)(1) . [ 31 ]

Whenever the Commission promulgates a rule under section 18(a)(1)(B), the rule must also include a Statement of Basis and Purpose (“SBP”) that addresses: (1) the prevalence of the acts or practices addressed by the rule; (2) the manner and context in which the acts or practices are unfair or deceptive; and (3) the economic effect of the rule, taking into account the effect on small businesses and consumers. [ 32 ] In this section of the preamble, the Commission summarizes its findings regarding each of these requirements.

In its ANPR, the Commission described its enforcement record, demonstrating the pervasiveness of the deceptive or unfair commercial acts or practices involving reviews or other endorsements it was examining. [ 33 ] In the NPRM, the Commission cited additional enforcement evidence, including actions brought by State Attorneys General (“AGs”) and private lawsuits, as well as international evidence, and also took notice of additional indications of prevalence that came from commenters. [ 34 ]

In support of the finding that fake reviews are prevalent, the NPRM cited to (1) FTC, State, and private cases; (2) statistics from review platforms, a platform insider, academic and other researchers, consumer surveys, investigative journalists, and others about the incidence of fake reviews; (3) information about the pervasiveness of consumer review rings that facilitate the buying, selling, or exchange of fake reviews; (4) the experiences of regulators in other countries and of international bodies; and (5) reporting regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools that make it easier for bad actors to write fake reviews. [ 35 ] In support of the finding that fake testimonials are prevalent, the NPRM discussed relevant FTC cases, an in-depth Better Business Bureau investigative study that examined fake celebrity endorsements, a celebrity lawsuit involving the fraudulent use of the celebrities' names, and an FTC consumer alert about fake Shark Tank celebrity testimonials. [ 36 ] In support of the finding that misrepresentations of endorsers' experiences are prevalent, the NPRM cited to FTC cases and a ( print page 68037) comment by the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (“NAIMA”) asserting that testimonials by those misrepresenting their experiences with insulation products are plentiful. [ 37 ] The Commission concluded that the unfair or deceptive reuse or repurposing of consumer reviews is prevalent, relying upon a prior Commission case and numerous news articles. [ 38 ] To show how commonly incentives are given in exchange for reviews with the incentives conditioned on the sentiment of the reviews, the NPRM pointed to FTC and private cases, analyses by researchers of markets for procuring reviews, and the experience of a small business employee commenter who said a competitor was providing incentives for 5-star reviews. [ 39 ] The Commission found prevalence of unfair or deceptive insider reviews and testimonials based on its prior cases; a State AG action; statistics from a review platform commenter about how many reviews of businesses were written by their owners, officers, or employees, or their family members; and an individual commenter who relied upon insider reviews in selecting an auto repair shop. [ 40 ] The NPRM cited prior cases regarding the prevalent practice of marketers setting up purportedly independent websites, organizations, or entities to review or endorse their own products. [ 41 ] The Commission found prevalence of suppression of negative reviews on retailer or business websites based on a platform's comment, a recent FTC case, and what it learned in another investigation about more than 4,500 merchants that were automatically publishing only 4- or 5-star consumer reviews. [ 42 ] The NPRM relied upon reports by platform and other commenters, as well as FTC and State AG cases, regarding review suppression by unjustified legal threat or physical threat. [ 43 ] Finally, with respect to the prevalence of sales and misuse of fake indicators of social media influence for commercial purposes, the NPRM discussed cases brought by the FTC, a State AG, and private parties, and published reports on social media bots and fake social media accounts. [ 44 ]

The rule is intended to curb certain unfair or deceptive uses of consumer reviews and testimonials. It contains several provisions to promote accuracy and truthfulness in reviews and testimonials and, thus, will allow American consumers to make better-informed purchase decisions. The key provisions of the rule prohibit conduct that is inherently deceptive or unfair, including creating, selling, and buying fake or false reviews or testimonials; buying reviews in exchange for, or conditioned on, their sentiment; and using reviews and testimonials from company insiders that hide their relationships to the company. The rule also includes prohibitions against misleading, company-controlled review websites or entities; unfair or deceptive review suppression practices; and the misuse of fake indicators of social media influence.

As part of the rulemaking proceeding, the Commission solicited public comment and data (both qualitative and quantitative) on the economic impact of the proposed rule and its costs and benefits. [ 45 ] In issuing the final rule, the Commission has carefully considered the comments received and the costs and benefits of each provision, taking into account the effect on small businesses and consumers, as discussed in more detail in sections VI and VIII of this document. The record demonstrates that the most significant anticipated benefit of the final rule is increased deterrence of clearly unfair or deceptive acts or practices involving consumer reviews or testimonials. Another significant benefit is the expansion of the remedies available to the Commission, including the ability to more effectively obtain monetary relief. This is particularly critical given the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in AMG Capital Management, LLC v. FTC, which held that equitable monetary relief, including consumer redress, is not available under section 13(b) of the FTC Act. [ 46 ] Post- AMG, the Commission's primary means for obtaining redress is section 19 of the FTC Act. By issuing the final rule, the Commission can obtain such redress based on violations of the rule in one proceeding under section 19(a)(1), which will be significantly faster than the two-step process for obtaining redress under section 19(a)(2). [ 47 ] By allowing the Commission to secure redress more quickly and efficiently, this rule will also allow the Commission to preserve enforcement resources for other mission priorities. [ 48 ] As an additional benefit, the rule will enable the Commission to seek civil penalties against violators. [ 49 ] Without an efficient way to seek civil penalties, bad actors have little fear of being penalized for using fraud and deception in connection with reviews and endorsements. Increased deterrence will have consumer welfare benefits and will benefit honest competition. [ 50 ] Moreover, the final rule is likely to impose relatively small compliance costs on honest businesses. [ 51 ]

The Commission received 100 responsive and non-duplicative comments in response to the NPRM from a diverse group of individuals (including consumers and law students), industry groups and trade associations, review platforms, retailers, and other businesses, consumer advocacy organizations, and government entities.

In the NPRM, the Commission invited the public to comment on any issues or concerns the public believed were relevant or appropriate to the Commission's consideration of the ( print page 68038) proposed rule. [ 53 ] The NPRM also posed twenty-three specific questions for the public. [ 54 ] The first two are broad questions addressed in this section III, which also discusses several issues or concerns that commenters raised generally without reference to particular sections of the rule. Responses to the more specific questions in the NPRM are discussed in section IV of this document, a section-by-section analysis of the final rule. Questions relating to the Paperwork Reduction Act (“PRA”) and Regulatory Flexibility Act (“RFA”) and are addressed in sections VII and VIII of this document, respectively. [ 55 ]

In Question 1 of the NPRM, the Commission asked whether its proposal would further the Commission's goal of protecting consumers from clearly unfair or deceptive acts or practices involving consumer reviews and testimonials. [ 56 ]

Several commenters expressly addressed this question. A review platform and a business that specializes in identifying fake online reviews submitted comments stating that the proposed rule would further the Commission's goal of protecting consumers from clearly unfair or deceptive acts or practices involving consumer reviews. [ 57 ] Another review platform commenter answered that there are “numerous advantages of the FTC's proposed new Rule,” that it is “generally supportive of this intervention overall,” and that the proposed rule “will be helpful to set out clear rules that expressly prohibit practices like writing or purchasing fake reviews, providing compensation or incentives in exchange for reviews, and certain acts of unfair review suppression.” [ 58 ] A business commenter similarly answered that the “Proposed Rule addresses many concerns about unfair or deceptive acts or practices involving consumer reviews and testimonials, such as false and biased reviews.” [ 59 ] Both of these commenters also noted areas in which they thought certain provisions of the proposed rule should be adjusted or clarified; those issues are addressed below. [ 60 ] A consumer organization said that “[i]n general, . . . the proposed Rule will reduce the incentives for businesses to purchase, disseminate, or sell fake consumer reviews or testimonials,” but thought that the proposed rule should have placed explicit restrictions on third-party review platforms. [ 61 ] The Commission notes that this topic is beyond the scope of the rulemaking, which focuses instead on those responsible for inarguably unfair or deceptive acts or practices regarding reviews and testimonials.

In Question 2 of the NPRM, the Commission inquired whether it should finalize the proposed rule, the reasons for why commenters were in favor of or against the finalization of the proposed rule, and whether the Commission should make any changes to its original proposal. [ 62 ]

Only two commenters directly addressed this question. A business commenter agreed that the Commission should finalize the proposed rule. [ 63 ] A review platform commenter said it “supports this Rule and would support the Commission finalizing the Rule. [ 64 ] It also suggested adjustments to the Commission's proposal, which are addressed below in this document.

Numerous individual commenters, [ 65 ] trade associations, [ 66 ] and consumer organizations [ 67 ] expressed general support for the proposed rule. For example, an individual commenter wrote, “I completely agree with the proposal. . . . Because review sections have become so untrustworthy (being impossible to tell whether a company has paid for positive reviews of its own product, or for negative reviews on a rival's product), review sections have become functionally useless for me. This makes it difficult to purchase any products online, since real consumer feedback is one of the few ways to determine whether I should buy the product or service without first examining it in person.” [ 68 ] Another individual stated, “I support the rules as specified, and applaud the FTC's action in this regard. It is extremely difficult for the consumer to determine the validity of online reviews—even within specific retailers such as amazon. There is little benefit for large online retailers to ensure that reviews are accurate, and this fact is evident in the large number of bogus reviews found on amazon, newegg, youtube and other sites.” [ 69 ] A third individual wrote, “I strongly support the rules against fake review ( print page 68039) and testimonials and fines for businesses and people who write them. As a consumer, I often use reviews to help determine whether a product or service is reliable; the prevalence of fake reviews makes this impossible.” [ 70 ] A trade association commented, “The NPRM proposes rules that are appropriately scoped to target the bad actors [who are] intent on committing fraud through fake or deceptive reviews. . . . The NPRM strikes the appropriate balance between enhancing the Commission's tools to target bad actors and preserving industry flexibility to develop innovative and effective solutions to maintain consumer confidence in reviews.” [ 71 ] A consumer organization stated, “The Commission absolutely should finalize the proposed rule to better protect shoppers and hold businesses accountable.” [ 72 ]

A number of individual consumers, [ 73 ] a review platform, [ 74 ] other industry members, [ 75 ] and consumer organizations [ 76 ] supported the Commission's proposal, but urged the Commission to go further and impose additional requirements, such as by adding provisions that would apply to third-party review platforms. As noted above, such provisions would be beyond the scope of the rulemaking. Similarly beyond the scope of the rulemaking is an individual's suggestion that the Commission should restrict the highlighting of testimonials on websites and prohibit payments for reviews.” [ 77 ] A review platform's comment “applaud[ed] . . . the Commission . . . for its extensive efforts to address the problem of deceptive review practices, as reflected in the Commission's notice of proposed rulemaking, and . . . fully support[ed] and endorse[d] the Commission's proposed Rule.” [ 78 ] Its suggestions for several provisions are discussed below. A consumer group stated that the proposed rule “is needed” and “addresses an urgent problem: fabricated and otherwise deceptive reviews and ratings of products and services,” but asked for numerous modifications to strengthen it. [ 79 ] These proposals are discussed below.

A few individual commenters [ 80 ] and industry commenters [ 81 ] were supportive of a rule but expressed the need for clarifications or modifications. An individual commenter wrote that “[a]ll of the rules proposed . . . make (common) sense” but identified “a few scenarios that highlight that the language in the proposed rules is a bit ambiguous” and that with “steep penalties like this, guidelines need to be clear, concrete, AND simple so businesses can understand.” [ 82 ] Another individual commenter said that the proposed rule “takes great strides,” but that two proposed sections, 465.4 and 465.6, are too restrictive. [ 83 ] A retailer wrote, “On the whole, . . . the Proposed Rule contains provisions that are reasonable and would provide additional protection to consumers” but “there are a few provisions . . . that are not well drafted or that need additional language.” [ 84 ] Another retailer said that it “supports a tailored rule that focuses on the bad actors that harm consumers,” but that the proposed rule “sweeps more broadly, extending to the activities of legitimate businesses that do not uncover abuses that they `should have' identified, regardless of their good faith efforts” and that “[s]uch an overbroad rule would have significant unintended negative consequences on legitimate conduct.” [ 85 ] An industry organization commented that the proposed rule “is an important step, and we share the Commission's goal of improving consumer confidence in reviews and testimonials” but “strongly urge[d] the Commission to reexamine . . . [four] provisions” to address what it viewed as First Amendment concerns and for other reasons. [ 86 ] The specific suggestions or concerns raised by these and other commenters are addressed below. In particular, whether in the text of the final rule or in the discussion below, the Commission is clarifying the scope or meaning of various rule provisions to cover the specific activities or conduct that harm consumers and avoid ambiguity or overbreadth.

Only four commenters, two individual commenters [ 87 ] and two trade associations, [ 88 ] said that the proposed rule was unnecessary or unwarranted. One of the individuals, wrote that “the rule seems to be unnecessary as it is unlikely to actually provide the benefit to consumers of removing falsified reviews” because it is difficult to identify and trace fake reviews and “punish[ ] an offender” and that the proposed rule “also has potential to penalize non-offenders” when competitors purchase “review bombs.” [ 89 ] The commenter asserted that the FTC's estimated benefits are based on faulty assumptions such as that “the entirety of the loss” from false reviews “would be eliminated simply because the rule is enacted. [ 90 ] The commenter said that the FTC should either maintain the status quo or require websites with consumer reviews to include a disclosure that “some reviews may have not been made by genuine customers, may potentially have been paid ( print page 68040) testimonials, etc.” [ 91 ] The other individual commenter said that the “proposed rule is unnecessary because all of the practices considered by the rule `are already unlawful under Section 5 of the FTC Act,' it has potentially massive compliance costs for American businesses” (citing the FTC's estimated cost), “and the better salutation [sic] is to work with States and review platforms to resolve the issue.” [ 92 ] One of the trade associations stated that the “Proposed Rule is [u]nnecessary,” that “current FTC enforcement authority has been effective in addressing such clearly deceptive practices, and there is no indication how or why a trade regulation rule is needed, or how such a rule would more effectively address concerns about such deceptive practices,” and that “a need to alleviate the `difficulty' of obtaining monetary relief under the FTC Act where such authority has never existed, does not provide an adequate basis for the issuance of a Magnuson-Moss rulemaking.” [ 93 ] The other trade association asserted that (1) it “does not believe that rulemaking is warranted, wise, or a balanced approach, in part because it raises serious First Amendment concerns;” (2) “a well-designed rule would focus on a defined trade” but the “record to date does not establish that customer reviews, the use of those reviews, or the dissemination of those reviews by commercial platforms is itself a defined trade;” (3) the “FTC should not promulgate a rule solely because the augmented penalties attendant to a rule violation could ostensibly advance a Commission goal generally;” and (4) “the FTC fail[ed] to show how enforcement actions, many of which were settled by consent order, translate into `prevalence.' ” [ 94 ]

The Commission disagrees with the four commenters who said that the proposed rule was unnecessary or unwarranted. The Commission believes that the status quo is inadequate to address consumer harm and that the rule will add deterrence and aid enforcement even though the practices covered by the rule are already unlawful under section 5 of the FTC Act. Greater deterrence and more effective enforcement are legitimate reasons to engage in a rulemaking, whereas difficulties in enforcing a rule against some violators are no reason to eschew it. [ 95 ] Further, the compliance costs estimated by the Commission are greatly outweighed by the estimated benefits to consumers and honest competition. The Commission notes that the harm caused by the acts and practices addressed cut across multiple trades. The Commission addresses potential First Amendment concerns and arguments regarding prevalence below.

The following discussion provides a section-by-section analysis of the provisions proposed in the NPRM, and discusses the comments received, the Commission's responses to the comments, and the provisions adopted in the final rule. [ 96 ]

The proposed rule included definitions for the following terms: “business”; “celebrity testimonial”; “clear and conspicuous”; “consumer review”; “consumer testimonial”; “indicators of social media influence”; “officers”; “purchase a consumer review”; “reviewer”; “substantially different product”; “testimonialist”; and “unjustified legal threat.” In Question 6 of the NPRM, the Commission asked whether the proposed definitions are clear and what changes should be made to any definitions. In Questions 11 and 21 of the NPRM, the Commission asked specifically about the definitions of “substantially different product” and “unjustified legal threat,” respectively. In the following definition-by-definition analysis, the Commission discusses each definition proposed in the NPRM, relevant comments not otherwise addressed in the discussion of the corresponding substantive provisions of the final rule, and the definitions that the Commission is finalizing. [ 97 ]

The proposed rule defined “business” as “an individual, partnership, corporation, or any other commercial entity that sells products or services.” This term appeared in the proposed definitions of “celebrity testimonial,” “consumer review,” “consumer testimonial,” and “officers,” and in every substantive section of the proposed rule. For the following reasons, the Commission adopts the definition of “business” largely as proposed, with a minor, non-substantive clarification as described below.

A trade association commenter noted correctly that the Commission's rulemaking authority is limited to acts or practices “in or affecting commerce.” [ 98 ] It recommended that the Commission insert “in or affecting commerce as defined in section 4 of the Federal Trade Commission Act ( 15 U.S.C. 44 )” in the definition of a “business.” [ 99 ] The Commission declines to make this modification. An entity that is selling products or services is engaging in commerce and, even without the commenter's proposed addition, the acts and practices covered by the final rule are limited to commercial practices.

A consumer advocacy organization commenter argued that the definition of a business potentially liable under the proposed rule was unduly narrow and should be expanded to include “advertisers,” “endorsers,” and “[a]dvertising agencies, public relations firms, review brokers, reputation management companies, and other similar intermediaries.” [ 100 ] However, advertisers, advertising agencies, public relations firms, review brokers, reputation management companies, and other similar intermediaries all sell products or services and are covered by the Commission's definition of “business.” To the extent that an endorser is in the business of selling reviews or testimonials, the endorser is covered by the definition. The Commission is therefore not making the proposed change.

A review platform commenter suggested that, to avoid ambiguity, the Commission clarify that “sells products or services” in the definition of “business” applies to each of the types of entities listed in the definition, not just to “any other commercial ( print page 68041) entity.” [ 101 ] The Commission is adopting this recommendation to clarify the intended scope of the definition.

For the reasons explained in this section, the Commission is finalizing the definition of “business” to mean an individual who sells products or services, a partnership that sells products or services, a corporation that sells products or services, or any other commercial entity that sells products or services.

The proposed rule defined “celebrity testimonial” as “an advertising or promotional message (including verbal statements, demonstrations, or depictions of the name, signature, likeness, or other identifying personal characteristics of an individual) that consumers are likely to believe reflects the opinions, beliefs, or experiences of a well-known person who purchased, used, or otherwise had experience with a product, service, or business.” The Commission is finalizing the definition of this term—which is used in § 465.2, Fake or False Consumer Reviews, Consumer Testimonials, or Celebrity Testimonials—with one modification.

A trade association commenter said that the definition of a celebrity endorsement should be clarified to exclude “a situation where a celebrity or celebrity likeness appears or is used by a business as a promotion, without any specific advertising or opinions presented.” [ 102 ] The commenter gave the example of an athlete who appears at a business to sign autographs or simply appears, without making any statements or representations about the business. [ 103 ] Such situations should not be excluded from the scope of the definition because a business's use in advertising or promotion of a celebrity or a celebrity's image can, even without any additional statements, imply that the celebrity has a positive opinion of the business or its products or services and therefore constitute a celebrity testimonial. However, if consumers would not interpret the celebrity's appearance to reflect the celebrity's opinions of, beliefs about, or experiences with, a business or its products or services, then the appearance is not a testimonial. That issue is thus highly dependent on specific facts. Further, to take the commenter's example, it is highly unlikely that a celebrity who does nothing more than sign autographs or appear at a business could violate § 465.2, because such signings or appearances alone would likely not communicate anything to consumers about the celebrity's use or experience with a product, service, or business.

A second trade association asserted that the definition of a “celebrity testimonial” does not give advertisers adequate notice as to when a testimonial is a “celebrity” testimonial or a “consumer” testimonial. [ 104 ] The commenter requested that the Commission provide further guidance on what constitutes a “well-known” individual. [ 105 ] Based upon common usage, well-known individuals include those famous in the areas of entertainment, such as film, music, writing, or sport, and those known to the public for their positions or successes in business, government, politics, or religion. Individuals who earn money through their work as “influencers” are also well known, as are those who have been featured in the news or media. More important, whether someone is well known does not matter for purposes of rule interpretation and enforcement because any provisions that apply to celebrity testimonials also apply to consumer testimonials.

A business commenter suggested replacing “a well-known person” in the definition with a “widely known all-purpose public figure” or “widely known public figure” for the purpose of “clarity.” [ 106 ] It said that Black's Law Dictionary defines the term “all-purpose public figure” to mean “[s]omeone who achieves such pervasive fame or notoriety that he or she becomes a public figure for all purposes and in all contexts.” [ 107 ] To be “well known,” one need not have such pervasive fame as to be a public figure for all purposes and in all contexts. For example, an influencer may be well known to a subset of individuals interested in a particular subject. The commenter gave no justification for narrowing the definition of a “celebrity testimonial,” and the Commission declines to do so.

A public interest research center commenter said that the definitions of “celebrity testimonials” and “consumer testimonials” should “be broadened to explicitly include non-natural persons, such as businesses and public sector entities.” [ 108 ] Although endorsements by such organizations are addressed in the Commission's Endorsement Guides, [ 109 ] the Commission did not intend for any provision using the term “testimonials” to apply to endorsements by entities. To clarify that the Commission does not intend for any provision using the term “testimonials” to apply to endorsements by entities, the Commission is substituting the word “individual” for the word “person” wherever the word appeared in the Commission's original proposal. [ 110 ] The only section of the rule that applies to endorsements by entities or purported entities is § 465.6, which addresses company-controlled review websites or entities. However, § 465.6 does not apply to consumer or celebrity testimonials.

The proposed rule defined “clear and conspicuous” to mean “that a required disclosure is easily noticeable ( i.e., difficult to miss) and easily understandable,” including in eight enumerated ways, listing proposed requirements for “any communication that is solely visual or solely audible,” “[a] visual disclosure,” “[a]n audible disclosure,” and “any communication using an interactive electronic medium,” and providing, inter alia, that such disclosures “must use diction and syntax understandable to ordinary consumers,” “must appear in each language in which the representation that requires the disclosure appears,” and “must not be contradicted or mitigated by, or inconsistent with, anything else in the communication.” Based on the following, the Commission is finalizing the definition of this term—which is used in § 465.5, Insider Consumer Reviews and Consumer Testimonials—with one modification.

A trade association commenter suggested not using the terms “diction” and “syntax” in the definition because many of those subject to the rule “may not know the meaning of th[os]e words.” [ 111 ] The commenter suggested replacing them with “words” and ( print page 68042) “grammar.” [ 112 ] “Diction” means the choice and use of words. [ 113 ] “Syntax” involves the arrangement of words and phrases and is a subset of grammar. [ 114 ] The Commission believes that the meaning of “diction” and “syntax” are sufficiently clear.

One trade association commenter asserted that it is unnecessary to have a definition of “clear and conspicuous” because the “phrase . . . has a meaning under FTC jurisprudence.” [ 115 ] The definition is based on that jurisprudence and decades of Commission experience policing deceptive and unfair conduct. The Commission believes it is both helpful and necessary that the rule provides more explicit guidance on what does and does not constitute a clear and conspicuous disclosure.

Several commenters asserted that the proposed definition was overly prescriptive and not sufficiently flexible. [ 116 ] The Commission disagrees and reiterates that the definition contains basic, common-sense principles, such as requiring visual disclosures in a size consumers can see and audible disclosures at a volume they can hear. The definition merely provides a baseline and provides a great deal of flexibility in what a disclosure should say and how it appears. The basic, enumerated requirements are necessary for a disclosure to be effective.

Two commenters objected to the requirement that internet disclosures be “unavoidable,” an objective standard that depends on whether consumers could have avoided the disclosure, which, per the definition is the case when “a consumer must take any action, such as clicking on a hyperlink or hovering over an icon, to see” the disclosure. [ 117 ] The commenters do not believe that a disclosure has to be unavoidable for it to be effective; they noted that a staff business guidance document, issued in 2000 and updated in 2013, allowed for the possibility that avoidable disclosures, e.g., those available through a hyperlink, could be clear and conspicuous. [ 118 ] The Commission believes that a disclosure is not effective when it is not seen or heard, including when the reason for it not being seen or heard is its avoidability. The staff guidance said that “[d]isclosures that are an integral part of a claim or inseparable from it should not be communicated through a hyperlink,” and the purported independence and objectivity of a reviewer or testimonialist is often integral. [ 119 ] Further, some readers misunderstood the staff guidance about the necessity of properly labeling hyperlinks to convey the “importance, nature, and relevance of the information” to which the hyperlinks lead. The staff guidance said that, to be effective, the label of the hyperlink might need to give the essence of the disclosure, with the hyperlink leading to the details. [ 120 ] Even had these qualifications been absent, the Commission is not bound by the 2013 staff business guidance, which is currently under review in light of an evolution of views over time regarding online disclosures and avoidability. [ 121 ]

One commenter asked whether a disclosure in the first line of a product review would be considered unavoidable. [ 122 ] For the purposes of this rule, the Commission would consider such a disclosure to be unavoidable. A different commenter expressed concern that the requirement that a disclosure “stand out” would require new formatting techniques for companies hosting reviews and preclude a disclosure from being in the review itself. [ 123 ] For the purposes of this rule, the Commission would consider a disclosure at the beginning of a text-only consumer review to “stand out.”

A trade association said that “the average social media user is familiar with where text is found in any given social media post, and social media platforms already make text visible against a variety of backgrounds” so “[r]equiring the endorsement-disclosure text to differ from other text is not only impractical, but it could actually create confusion for social media users who have grown accustomed to viewing all text related to a post in a certain manner.” [ 124 ] The Commission recognizes that, on a social media platform that allows only uniform text, it is not possible to have the text of a disclosure appear in different text. As with a text-only consumer review, the Commission would consider a disclosure at the beginning of such a text-only testimonial to “stand out.” On visual platforms with superimposed text, it is quite possible and reasonable to require that the text of a disclosure “stand out.”

One commenter asserted that being “unavoidable” and being “easily noticed” are ambiguous concepts. [ 125 ] The Commission disagrees. “Unavoidable” means that a consumer cannot avoid a disclosure such as by failing to click on a link or by failing to scroll. “Easily noticeable” is a simple and objective standard evaluated from the perspective of a reasonable consumer.

Two commenters asserted that it would be difficult to make clear and conspicuous disclosures required by the proposed rule on a small screen. [ 126 ] They did not explain why that would be the case, and the Commission does not believe that compliance with the rule's disclosure requirement should be difficult on handheld devices.

One commenter asserted that, because of the proposed definition of clear and conspicuous, “[t]here is no need for the FTC to determine whether the resulting speech is rendered deceptive, untrue, or inaccurate.” [ 127 ] The Commission disagrees. The only substantive provision for which the definition is relevant is § 465.5. A business would not violate that provision merely by having a disclosure that is not clear and conspicuous. Rather, the business would have to engage in conduct that would be unfair or deceptive in the absence of a clear and conspicuous disclosure ( e.g., a corporate officer ( print page 68043) giving a consumer endorsement without disclosing that they are an insider). As discussed below, the Commission is finalizing proposed § 465.5 with a modification to clarify to clarify that the provision is limited to conduct that would violate section 5 of the FTC Act. [ 128 ] The same commenter also surmised, based on the similarity of the definition of “clear and conspicuous” to the definition of the same phrase in the Endorsement Guides, that the Commission intends that the examples used in the Endorsement Guides would also be examples of violative behavior under the rule. [ 129 ] That is not the case. The Endorsement Guides address a broader range of conduct than the rule. Of the three examples in the Endorsement Guides that illustrate whether disclosures are clear and conspicuous, two of them address issues—the payment of influencers and implied typicality—not covered by the rule. [ 130 ] The third example involves a disclosure that individuals appearing in a television ad and giving testimonials are paid actors. [ 131 ] Such conduct would not be covered by the rule unless the underlying testimonials were fake or false.

One commenter, a trade association, stated that it was “unclear if the Commission has considered any social media platform constraints with respect to the length of posts ( e.g., character and time limits),” and asked (1) whether and how hashtags can meet the “clear and conspicuous” requirement, (2) whether “`#Ad' is a sufficient visual disclosure of a material relationship,” and (3) that the Commission “provide more examples, including appropriate use of hashtags in disclosures, in its final rule.” [ 132 ] Another trade association requested in its comment that the Commission provide “visual examples of `insider' endorsement disclosures that the Commission finds acceptable.” [ 133 ] The Commission believes it is not difficult to comply with the rule's disclosure requirements in the social media context. Depending upon their wording and appearance, hashtags can be clear and conspicuous for purposes of the rule. In a social media post promoting a brand, it might be sufficient to prominently disclose an employee relationship via a hashtag beginning with the brand name and followed by the word “employee.” Whether “#ad” would be an adequate disclosure would depend on the specific context. It could be adequate at the beginning of a social media post by the testimonialist, but it would likely be inadequate in a television ad or magazine ad featuring the testimonialist. Because the only provision for which the definition is relevant is § 465.5, which addresses the failure to disclose insider relationships, the disclosure could be as simple as the testimonialist describing a product as “my company's” or “my wife's company's.”

A commenter asserted that disclosures “utilizing a social media platform's built-in disclosure tool should be . . . at least sufficient enough to avoid the risk of penalties under the FTC's rulemaking authority.” [ 134 ] As it has previously said, the Commission supports development of effective, built-in disclosure tools but is concerned that some of the existing tools lead to inadequate disclosures that are too poorly contrasting, fleeting, or small, or may be placed in locations where they do not catch the user's attention. [ 135 ] Whether a business could be subject to civil penalties for social media posts by insiders who utilized a social media platform's built-in disclosure tool would depend on whether a court would find that the business met the knowledge standard of section 5(m)(1)(A) of the FTC Act.

A trade association's comment expressed concerns about the proposed requirement that “[i]n any communication made through both visual and audible means, such as a television advertisement, the disclosure must be presented simultaneously in both the visual and audible portions of the communication even if the representation requiring the disclosure is made in only one means.” [ 136 ] The commenter said that “it is unnecessary and duplicative to require video endorsements that include visual and audio components to include both visual and audio disclaimers,” and “requiring an additional visual disclaimer, on top of a disclaimer that an endorser may easily include via audio, is cumbersome, and restricts companies' marketing capabilities.” [ 137 ] On reflection, in the context of this rulemaking and as to the relationships of company insiders, if a communication makes an endorsement in only its visual or audio portion, then it should be sufficient for a disclosure to appear in the same format as the claim that requires the disclosure. On the other hand, if an endorsement is conveyed in both the audio and visual portions of a communication, then the disclosure should be made in both the audio and visual portions. Consumers can watch a video with the sound off or listen to it without looking at the screen. The Commission is changing the relevant language to, “[i]n any communication made through both visual and audible means, such as a television advertisement, the disclosure must be presented in at least the same means as the representation(s) requiring the disclosure.” This change makes the rule less restrictive while still accomplishing the Commission's goal of ensuring that consumers are fully informed. A different trade association noted that the “simultaneous disclosure requirement is confusing and would benefit from examples of sufficient simultaneous disclosure.” [ 138 ] Because the Commission is not finalizing the simultaneous disclosure requirement contained in the proposed rule, it is not providing further guidance on the meaning of simultaneous.

The second trade association also asked “if a social media influencer posts a video and discloses verbally in the video that they have a brand ambassador relationship with the retailer/brand, is it sufficient to display in the text accompanying the posted video some written disclosure” or would the disclosure “need to be embedded or flash across the video itself.” [ 139 ] The rule does not address or apply to an influencer's disclosure of a brand ambassador relationship. The rule's only disclosure requirements are in § 465.5 and apply to company insiders. Whether a testimonial in a social media post by a company insider requires a superimposed textual disclosure depends on whether there is an endorsement communicated by the visual portion of the post. If there is an endorsement in the visual portion, there would need to be a disclosure in the visual portion. If the endorsement is communicated only in the audio portion of the post, there would not need to be a disclosure in the visual portion.

The proposed rule defined “consumer review” as “a consumer's evaluation, or a purported consumer's evaluation, of a product, service, or business that is ( print page 68044) submitted by the consumer or purported consumer and that is published to a website or platform dedicated in whole or in part to receiving and displaying such evaluations.” The proposed definition also noted that, for the purposes of the rule, consumer reviews include consumer ratings regardless of whether they include any text or narrative. The Commission has determined to finalize the definition of this term—which is used in §§ 465.2 through 465.6—with a minor, technical change.

A comment from a review platform supported the proposed definition, calling it “particularly clear and holistic.” [ 140 ]

A comment from an individual asserted that the “definition of `consumer' implies an individual who purchased the product for their own use” and that when a “product is provided by the company seeking a review, for the purposes of it being reviewed, the reviewer is arguably not a consumer.” [ 141 ] The Commission disagrees that a “consumer” is necessarily a purchaser. For purposes of the rule, a consumer is a person who purchased, used, or otherwise had experience with a product, service, or business.

A trade association commenter suggested deleting the definition's element that a consumer review be “published.” [ 142 ] It said that a “consumer review should still be considered a `review' before it is publicly displayed by a website or platform.” [ 143 ] Although that may be true for some purposes, the Commission declines to make that change. A consumer review that is submitted to a website or platform but never published does not in and of itself deceive consumers, although the failure to publish a review may be deceptive pursuant to paragraphs (a)(1) and (b) of § 465.7. Paragraphs (a)(1) and (b) of § 465.7 are worded in a way that does not limit their application to published reviews, because they relate to suppressed reviews.

A comment from a consumer advocacy organization suggested deleting the portion of the definition that refers to publication to a website or platform “dedicated in whole or in part to receiving and displaying such evaluations.” [ 144 ] It asked whether the definition would “only apply to reviews on a website `dedicated' to posting reviews, such as Yelp” and whether “it include[s] any website where reviews are possibly posted, like Reddit?” [ 145 ] The commenter continued, “Would a website be excluded if only a very small portion of the website contained consumer evaluations?” [ 146 ] The commenter asserted that “[a]ll fake reviews and ratings that are used to market a product or service should be captured in the . . . Rule—no matter where they are posted.” [ 147 ] The definition is not limited to consumer reviews on websites that are dedicated entirely to posting such reviews. It would also cover reviews on a portion of a website, no matter how small a portion, that is dedicated to receiving and displaying such reviews, such as a reviews page or the review sections of product pages on a retailer's website. The definition would not, however, cover consumer statements about products or services on a website or portion of a website, such as Reddit, that is not dedicated to receiving and displaying reviews. Such free-floating consumer statements are outside of the generally understood context in which content is submitted and published as reviews. Under some circumstances, such statements might be considered “consumer testimonials,” such as when an advertiser has paid for them.

A comment from a review platform raised two issues with the “consumer review” definition. [ 148 ] It said that “[b]are ratings provide no context, making them virtually useless for other consumers or to businesses that might use consumer feedback to improve their services” and suggested that “the Commission differentiate between reviews and ratings.” [ 149 ] The fact that bare ratings do not provide context does not mean that consumers do not rely on them or on aggregate ratings that include bare ratings. The Commission does not see a reason to distinguish between reviews and ratings for the purposes of the rule, and the commenter did not provide such a reason. The same commenter also expressed “concern[ ] with the definition's use of the word `purported[,]' . . . which has a negative connotation that feeds into the false narrative that consumer reviews are inherently unreliable” and suggested replacing “purported” with different language. [ 150 ] The definition simply recognizes and accounts for the undisputed fact that some reviews are fake. Just because some reviews are unreliable does not suggest that reviews are generally unreliable. The Commission declines to adopt this recommendation.

To conform with the Office of the Federal Register's drafting requirements, the Commission is changing a reference to “this Rule” to “this part.” [ 151 ]

The proposed rule defined “consumer testimonial” as “an advertising or promotional message (including verbal statements, demonstrations, or depictions of the name, signature, likeness, or other identifying personal characteristics of an individual) that consumers are likely to believe reflects the opinions, beliefs, or experiences of a consumer who has purchased, used, or otherwise had experience with a product, service, or business.” The Commission is finalizing the definition of the term—which is used in §§ 465.2 and 465.5—as originally proposed.

A trade association commenter expressed concern that consumers seeing a clearly dramatized television commercial might unreasonably believe that the actors' scripted lines actually reflected their opinions, beliefs, or experiences and could therefore be considered consumer testimonials. [ 152 ] It suggested clarifying the definition by inserting “reasonably in the circumstances” after “that consumers are likely to believe.” [ 153 ] The Commission agrees that it would not be reasonable for viewers to consider “an obviously fictional dramatization” to be an endorsement. [ 154 ] The Commission does not, however, believe it is necessary to modify the definition. The concept of “reasonable consumers” from FTC jurisprudence [ 155 ] is incorporated into the concept of consumers being likely to believe something.

The same public interest research center that commented, as discussed above, that the Commission should broaden the definition of “celebrity testimonials” to explicitly include non-natural persons (such as businesses and ( print page 68045) public sector entities) [ 156 ] made the same comment with respect to the definition of “consumer testimonials.” [ 157 ] The Commission declines to make that change in the latter definition for the same reason it declined to make it in the former definition.

The proposed rule defined “indicators of social media influence” as “any metrics used by the public to make assessments of an individual's or entity's social media influence, such as followers, friends, connections, subscribers, views, plays, likes, reposts, and comments.” For the following reasons, the Commission adopts the definition of “indicators of social media influence”—a term which is used in § 465.8, Misuse of Fake Indicators of Social Media Influence—largely as proposed, with one modification described below.

A comment from a consumer advocacy organization suggested explicitly including “Saves” and “Shares” within the definition of indicators of social media influence.” [ 158 ] The commenter explained that the number of times that social media posts are saved or shared serves as indicators of social media influence and that both “Saves” and “Shares” are offered for sale on the internet. [ 159 ] Because the NPRM proposed to define the term as “any metrics used by the public to make assessments of an individual's or entity's social media influence,” “Saves” and “Shares” were already covered by the definition as originally proposed. However, merely for the purpose of clarification, the Commission is adding them to the listed examples of indicators. The same commenter also suggested that the Commission expand the definition to include engagement metrics that are not publicly visible but that are used to gain an algorithmic advantage. [ 160 ] Such non-visible indicators are outside the scope of this rulemaking, and the Commission chooses not to address them at this time.

One review platform commenter suggested that the Commission “simplify the definition to exhaustively list the current metrics that are such indicators.” [ 161 ] The commenter continued that “whether a given metric is `used by the public to make assessments of an individual's or entity's social media influence' may become the subject of substantial dispute in future cases . . . in the absence of an exhaustive, disjunctive list of indicators.” [ 162 ] The Commission intends the listed indicators to be examples and non-exhaustive, a flexible and efficient approach that avoids having to modify the rule when such metrics change. The Commission has no reason to believe that its approach will result in substantial disputes in its cases.

For the reasons explained in this section, the Commission is finalizing the definition of “indicators of social media influence” to mean any metrics used by the public to make assessments of an individual's or entity's social media influence, such as followers, friends, connections, subscribers, views, plays, likes, saves, shares, reposts, and comments.

The proposed rule defined “officers” as “including owners, executives, and managing members of a business.” The Commission is finalizing the definition of this term—which is used in §§ 465.2 and 465.5.

A review platform commenter said that including “managing members” in the definition of “officers” “could suggest that managers are officers.” [ 163 ] The commenter also suggested that the definition of “officers” “should be refined to only include `senior management members' of a business,” thereby creating “a clearer distinction between those in a position of leadership versus lower-level employees, or staff that may have the title `manager' without any practical level of control and power to exert influence over others.” [ 164 ]

Because a “managing member” is a commonly understood term referring to an owner and senior manager of a limited liability company, and because the term does not refer to all “managers” of a business, the Commission declines to remove “managing members” from the definition of “officer.” As discussed below, the Commission continues to believe it appropriate that §§ 465.2 and 465.5 apply to both officers and managers and is therefore not limiting the definition of “officers” to “senior management members.” A new definition of “managers” is discussed below. [ 165 ]

The proposed rule defined “purchase a consumer review” as “provid[ing] something of value, such as money, goods, or another review, in exchange for a consumer review.” For the following reasons, the Commission adopts the definition of “purchase a consumer review”—a term which is used in § 465.2, Fake or False Consumer Reviews, Consumer Testimonials, or Celebrity Testimonials—largely as proposed, with two modifications described below.

An individual commenter wrote, “[r]egarding payment for reviews, the use of . . . discounts on future purchases from the business should be specifically prohibited as well.” [ 166 ] A review platform commenter suggested “that the Commission list additional examples of . . . what the Commission considers `value.' ” [ 167 ] Specifically, it suggested adding “gift certificates,” “services,” “discounts,” “coupons,” and “contest entries.” [ 168 ] Such examples of value were covered by the proposed definition, which applies to “something of value” provided in exchange for a consumer review” but, for purposes of clarification, the Commission is adding these examples of value in the final definition. The review platform commenter also suggested adding “other incentives,” [ 169 ] which the Commission thinks is unnecessary, given that the list is only exemplary and preceded by the words “such as.”

Another review platform commenter suggested using language explicitly stating that the listed examples of “value” are not exhaustive. [ 170 ] The Commission believes that, because the phrase “such as” precedes the list of examples, this is already sufficiently clear from the language of the definition.

The proposed definition used the term “goods.” To ensure that terminology is used consistently throughout the rule, the Commission is replacing the term “goods” with the synonymous word “products” in the final definition. [ 171 ]

For the reasons explained in this section, the Commission is finalizing the definition of “purchase a consumer review” to mean to provide something ( print page 68046) of value, such as money, gift certificates, products, services, discounts, coupons, contest entries, or another review, in exchange for a consumer review.

The proposed rule defined “reviewer” as “the author or purported author of a consumer review.” The Commission is finalizing the definition of the term—which is used in §§ 465.2 and 465.5—as originally proposed.

One review platform commenter objected to the use of the word “purported” in the definition of “reviewer,” just as it objected to that word's inclusion in the definition of “consumer review.” [ 172 ] The commenter asserted that “purported” feeds into the false narrative that consumer reviews are inherently unreliable. As discussed above, the use of the word “purported” simply recognizes and accounts for the undisputed fact that some reviews are fake. [ 173 ] The Commission declines to modify the definition of “reviewer.”

The proposed rule defined “substantially different product” as a product that differs from another product in one or more material attributes other than color, size, count, or flavor. The defined term appeared in proposed § 465.3, Consumer Review or Testimonial Reuse or Repurposing, which the Commission is no longer planning on finalizing. [ 174 ] Given that the Commission has decided not to proceed with proposed § 465.3 at this time, it is not including a definition of “substantially different product” in the final rule.

The proposed rule defined “testimonialist” as “the person giving or purportedly giving a consumer testimonial or celebrity testimonial.” None of the comments received addressed the definition of testimonialist. As already discussed in section IV.A.2.b of this document, the Commission is substituting the word “individual” for the word “person” wherever the word appeared in the Commission's original proposal. Aside from this minor, clarifying modification, the Commission has determined that it will finalize the definition of the term—which is used in §§ 465.2 and 465.5—as originally proposed.

The proposed rule defined “unjustified legal threat” as “a threat to initiate or file a baseless legal action, such as an action for defamation that challenges truthful speech or matters of opinion.” For the following reasons, the Commission adopts the definition—a term which is used in § 465.7, Review Suppression—largely as proposed, with two modifications described below.

The NPRM asked whether “the definition of `unjustified legal threat' is sufficiently clear.” One company's comment said that the proposed definition was clear. [ 175 ] A trade association said “the term `unjustified' is a vague standard that leaves unclear what legal support a business must have for its legal position before it warns the creator of a review of possible legal proceedings.” [ 176 ] A comment from State Attorneys General suggested changing “unjustified” to “unfounded, groundless, or unreasonable” in order to provide a more objective legal standard for evaluating the types of legal threats that are not permitted. [ 177 ] The Commission agrees in part with this recommendation. As a clarification of what it intended, the Commission is changing “unjustified” to “unfounded or groundless.” Specifically, this change avoids the unintended, potentially broader scope of the term “unjustified,” which is also freighted with subjective considerations, in favor of terms that reflect objective legal standards. For similar reasons, the Commission is not adding “unreasonable,” a term which is unnecessary and not as precise in this particular situation as “unfounded or groundless.”

The State Attorneys General comment also recommended that the definition include “a threat to enforce an agreement that is void, voidable, or unenforceable.” [ 178 ] It said that the word “unjustified” may be insufficient to address merchants arguing that their legal threats were justified by their non-disclosure agreements that limit consumer reviews. [ 179 ] The change from “unjustified” to “unfounded or groundless” addresses this concern. A comment from a review platform suggested that the Commission expand the definition to include threats based on form contracts that violate the Consumer Review Fairness Act (“CRFA”). [ 180 ] Given that such form contracts are already prohibited by the CRFA, [ 181 ] the Commission declines to address them in this rulemaking.

A consumer group's comment disagreed with the definition's use of the phrase “baseless legal action” on the basis that it “open[s] just as many questions as the underlying term it attempts to define.” [ 182 ] A company's comment noted that the phrase “a baseless legal action” is vague, and recommend that the Commission instead adopt language that is based upon Rule 11(b)(2) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. [ 183 ] Specifically, the commenter recommended changing “a baseless legal action” to “a legal action that is not warranted by existing law or a nonfrivolous argument for extending, modifying, or reversing existing law or establishing new law.” [ 184 ]

The Commission is partially adopting the commenter's suggestion by adopting language that is loosely based upon Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11(b)(2) and (3). [ 185 ] However, the Commission is not adopting the phrase “extending, modifying, or reversing existing law or establishing new law” because it is highly doubtful that companies would threaten consumers by asserting that, while no lawsuit is warranted under existing law, they will bring a lawsuit anyway and try to change existing law. Instead, the Commission chooses to clarify the definition by changing “threat to file a baseless legal action” to “legal threat based on claims, defenses, or other legal contentions unwarranted by existing law or based on factual contentions that have no evidentiary support or will likely have no evidentiary support after a reasonable opportunity for further investigation or discovery.”

A review platform commenter was concerned that the proposed definition's “wording opens the door to bad actors being able to claim defamation on weakly justified grounds and to seek to game the system by deliberately constructing legal terms which can then be deployed to suppress reviews.” [ 186 ] The Commission believes that the revised definition addresses this ( print page 68047) concern, especially given its inclusion of language from Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11(b)(2) and (3), which is intended to avoid such misuse of the court system. In any event, the Commission is deleting “such as an action for defamation that challenges truthful speech or matters of opinion” because this example is unnecessary and possibly confusing in this context.

For the reasons explained in this section, the Commission is adopting the proposed definition of an “unfounded or groundless legal threat” with clarifying changes. The final definition provides that an “unfounded or groundless legal threat” is a legal threat based on claims, defenses, or other legal contentions unwarranted by existing law or based on factual contentions that have no evidentiary support or will likely have no evidentiary support after a reasonable opportunity for further investigation or discovery.

In Question 7 of the NPRM, the Commission asked what additional definitions, if any, are needed. In Questions 14 and 18 of the NPRM, the Commission asked whether it should define the terms “managers” and “relatives,” respectively. As discussed below, various commenters suggested that the Commission define the following terms and phrases that appear in the proposed rule: “dissemination,” “manager,” “relative,” and “purchase or procure fake indicators.” One commenter suggested that the Commission define “review hosting” and exclude it from the scope of § 465.2. [ 187 ]

The term “disseminate” appears in both proposed and final §§ 465.2 and 465.5. A comment from a trade association stated that the Commission should define “disseminate” “within Proposed § 465.2(b) to include only the affirmative posting or intentional distribution of reviews, where a company has actual knowledge that the reviews are false or fraudulent in nature.” [ 188 ] The commenter continued by saying that “disseminate” should “not include passive actions such as allowing a review to be posted or published on a company's web page, unless the company has actual knowledge that the review is false or fraudulent in nature” or “retailers sharing reviews with third-party platforms such as Google.” [ 189 ] Within both §§ 465.2 and 465.5, however, “disseminate” applies only to testimonials, not to consumer reviews. One of the basic canons of statutory and regulatory construction is that words are to be understood in their ordinary, everyday meanings—unless the context indicates that they bear a technical sense. [ 190 ] In §§ 465.2 and 465.5, the Commission intended for the term to have its ordinary, everyday meaning—that is, to spread or to convey something, rather than the proposed definition. [ 191 ] Accordingly, the Commission declines to add the proposed definition.

The term “manager” appeared in proposed § 465.5, Insider Consumer Reviews and Consumer Testimonials, and was undefined. Due to the clarifying changes to § 465.2 that are discussed in further detail below, the term is now included in both final § 465.5 and final § 465.2, Fake or False Consumer Reviews, Consumer Testimonials, or Celebrity Testimonials.

One business commenter noted that it is unnecessary to define “manager.” [ 192 ] An industry organization wrote in its comment that the failure to define the term “manager” “raises concerns about the number of a firm's employees impacted.” [ 193 ] A review platform commenter said that using the term “manager” without any definition is particularly problematic, [ 194 ] noting that someone “may have the title `manager' without any practical level of control and power to exert influence over others. For example, it is possible in a business for a person to have the title `manager' while holding a relatively junior position and without having any employees that directly report to them.” [ 195 ] Proposed and final § 465.5(c) address “managers” soliciting or demanding consumer reviews from employees or agents. In this context, the Commission's intent was for the term “manager” to be limited to those who supervise others. Thus, the Commission is adopting a definition for the term “manager” to make this clarification, which will ensure that § 465.5(c) is not interpreted as more restrictive than the Commission intended. [ 196 ]

A business commenter that operates in the insurance-marketing space explained that independent-contractor insurance agents who build their own agencies are referred to as “managers” and asked that the definition of “managers” expressly carve out “managers in the insurance marketing space” or at least clarify that managers are those “who are employed by the company.” [ 197 ] As similar situations may arise in other contexts, the Commission is adopting the commenter's latter recommendation, and clarifying that managers are employees of the businesses.

For the reasons explained in this section, the final rule adopts a definition for the term “manager.” The final rule defines the term “manager” as an employee of a business who supervises other employees or agents and who either holds the title of a “manager” or otherwise serves in a managerial role.

The term “relative” appeared in proposed § 465.5, Insider Consumer Reviews and Consumer Testimonials. It was undefined in the proposed rule.

Two commenters suggested that the Commission define the term “relative.” A comment from a review platform said that a plain reading of “relative” could cover “an extremely broad range of people” and “is likely to extend to persons who may not be biased since they are in reality not close to the ( print page 68048) business.” [ 198 ] The commenter suggested that the prohibition in § 465.5(c) be limited to close relatives such as immediate family members. [ 199 ] A comment from a business organization said that the term “relative” is too vague and that “[i]t is unclear whether the rule applies to third cousins, the spouses of a stepbrother's child from a previous marriage, or friends that are considered family.” [ 200 ] The commenter continued that “[l]arge companies creating monitoring programs for testimonials need some clarity about what relatives will be captured under the Rule.” [ 201 ]

As discussed below, the Commission believes that some rule provisions should be limited to “immediate relatives.” [ 202 ] The Commission is adding a definition of an “immediate relative,” which clarifies that the term refers to a spouse, parent, child, or sibling. In the final rule, the term “immediate relative” is used in §§ 465.2(c) and 465.5(c).

The phrase “purchase or procure fake indicators of social media influence” is used in proposed and final § 465.8, Misuse of Fake Indicators of Social Media Influence. The phrase was undefined in the proposed rule.

A consumer advocacy commenter stated that leaving the terms “purchase” and “procure” undefined “leaves ambiguity regarding which types of incentives are restricted,” and suggested defining the phrase “purchase or procure fake indicators of social media influence” to mean “to provide something of value, such as money, goods, or another indicator of social media influence ( i.e. [,] a `like'), in exchange for a fake indicator of social media influence.” [ 203 ] The Commission declines to adopt the commenter's suggestion. [ 204 ] The definition proposed by the commenter would unnecessarily narrow the types of actions that would be covered by the rule to an exchange. In the final rule, the Commission intends for the term “procure” to bear its ordinary, everyday meaning—that is, to obtain something. [ 205 ] Even if there is any ambiguity in the term “purchase,” any exchange of value in order to obtain fake indicators of social media influence would be “procuring” the fake indicators.

A retailer submitted a comment suggesting that “review hosting” be defined and excluded from the scope of § 465.2. [ 206 ] The commenter suggested the following definition:

Review hosting includes but is not limited to activity associated with maintaining a repository of consumer reviews and testimonials for display such as: offering review submission functionality, collecting and moderating reviews, organizing and displaying reviews, aggregating reviews into star ratings, and providing guidance to consumers about how to leave reviews where no incentive is offered. [ 207 ]

As discussed below, the Commission did not intend for its proposal to apply to simply hosting consumer reviews. [ 208 ] The Commission is therefore, for the purpose of clarification, adopting a definition of the term “consumer review hosting” in order to exclude mere review hosting from certain provisions of the rule. The Commission is not adopting the commenter's proposed definition because it included activities that go beyond the core of mere review hosting and because it begins with the phrase “include but is not limited to,” which would allow it to include an unknown, larger category of activities. The final rule defines “consumer review hosting” as providing the technological means by which a website or platform allows consumers to see or hear the consumer reviews that consumers have submitted to the website or platform. The exclusion of “consumer review hosting” from certain sections of the rule is discussed below.

Proposed § 465.2 addressed fake or false consumer reviews, consumer testimonials, and celebrity testimonials. Based on the following, the Commission has determined to finalize these prohibitions, with a number of revisions. The following paragraphs discuss comments relating to (1) proposed § 465.2 generally, (2) common language in all three paragraphs, (3) the individual paragraphs, 4) the knowledge standard, and (5) other potential requirements.

Numerous individual commenters wrote about the importance of authentic reviews or testimonials and that fake or false ones should be prohibited. [ 209 ] A technology company commenter wrote that it “would welcome rules to prohibit fake reviews and place stronger obligations on businesses who host them to better protect consumers.” [ 210 ]

A celebrity commenter wrote that he had “received more than 100 emails from consumers who have been induced to purchase fake products through the mis-use of . . . [his] image and the images of other Shark Tank `sharks.' ” [ 211 ]

A business commenter suggested explaining the “financial consequence of fake reviews,” such as whether it is “~$50,000 per fake review.” [ 212 ] The maximum civil penalty is currently $51,744 per violation, but courts must take into account the statutory factors set forth in section 5(m)(1)(C) of the FTC Act and may impose much lower per-violation penalties. [ 213 ] Ultimately, courts will also decide how to calculate the number of violations in a given case.

Proposed § 465.2 consisted of three paragraphs, each of which sought to address unfair or deceptive conduct by ( print page 68049) prohibiting specified types of reviews or testimonials: (1) by someone who “does not exist,” (2) by someone “who did not use or otherwise have experience with the product, service, or business that is the subject” of it, or (3) “that materially misrepresents, expressly or by implication, the [person's] . . . experience with the product, service, or business.” For the purpose of the following discussion, references to “fake or false” reviews or testimonials cover these three types of reviews or testimonials.

A trade association asserted that the Commission lacked sufficient evidence of prevalence of reviews and testimonials that “materially misrepresent[ ] . . . the reviewer's or testimonialist's experience.” [ 214 ] The trade association asserted that some of the cases cited by the Commission also involved “actual fake reviews” and therefore should not count as evidence of prevalence. [ 215 ] The Commission disagrees: a fake or fabricated review misrepresents the purported reviewer's experience ( e.g., that the reviewer used the product and what their experience was). The commenter also asserted that five of the cases cited by the Commission to establish prevalence “provide no additional details about the unfair or deceptive act or practice at issue aside from bare allegations that the consumer testimonials in the case involved misrepresentations of the consumer's experience,” and therefore are insufficient to establish prevalence. [ 216 ] However, the quoted representations in each of the Commission's complaints makes clear the nature of the misrepresentations. [ 217 ] Furthermore, even if a Commission complaint does not provide all details about a specific misrepresentation, that does not mean that it cannot serve as evidence of prevalence. The Commission thus has a strong basis for its conclusion that reviews and testimonials misrepresenting the experiences of the reviewers and testimonialists are prevalent.

The same trade association and another one expressed concern that the “prohibition on all reviews that are authored by individuals that [sic] `do not exist' or have not used the product would prohibit a wide swath of non-deceptive speech, including for example, any satirical reviews that a business authors, creates, sells, purchases, disseminates, or procures.” [ 218 ] As discussed in the NPRM, the Commission's intent was to prohibit misrepresentations resulting from reviews or testimonials by someone who does not exist or who did not use or otherwise have experience with the product, service, or business. [ 219 ] The Commission is unsure of the extent to which there are satirical reviews that could run afoul of the provision as proposed. Nonetheless, upon a review of the comments, the Commission now recognizes that absent an express reference to material misrepresentations, the provision could be interpreted to prohibit other potentially non-deceptive speech, such as the use of virtual influencers. [ 220 ] To avoid this unintended consequence, the Commission is clarifying that § 465.2 is limited to prohibiting material misrepresentations. As finalized, the prohibitions in § 465.2 are expressly limited to reviews and testimonials “materially misrepresent[ing], expressly or by implication . . . that the reviewer or testimonialist exists; . . . that the reviewer or testimonialist used or had experience with the product, service, or business that is the subject of the review or testimonial; or . . . the reviewer's or testimonialist's experience with the product, service, or business that is the subject of the review or testimonial.”

A different trade association raised several concerns about the common language of proposed § 465.2. It asserted that the provision “would prohibit the use of a dead person's endorsement because arguably that person does not exist.” [ 221 ] The Commission does not interpret a person who “does not exist” to include a person who died after making an endorsement, but that concern should be resolved by the new language regarding material misrepresentations. The commenter went on to question “what constitutes an `actual experience,' ” asking whether a person who saw a label had actual experience with it and whether a person who tasted an item purchased at a restaurant but did not visit the restaurant had actual experience. [ 222 ] The proposed provision did not use the term “actual experience,” and the persons in the commenter's posited hypotheticals did have legitimate experience with the product or service but should not misrepresent that experience as more than it was. The commenter also said that “it is unclear if the . . . element—materially misrepresenting the experience with the product or service—relates to the experience or an opinion about the product or service.” [ 223 ] It relates to the person's “experience” with the product or service, that is, what actually happened when they used or otherwise experienced it and not simply their “opinion” of it. The same commenter asked whether “an actor portraying an actual reviewer” is misrepresenting their experience as long as it is “clear that it is an actor portrayal.” [ 224 ] The provision does not prohibit using an actor to portray a real testimonialist.

An individual commenter who raised the same concern about whether actors could portray real testimonialists [ 225 ] went on to express concerns that the actor “shouldn't misrepresent who the original person was,” such as by misrepresenting “the effectiveness/health benefits of [a] product by hiring a very fit in shape person.” [ 226 ] The Commission has issued guidance stating that “use of an endorsement with the image or likeness of a person other than the actual endorser is deceptive if it misrepresents a material attribute of the endorser.” [ 227 ] Nevertheless, the Commission does not intend for § 465.2 to address such misrepresentations.

A consumer organization's comment requested that the Commission “explicitly indicate that fake . . . ratings are an independent and separate violation from deceptive narrative reviews.” [ 228 ] The Commission believes that making this distinction is unnecessary and declines to make this change.

Proposed § 465.2(a) would have made it a violation for a “business to write, create, or sell a consumer review, consumer testimonial, or celebrity testimonial” that is fake or false.

An individual commenter noted that the prohibition “is too specific and it would be easy for a business to find an alternative method not prohibited by the rule.” [ 229 ] The commenter posited an example: “a business could have someone next to them tell them their review and someone could transcribe it, technically the business did not create, make, or sell anything and thus would not be in violation.” [ 230 ] If a business is paying an individual to transcribe a fake or false review, it is creating or making the review, and would therefore have violated § 465.2(a). Accordingly, the Commission declines to modify the prohibition in response to the commenter's concern.

A trade association submitted a comment asking the Commission to “confirm that when a real consumer authors the review, the business cannot be said to have written or created it, and thus . . . section [465.2(a)] could not apply.” [ 231 ] The Commission is unsure what the commenter means by a “real consumer authors the review.” The provision would apply if, for example, a business employs a “real consumer” to write fifty reviews of a product under different names.

A comment from a retailer that publishes reviews said that “review brokers and other bad actors . . . coordinate the high-volume writing, buying, and selling of fake reviews” and that the rule should apply to those “approaching customers, instructing them on how to create fake reviews and avoid detection, and connecting them with bad actors operating [fake] accounts.” [ 232 ] Brokers of fake reviews would generally fall under the provision's prohibition against selling a consumer review, given that such brokers are generally being paid to provide fake reviews.

A trade association commenter suggested clarifying that “business” in § 465.2(a) “refers to a business that helps to create or sell reviews or testimonials.” [ 233 ] Although the paragraph does apply to such businesses, it also applies to a business that writes or creates fake reviews or testimonials for its own products or services. For this reason, the Commission declines to adopt the commenter's suggestion.

An individual commenter asked whether the prohibition covers “people who leave reviews in good faith” if “they were getting paid for it.” [ 234 ] Neither § 465.2(a) nor any section of the rule imposes liability on individual consumers who write honest reviews, even if they are paid for doing so.

Another individual commenter requested that civil penalties be imposed “on the company for soliciting the reviews, rather than on the reviewer, unless the reviewer knowingly is leaving fake reviews.” [ 235 ] Under § 465.2(a), an individual who is in the business of writing, creating, selling, or brokering reviews could be liable for creating consumer reviews that are fake or false. That individual could only be subject to civil penalties if they did so with actual knowledge or knowledge fairly implied on the basis of objective circumstances that they were engaging in an act or practice that is unfair or deceptive and is prohibited by the rule. [ 236 ]

An individual commenter expressed concern that “competing parties could potentially create fake reviews on another party in order to give the impression that the party is in violation of the” rule. [ 237 ] Although such misconduct is possible, the target of such misconduct would not be liable under § 465.2(a), based on how it is worded. For example, the target would not have been the one who created, wrote, or sold the review, nor would the target have purchased the review. The competitor who engaged in such misconduct might be liable for deceptive or unfair conduct under the FTC Act.

Proposed § 465.2(b) would have made it a violation for a business to “purchase a consumer review” or “disseminate or cause the dissemination of a consumer testimonial or celebrity testimonial” about “the business or one of its products or services” which “the business knew or should have known” was fake or false.

A consumer organization commented that, by limiting § 465.2(b) to a business posting reviews or disseminating or causing the dissemination of testimonials about “the business or one of its products or services,” the Commission's proposal limits liability to the business itself “instead of including other . . . creators or disseminators of deceptive reviews and testimonials.” [ 238 ] In response to the commenter's concern, the Commission notes that those creating or disseminating deceptive reviews and testimonials could be liable under § 465.2(a).

A trade association asked whether a business “ `disseminates' reviews for its products merely by . . . placing them in advertising/marketing materials.” [ 239 ] Section 465.2(b) applies only to the dissemination of testimonials, but if a business includes consumer reviews in its advertising or marketing materials, those reviews become “testimonials” and are covered.

Another commenter requested that the Commission “clarify the limited applicability of `to disseminate or cause the dissemination' in proposed § 465.2(b) so the definition does not wrongly apply to third parties that host or license reviews.” [ 240 ] The phrase “to disseminate or cause the dissemination” applies only to testimonials and not to consumer reviews, so it could not apply to third parties that host or license reviews. The only situation in which § 465.2(b) applies to consumer reviews is when a business purchases a consumer review.

Proposed § 465.2(c) would have made it a violation for a business to “procure a consumer review for posting on a third-party platform or website, about the business or one of its products or services,” which “the business knew or should have known” was fake or false.

Several commenters questioned the scope and “vagueness” of the undefined term “procure” in proposed § 465.2(c). [ 241 ] A trade association wrote that “the Commission should explain that a retailer does not `procure a consumer review for posting on a third-party platform or website' simply by requesting that previous customers submit reviews, and then allowing submitted reviews to be posted on the retailer's own website or sharing customer reviews with Google.” [ 242 ] The ( print page 68051) Commission did not intend to cover such activities. Instead, the Commission intended to cover a much more limited set of activities: the procurement of fake and false reviews from company insiders. The Commission is therefore revising § 465.2(c) by limiting it to a business procuring consumer reviews “from its officers, managers, employees, or agents, or any of their immediate relatives.”

A trade association's comment questioned the phrase “its products or services” in the context of what was proposed § 465.2(c). [ 243 ] It asked whether the term would apply to all of the products sold by a department store, an online marketplace, or a consignment business. [ 244 ] The Commission recognizes that the phrase “its products or services” was ambiguous. In order to address this inadvertent ambiguity, the Commission is making clarifying changes by replacing the phrase “its products or services” with the phrase “the products or services it sells” in § 465.2(b) and (c), as well as in other places where it appears in the rule. [ 245 ] The revised language captures what the Commission originally intended and would apply to products sold by a department store, an online marketplace, or a consignment business.

Upon consideration of the comments received, the Commission is adding paragraph (d) in § 465.2 to clarify the scope of § 465.2(b) and (c). The Commission recognizes that, when a business sends a broad solicitation to customers to post customer reviews, one or more recipients might also be employees of the business. If any such employee then posts reviews, one might consider those reviews to have been “procured” from the employee. Similarly, the Commission recognizes that broad, incentivized solicitations to the general public or past customers to post about a product on social media could be considered “causing the dissemination” of testimonials. It would not be reasonable to expect a business to know whether such resulting reviews or testimonials were fake or false, and the Commission did not intend to cover those reviews in this section of the proposed rule. Therefore, the Commission is adding § 465.2(d)(1), which clarifies that § 465.2(b) and (c) do not apply to “generalized solicitations to purchasers to post reviews or post testimonials about their experiences with the product, service, or business that is the subject of the review or testimonial.” By “generalized solicitations,” the Commission means to exempt from § 465.2(b) and (c) solicitations sent to large groups of customers, such as those who purchased a particular item or who became customers during a given time period, where specific customers are not chosen based on the likelihood that they will express a particular sentiment. In contrast, solicitations made only to customers whom the business believes to be happy customers would not be “generalized solicitations” and would therefore be subject to § 465.2(b) and (c).

As the Commission said in the NPRM, § 465.2 does not “apply to any reviews that a platform simply publishes and that it did not purchase.” In other words, the Commission did not intend for § 465.2 to apply to platforms that simply host third-party content and does not believe that the section can be interpreted otherwise. Nonetheless, numerous commenters expressed concern over whether the section covered the mere hosting of third-party content. [ 246 ] A number of industry commenters and an individual commenter asked the Commission to expressly exempt those who host consumer reviews created by a third party. [ 247 ] Three industry comments asked the Commission to create a safe harbor for review hosting when the company has reasonable processes in place to identify and remove fake reviews. [ 248 ] Consistent with its statement in the NPRM, the Commission is adding § 465.2(d)(2) to provide an explicit exemption for “merely engaging in consumer review hosting” from the scope of § 465.2(b) and (c).

A trade association noted that, in the “case of reviews being shared between retailers and third-party platforms,” “it would be unfair to immunize the search platform from liability for the review shared by the retailer, but not to immunize the retailer for the review created by the potential bad actor.” [ 249 ] However, a retailer or other entity will not be liable for sharing consumer reviews unless it would have been liable for displaying those same reviews on its own website.

Two comments raised the issue of hosting both reviews and testimonials. A trade association commenter expressed concern that the Commission should “avoid sweeping in companies such as online retailers that host consumer reviews and testimonials and engage in activities such as organizing, moderating, aggregating, and prompting the submission of reviews and testimonials.” [ 250 ] Another trade association made a very similar comment and “urge[d] the FTC to confirm that liability under this section would require the company to do more than host reviews/testimonials.” [ 251 ] As for reviews, § 465.2 will not prohibit an online business that hosts reviews from prompting the submission of reviews from the general public or from organizing, moderating, or aggregating them. Nonetheless, certain unfair or deceptive conduct that involves prompting the submission of reviews or moderation could violate § 465.4 or § 465.7(b), respectively. [ 252 ] As for testimonials, it is unclear what hosting scenarios the commenters are contemplating. The Commission is not adding an exemption for “merely hosting testimonials” because there is no provision in the rule that applies to testimonial hosting because testimonials are, by definition, advertising or promotional messages. A business that puts testimonials on its own website is “disseminating” them and is not merely “hosting” them. When such testimonials are fake or false, the business should face potential liability under this paragraph. On the other hand, a business that has on its website a community forum in which consumers can comment about the business and the products or services it sells could be merely hosting the community forum. A comment in the community forum touting one of the business's products, which was posted by a consumer who was not incentivized to do so and who has no other connection to the company, is not a testimonial in the first place, so it would not fall under § 465.2(b). The same analysis would apply to a business that hosted a section on its website ( print page 68052) where consumers could answer questions posed by other consumers.

A business organization commenter said the Commission should “make clear [that] Section 465.2 does not apply to platforms or retailers that display ratings even if they prompt review submissions or aggregate star ratings of submitted reviews.” [ 253 ] Paragraphs (b) and (c) of § 465.2 do not apply to mere consumer review hosting, even if the business prompts review submissions or aggregates star ratings.

The commenter continued by saying that “the Commission must clearly indicate that the Rule provision would not apply to any website displaying a consumer review or testimonial that they did not purchase or procure,” arguing that “Section 230 [of the Communications Decency Act] . . . broadly immunizes providers of an interactive computer service from liability for presenting third party content.” [ 254 ] If a business creates fake or false reviews or testimonials and displays them on its website, it is not presenting third-party content. It could be liable for such reviews or testimonials under § 465.2(a). The commenter made a similar argument with respect to the applicability of § 465.2(b) to a website that displays a fake or false testimonial and thus causes its dissemination. [ 255 ] Section 465.2(b) does apply if such testimonials are about the business or one of the products or services it sells. Such testimonials are advertising, not third-party content covered by section 230 of the Communications Decency Act ( 47 U.S.C. 230 ).

Like proposed § 465.2(b) and (c), final § 465.2(b) and (c) are limited to situations in which businesses “knew or should have known” that they were engaging in the conduct that was prohibited. Commenters had varied reactions to this standard, with some finding it appropriate, others finding it too high, and others finding it too low.

A corporate commenter noted that, for the purpose of § 465.2(b) and (c), “`[s]hould have known' needs to be the standard.” [ 256 ] Similarly, an individual commenter recommended that the FTC adopt the “knew or should have known” standard for purposes of § 465.2(b) and (c):

because it: (1) sufficiently effectuates consumers' shared interest in reducing the prevalence of unfair or deceptive online consumer reviews and testimonials, (2) avoids unfairly imposing liability on unwitting, blameless business transgressors, and (3) conveniently aligns with the FTC's existing “has good reason to believe” standard for similar purpose of application of FTC Act Section 5 to the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. [ 257 ]

However, several commenters objected to the imposition of civil penalties based upon a “should have known” standard, believing that standard would be too onerous. [ 258 ] For example, an industry organization said that proposed § 465.2(b) and (c) are “problematic because [they] place[ ] the onus on the business to have knowledge of the author's state of mind as to whether their actual experience was expressed. . . , an impossible task for anyone but the” author. [ 259 ] The industry organization also claimed that the risk of a civil penalty will “likely . . . compel businesses to drastically limit the consumer reviews or testimonials they seek out or even allow on their websites.” [ 260 ] Under section 5(m)(1)(A) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 45(m)(1)(A) , however, the Commission can seek civil penalties for a rule violation only by showing that a defendant had “actual knowledge or knowledge fairly implied on the basis of objective circumstances that such act is unfair or deceptive and is prohibited by such rule” (hereinafter shortened to “actual knowledge or knowledge fairly implied”). A lower knowledge standard in a Commission rule—such as the “knew or should have known” standard found within certain sections of the proposed rule—does not override the higher standard found in section 5(m)(1)(A) of the FTC Act. The Commission has not suggested otherwise in the course of this rulemaking.

Other commenters objected similarly, saying that “knew or should have known” is too low as a knowledge threshold and that the standard should be actual knowledge, but did not tie their concerns to the imposition of civil penalties. [ 261 ] For example, some of the comments expressing concern about a “knew or should have known” standard appeared to focus primarily on the standard's supposed applicability to, and harsh impact on, websites hosting reviews. [ 262 ] As another example, a trade association commenter recommended “that the Commission define `knew,' as used in . . . § 465.2, as `having actual knowledge,' and remove the `should have known' language.” [ 263 ]

Additionally, two commenters advocated for a standard higher than “should have known” but lower than actual knowledge. With respect to activities such as “purchasing” a review, they said that businesses should be held responsible for ensuring the reviews are authentic but recommended a “knew or consciously avoided” standard. [ 264 ] One of the commenters asserted that the proposed “should have known” standard “is vague and does not provide adequate specificity about the sorts of actions businesses should take to ensure that they will not be held liable for not detecting that a review they purchased was fake.” [ 265 ] The commenter said a “consciously avoided” knowing standard would allow for liability when a business takes no steps to respond to receiving repeated complaints raising red flags about the authenticity of a particular purchased review. [ 266 ]

As part of the NPRM, the Commission also inquired whether, instead of the “should have known” standard, the Commission should adopt a “knew or could have known” standard. Only two commenters addressed that proposed standard. An individual commenter said that such a standard would “ambiguously expand the proposed Rule's prosecutorial scope and possibly open unsuspecting businesses to financial penalties for violations they had no inkling of having committed in the moment.” [ 267 ] Another individual commenter, who incorrectly thought the proposed rule provided a private right of action, said that such a standard “provides scienter never used in consumer law” and the “courts could potentially become overwhelmed with an influx of claims.” [ 268 ]

Other commenters advocated for a lower standard than “knew or should have known.” An individual commenter did not think that “knew or should have known” was appropriate because it would make it “very difficult to prove” violations and recommended that the Commission require “businesses to be able to show they used reasonable ( print page 68053) diligence through policies and procedures to prove that the[ ] reviews are legitimate.” [ 269 ] A consumer organization said in its comment that “there is no need for a knowledge or intent requirement under this Rule” as “Section 5 of the FTC Act does not otherwise require the Commission to prove knowledge or intent when enforcing against entities engaging in deceptive practices.” [ 270 ] It continued that “the Commission can and should consider knowledge and intent in deciding the equities of bringing any enforcement action.” [ 271 ]

After reviewing and considering the comments received, the Commission believes that the most appropriate standard for imposing liability under § 465.2(b) and (c) is the “knew or should have known standard.” As discussed above, [ 272 ] those paragraphs were not intended to apply to consumer review hosting and § 465.2(d)(2) now contains an explicit exemption for consumer review hosting. [ 273 ] Thus, the “knew or should have known” language in § 465.2(b) and (c) will not have a harsh impact on review platforms, as some of the commenters suggested. Eliminating the knowledge standard altogether, however, may indeed have an overly harsh impact on businesses in some circumstances, and the idea garnered almost no public support. For example, it would be unreasonable to hold a company liable for publishing a testimonial when it had no reason to know that the testimonial misrepresented the testimonialist's experience. The Commission sees no reason why the standard should be higher than “knew or should have known.” The “knew or should have known” standard—which the Commission has used in other rules [ 274 ] —thus best achieves the appropriate, equitable balance between protecting consumers and holding marketers accountable for deceptive conduct while not overly burdening marketers that engage in the responsible use of reviews and testimonials.

Two trade associations' comments said that if “the Commission . . . imposes a `should have known' standard, the Commission must provide greater clarity about what sorts of indicators of inauthenticity would provide companies with sufficient notice to trigger liability. [ 275 ] They both said, “Without that guidance and faced with the risk of significant civil penalty exposure for failing to stop the actions of undiscovered third parties, many businesses would likely be deterred from using consumer reviews or testimonials at all.” [ 276 ] The Commission has already addressed the knowledge standard found in section 5(m)(1)(A), which applies to the imposition of civil penalties. In the discussion of § 465.2(b) and (c) below, the Commission provides further guidance as to what is intended by “knew or should have known.”

Several other commenters discussed general views about the application of the “knew or should have known” standard. For example, an individual commenter said that “[a] business cannot always reasonably know that a testimonial contains testimony that is fake or false, if the influencer expresses to them that it is true.” [ 277 ] The Commission agrees with this assertion.

A comment from a public interest research center said that the “lack of an adequate endorser oversight program should be a per se violation of the `know or should have known' standard as that is tantamount to the company deliberately avoiding knowing.” [ 278 ] A consumer organization commenter said that the following actions should be considered knowledge that a review is fake or false: “failure to meaningfully police” for suspicious review activity, “inducements to provide reviews without clearly instructing the reviewer to clearly disclose material conflicts,” “materially incentivizing reviews where it's impossible to convey material conflicts ( e.g., providing a five-star review with no accompanying narrative on TripAdvisor),” and “failure to take meaningful steps to confirm the existence of the purported celebrity or meaningfully document the celebrity's purported experience with the product or service.” [ 279 ] The Commission encourages businesses to have endorser oversight programs, and whether a company has and follows such a program could impact the exercise of prosecutorial discretion. The Commission does not intend, however, for companies to be liable under this section of the rule based merely on the absence of an oversight program or on these other suggested bases.

A corporate commenter said that “how a business `should have known' that a reviewer does not exist is not apparent,” and posited that, under a “should have known” standard, “perhaps [a] business may be under a duty to reach out to the reviewer, but it is unclear how many resources the business must expend to attempt to contact the reviewer.” [ 280 ] First, as noted, § 465.2(d)(2) exempts businesses merely engaging in consumer review hosting from § 465.2(b) and (c). Another key limitation here is the exemption for generalized solicitations under § 465.2(d)(1). That exemption means that businesses can send such solicitations to their customers without creating any investigative obligation for resulting reviews under § 465.2(b) or (c), even if such reviews have been “purchased.” [ 281 ]

With respect to “purchased” reviews under § 465.2(b)the rule's “knew or should have known” standard does not impose a general duty to reach out to the reviewers or investigate whether each resulting review is fake or false. While each case will depend on its specific facts, it is possible that a business may possess clear indications that purchased reviews are likely to be fake or false, in which case a failure to investigate further may trigger liability under the “should have known” ( print page 68054) standard. For example, a business that hires a third party to provide free samples of its products to consumers in order to generate reviews, without more, may have no reason to investigate the resulting reviews. However, a business may be on notice that the resulting reviews are likely fake or false if they are submitted too quickly after purchase or many of them are submitted in a very short period of time or refer to the wrong product. As for § 465.2(c), which applies only to reviews by insiders, a possible reason for knowing that such reviews are likely fake or false could be that an insider sent emails to a manager over time that together showed that the insider was using multiple accounts to submit reviews to the same website.

A company that is in the business of identifying fake consumer reviews described ways that a business purchasing or procuring a consumer review should know that the review is fake or false. These indications include the named reviewer not being a customer, the content of the review being vague or odd, many reviews arriving at once, and the use of unnatural language or “keyword stuffing.” [ 282 ] A review platform commenter gave similar ways that a business could identify fake reviews, such as “the review text describes a product or service that is not offered by the business, the review clearly references the wrong business name, or perhaps if a review . . . acknowledges that the reviewer has never shopped there.” [ 283 ] Although, as previously stated, each case depends on its specific facts, these various indications may indeed suggest that one or more purchased or insider reviews are likely fake or false, in which case a failure to reasonably investigate them may trigger liability under the “should have known” standard.

With respect to testimonials, there may be red flags that should indicate to a business that a testimonial is likely fake or false, and, thereby, would serve as indicia of the fact that the business should have known that the testimonials that it disseminated were fake or false. For example, the Commission alleged that Google asked iHeartMedia, Inc. radio personalities to record product testimonials for a smartphone using a standard script written for Google and refused to provide the radio personalities with the product when requested. [ 284 ] If a business provides the text for a testimonial, it should have a reasonable basis to conclude, based on inquiry or otherwise, that the text is truthful for the testimonialist. A testimonialist asking for the product should cause a business to question whether the testimonialist used the product. If a business knows that a testimonialist is using a competing product, it should inquire into whether a testimonial for its own product is truthful. For example, a business should investigate whether a celebrity testimonial for its new smartphone is false if the testimonial claims the celebrity exclusively uses the smartphone, but the social media post containing the testimonial indicates that the celebrity posted it using a competing smartphone brand.

A review platform said in its comment that, “if procuring fake reviews is the action of a single, rogue employee trying to help the business they work for, on a practical level it may be difficult for a business to have knowledge of” it. [ 285 ] The commenter suggested that the Commission consider “whether it is in fact disproportionate for knowledge and liability to be attributed to a business because of the actions of a well-intentioned rogue employee.” [ 286 ] Whether a business will be held responsible under the rule for a rogue employee under a “knew or should have known” standard will be a fact-intensive inquiry. While a business may not be aware of every employee's activities, it should be pay attention to red flags. Assuming that the facts are such that the business should have known of the rogue employee's actions, whether the business would also be subject to civil penalties would depend on whether a court finds that the business met the actual knowledge or knowledge fairly implied standard of section 5(m)(1)(A) of the FTC Act.

Some commenters suggested that the Commission impose additional requirements. Many commenters suggested that third-party platforms featuring reviews should be held responsible for certain conduct, such as for: failing to report businesses that they suspect are posting fake reviews, [ 287 ] the “lack of identification verifications,” [ 288 ] not posting notices reminding consumers that there is no guarantee of the veracity or accuracy of customer reviews, [ 289 ] engaging in review “manipulation” for advertising purposes, [ 290 ] failing to disclose publicly certain information about posted reviews, [ 291 ] or failing to employ reasonable measures to root out fraud and deceptive reviews. [ 292 ] A review platform suggested imposing requirements on social media companies and internet service providers to address the sale of fake reviews, [ 293 ] and a trade association proposed that the Commission require reviewers to identify themselves and that social media sites hosting reviews verify reviewers' identities. [ 294 ] As explained above, the Commission's intent from the outset of this rulemaking was to focus on clearly unfair or deceptive conduct involving reviews and testimonials. This intent is reflected in, as explained above, the addition of a definition of the term “consumer review hosting” and the explicit exclusion of such mere hosting from the coverage of certain rule provisions. This focus should not be taken to signal that third-party platforms do not bear significant responsibility for combatting fake reviews.

An individual commenter recommended “requir[ing] proof of purchase of [a] product for a consumer to leave a review.” [ 295 ] Another individual commenter would have the Commission hold businesses that recruit, direct, and compensate influencers responsible for the influencers' false or fake testimonials. [ 296 ] A third commenter asked that the Commission “ensure there is a way for anyone who is believed to have violated reviewing policies [to have] a chance to reinstate their ability to leave ( print page 68055) reviews.” [ 297 ] A consumer organization recommended making clear that “it is a deceptive practice to aggregate fake reviews in a product's consumer rating” and that “reviews requiring a disclosure should not be included in a product's rating.” [ 298 ] The Commission appreciates these additional suggestions but declines to add any of them to the rule. The suggestions are beyond the scope of the rulemaking, which focuses instead on those responsible for clearly unfair or deceptive acts or practices regarding reviews and testimonials, and which is limited to those acts or practices for which the Commission has evidence of prevalence.

In response to other commenters suggesting that the Commission impose liability on review sites and online retailers, a trade association asked the Commission to make clear that sections 5 and 18 of the FTC Act contain no express authorization for assisting-and-facilitating liability. [ 299 ] As this legal issue goes beyond, the context of this rulemaking, the Commission declines to address it here.

Proposed § 465.3 sought to address a business using or repurposing a consumer review written or created for one product so that it appears to have been written or created for a substantially different product. It also sought to cover businesses that caused such use or repurposing.

The Commission received varied comments, both supportive and critical, about this provision. [ 300 ] As described above, some commenters also raised concerns about the definition of “substantially different product,” a term that appeared only in this provision and is key to determining the circumstances in which the provision would apply; one of those commenters proposed a disputed issue of material fact related to that definition. [ 301 ] The Commission would need to address those concerns before finalizing the provision. As it is not able to resolve those concerns on the current rulemaking record, the Commission has decided not to finalize the provision. If the Commission chooses later to engage in further rulemaking regarding the provision, it will address the comments at that time.

Proposed § 465.4 sought to address businesses providing “compensation or other incentives in exchange for, or conditioned on, the writing or creation of consumer reviews expressing a particular sentiment, whether positive or negative, regarding the product, service, or business that is the subject of the review.” Based on the following, the Commission has decided to finalize this provision with two modifications. [ 302 ]

Comments from a retailer and a trade association expressed that they found the section important and useful. The retailer said, “This section is important to ensure that the rule covers bad actors that seek inauthentic reviews reflecting a particular predetermined sentiment.” [ 303 ] The trade association wrote, “Providing compensation in exchange for reviews that must reflect a particular sentiment is a deceptive practice,” and expressed support for “the Commission's goal of targeting and eliminating this practice.” [ 304 ]

Three individual commenters mistakenly thought that proposed § 465.4 banned paid or incentivized customer reviews and were opposed to such a ban. One of them said the proposed provision would “ban reviews which are made by those who have been provided an item,” that “[g]enerally the writer includes a list of sponsors on, or within, their blog/website,” and that “[i]f such sponsorship relationships are eliminated . . ., the ability of writers to review a variety of items will disappear.” [ 305 ] The second one wrote, “Section 465.4 of the proposed rule prohibits the incentivization of or compensation on for the creation of consumer reviews or testimonials. . . . [I]t is unnecessarily restrictive.” [ 306 ] The third commenter did not support the provision “forbidding paying for reviews” because the practice “does not . . . deceive the public unless the paid review service dictates that the review must be positive.” [ 307 ] These commenters misunderstand the nature of § 465.4. First, § 465.4 does not apply to testimonials, only to consumer reviews, and then only to reviews that appear on a website or portion of a website dedicated to receiving and displaying such reviews. A blogger's “review” is not considered a consumer review for purposes of the rule; if such a review was incentivized, it would be considered a testimonial. Second, § 465.4 does not prohibit paid or incentivized consumer reviews. It only prohibits paid or incentivized consumer reviews when the business soliciting the review provides compensation or an incentive in exchange for a review expressing a particular sentiment.

In Question 12 of the NPRM, the Commission asked whether the prohibition in § 465.4 should “distinguish in any way between an explicit and implied condition that a consumer review express a particular sentiment.” [ 308 ]

A business commenter responded, “Real consumers' reviews often contain multiple sentiments on what businesses did right and what they did wrong. This is helpful.” [ 309 ] The meaning of this comment is unclear.

Another business commenter responded to Question 12 of the NPRM by stating that § 465.4 “should unequivocally prohibit explicit conditions only,” because this would “provide[ ] a clear standard for businesses and reviewers to follow,” and “the lack of clarity in how the Proposed Rule would prohibit `implied conditions' [would] stifle[ ] businesses' ability to encourage and to entice reviews in a legitimate manner.” [ 310 ] The Commission disagrees and believes that businesses are capable of soliciting and encouraging reviews without suggesting that the reviews must be positive to obtain an incentive. The commenter also asserted that the Commission “has no experience bringing enforcement actions against a business for allegedly creating an implied condition that a review or endorsement be positive,” referencing the cases the Commission cited in the NPRM. [ 311 ] That assertion is incorrect. The respondent in AmeriFreight, Inc. did not expressly state that the reviews needed to be positive but only implied it, encouraging past customers to submit reviews in order to be eligible for a $100 “Best Monthly Review Award” given to “the review with the most captivating subject line and best content.” [ 312 ] The respondent also told past customers that ( print page 68056) they should “be creative and try to make your review stand out for viewers to read.” [ 313 ]

Two trade associations gave examples of what they asserted were innocuous requests for reviews that could be considered as implying that reviews need to be positive in order to receive an incentive. One said that its members will sometimes automatically contact customers saying, “Tell us how much you loved [product] for 10% off your next purchase!” and that such a request could “be read to violate this Section of the Proposed Rule—even if a negative review would still entitle the consumer to the incentive or bonus.” [ 314 ] The other commenter wrote that, if the Commission says that “a business may not implicitly seek positive reviews in exchange for incentives, then the rule could apply to such offers as, `Tell us how much you loved your visit to John's Steakhouse and get a $5 coupon' or `Tell your friends about all the fun you had at Jane's Arcade for a chance to win prizes,' ” and asserted that such requests are justified because businesses “prefer to use these enthusiastic and positive messages when seeking reviews, as opposed to less inspiring messages like, `Write a review and save 10% next time.' ” [ 315 ] The problem with the enthusiastic and positive messages suggested by these commenters is that consumers receiving them could reasonably take the message that their reviews must be positive and enthusiastic in order to obtain the reward. As the second commenter noted, there are perfectly acceptable, albeit less “inspiring,” alternatives. The second commenter also said that “a reasonable consumer would infer that a business prefers positive reviews, and so even a neutral request such as, `Write a review and receive a discount off your next purchase,' might be construed as impliedly requesting a positive review.” [ 316 ] The Commission disagrees. The fact that businesses prefer positive reviews is not a basis on which to conclude that consumers would interpret any such “neutral request” as containing an implied condition that reviews must be positive to receive the offered discount.

A consumer organization said in its comment that, “[w]hen a reviewer feels pressured to express a certain sentiment, regardless of how that pressure was generated, the net result is a deceptive review,” and that there should be “no distinction made between explicitly and implicit conditioning of compensation or other incentives.” [ 317 ] A second consumer organization commenter said that “[i]mplied conditions may be just as salient as express conditions” and quoting Aronberg v. FTC, 132 F.2d 165, 167 (7th Cir. 1942), said that, “[i]n interacting with businesses, `[t]he ultimate impression upon the mind of the reader arises from the sum total of not only what is said but also of all that is reasonably implied.' ” [ 318 ] The Commission agrees with both of these commenters.

Advocating for limiting the provision to express conditions, a trade association acknowledged that the NPRM clarified that the provision does not cover review gating, [ 319 ] the mere solicitation of positive reviews, or incentivized reviews (except for those required to express a particular sentiment), but argued that, “[r]egardless, the Proposed Rule still could be read to prohibit such behavior— i.e., when a Company solicits a review that it has reason to believe will be positive.” [ 320 ] The Commission does not consider this statement to be a fair reading of the provision. Just because a business engages in review gating or otherwise expects reviews to be positive does not mean there is either an express or implied requirement that reviews need be positive to obtain an incentive. The Commission notes that, although § 465.4 does not cover “review gating,” review gating can nonetheless violate section 5 of the FTC Act. [ 321 ]

A review platform commenter said that prohibiting an “implied condition to express a particular sentiment could create a number of gray areas” and “encouraged the FTC to provide guidance and examples to businesses.” [ 322 ] The examples, discussed above, by the trade association asking consumers to say how much they “love” something or how much fun they had are excellent examples of implied conditions.

The Commission has decided to clarify that the rule prohibits businesses from providing incentives conditioned on the writing or creation of consumer reviews expressing a particular sentiment, regardless of whether the conditional nature of the incentive is express or implicit. For this purpose, the Commission is adding the phrase “expressly or by implication” in § 465.4 to clarify that, although the incentive needs to be conditioned on the writing or creation of consumer reviews expressing a particular sentiment in order for conduct to violate § 465.4, the condition may be implicit.

Three commenters argued that the Commission should allow the compensation or incentives addressed in § 465.4 as long as they are disclosed in the resulting reviews. For example, the first commenter wrote, “A reasonable consumer can easily understand that when a reviewer is incentivized or compensated, the content they produce may be skewed in a more positive light. A mere disclaimer is sufficient to stave off misrepresentation.” [ 323 ] This statement may be correct for some incentivized reviews when there is no express or implied condition for those reviews to express a particular sentiment. For such reviews, an adequate disclosure that incentives were provided in exchange for the review may be able to cure a misleading impression that the reviews were independent and unbiased. However, such a disclosure does not reveal to consumers the requirement that reviews be positive. In addition, even if an individual review disclosed that it resulted from incentives requiring the review to be positive, such a disclosure would not be effective in instances where a consumer relies on the overall average star rating and does not read all individual reviews. Furthermore, the Commission believes that, if incentives are conditioned on reviews expressing a particular sentiment, many resulting reviews will not be merely misleading but false. For example, the offer of an incentive in exchange for a positive review may lead some reviewers to create positive reviews even when they had a negative experience with the product, service, or business. No disclosure can adequately cure a false review. [ 324 ]

The second commenter taking this position pointed to examples in the Endorsement Guides, [ 325 ] claiming inaccurately that they stand for the proposition that businesses are allowed to offer incentives in exchange for positive reviews. [ 326 ] The Endorsement Guides do contain an example involving incentives for reviews conditioned on the reviews being positive: “[a] manufacturer offer[ing] to pay genuine purchasers $20 each to write positive reviews of its products on third-party review websites.” [ 327 ] However, consistent with the Commission's approach in this section, the Guides provide that “[s]uch reviews are deceptive even if the payment is disclosed because their positive nature is required by, rather than being merely influenced by, the payment.” [ 328 ]

The third commenter taking this position suggested that it should be acceptable to use a disclosure like, “We asked customers to tell us how much they loved their visit to John's Steakhouse, and here's what some of them said! (customers who submitted reviews received a $5 coupon).” [ 329 ] The scenario the commenter describes does not involve consumer reviews. It involves consumer testimonials, which are not covered by § 465.4. Further, it is unlikely that one could make such a disclosure in the context of consumer reviews, given how reviews are usually presented on a business's own website and the lack of control over the way they are presented on a third-party website. In addition, the disclosure does not communicate that the customers had to “tell how much they loved their visit in order to receive a $5 coupon.” Furthermore, as discussed above, many incentivized reviews conditioned on consumers saying how much they “loved their visit” are likely false regardless of such a disclosure.

Two commenters, an individual and a review platform, requested that § 465.4 go further and prohibit all incentives given in exchange for reviews regardless of any requirement to express a particular sentiment. [ 330 ] An individual commenter would have the Commission “require businesses to disclose any form of incentive that they provide or arrange for reviewers.” [ 331 ] These requests are beyond the scope of this rulemaking but are addressed in the Endorsement Guides, which provide that unexpected material connections such as incentives given in exchange for customer reviews without any requirement as to the sentiment of the reviews must be disclosed clearly and conspicuously. [ 332 ] The Commission continues to believe that this principle from the Endorsement Guides is an appropriate expression of what incentivized review practices would or would not violate section 5 of the FTC Act. In any event, there is no basis on the current rulemaking record for the Commission to conclude that all incentivized reviews should be prohibited or that all incentivized reviews should require a disclosure.

Two commenters, an individual and a review platform, recommended that § 465.4 also prohibit offering compensation to remove or change consumer reviews. [ 333 ] Another individual commenter inquired about paid review removal without stating a position on the topic. [ 334 ] The Commission previously noted that, “[i]n procuring [or] suppressing . . . consumer reviews of their products, advertisers should not take actions that have the effect of distorting or otherwise misrepresenting what consumers think of their products.” [ 335 ] A product marketer paying consumers to change or remove truthful negative reviews may be engaging in an unfair or deceptive act or practice that has the effect of distorting or otherwise misrepresenting what consumers think of a marketer's products. Nevertheless, that act or practice is beyond the scope of this rulemaking.

Proposed § 465.5 sought to prohibit certain undisclosed insider reviews and testimonials. It had three subparts. Proposed § 465.5(a) would have prohibited an officer or manager of a business from writing or creating a consumer review or consumer testimonial about the business or one of its products or services that failed to have a clear and conspicuous disclosure of the officer's or manager's relationship to the business. [ 336 ] Proposed § 465.5(b) would have applied to testimonials, but not consumer reviews. It would have prohibited a business from disseminating or causing the dissemination of a consumer testimonial about the business or one of the products or services by one of its officers, managers, employees, or agents, or any of their relatives, if that testimonial failed to have a clear and conspicuous disclosure of the testimonialist's relationship to the business or to the officer, manager, employee, or agent, and if the business knew or should have known of that relationship. Proposed § 465.5(c) would have applied to consumer reviews, but not testimonials, and would have been limited to when an officer or manager of a business solicits or demands a consumer review about the business or one of its products or services from an employee, an agent, or a relative of any such officer, manager, employee, or agent. Proposed § 465.5(c) would have prohibited that conduct when (1) the person requesting the review knew or should have known the prospective reviewer's relationship to the business (or to one of its officers, managers, employees, or agents), (2) the request resulted in a consumer review without a disclosure, and (3) the person requesting the review (a) did not instruct the prospective reviewer to disclose clearly and conspicuously that relationship, (b) knew or should have known that such a review appeared without such a disclosure and failed to take remedial steps, or (c) encouraged ( print page 68058) the prospective reviewer not to make such a disclosure. The Commission has determined to finalize proposed § 465.5 with a number of modifications. [ 337 ]

Two individual commenters shared their experiences with insider reviews. One individual commenter “made a purchase based on a glowing review” but “later discovered that the person who wrote the review was, in fact, a salesperson for the same company, receiving a commission based on my purchase,” and the purchase turned out to be “a fraudulent service.” [ 338 ] Another individual commenter shared their experience as an employee: “I was asked to leave positive reviews in Amazon . . . and in other sites to boost the number of positive reviews for our products. The CEO asked employees to do this and include family members. In fact, I found the immediate family and friends of the CEO leaving glowing reviews of the product.” [ 339 ]

A business commenter said, “If you allow insider reviews, disclosure [of the reviewers' relationship to the business] should be mandatory.” [ 340 ] Another business commenter wrote that “limiting . . . § 465.5(a)-(c) to circumstances in which the requisite disclosure is absent is a fair restriction on businesses that would simultaneously protect consumers all while allowing businesses to effectively advertise.” [ 341 ] The commenter noted that the “requirement for clear-and-conspicuous disclosure is used widely throughout federal and state consumer protection laws.” [ 342 ] The commenter was also concerned that a rule might “infringe on the ability of employees and independent contractor agents . . . to inform others of their experiences with an employer or principal.” [ 343 ] To the extent that the commenter is referring to review websites that specialize in reviewing employers from the perspective of employees, it is obvious that the reviewers are employees or former employees, and no further disclosure appears necessary.

A trade association commented that it “understands the Commission's concern that in some cases, employees may have an incentive to post positive reviews on behalf of their company's products,” but the concern “is already addressed through Section 5 and the Endorsement Guides.” [ 344 ] The Commission continues to believe that certain conduct should be addressed by a trade regulation rule even if it can also be addressed through section 5 enforcement actions. Having specific conduct addressed by a rule provides the general public with further clarity as to what steps are necessary to conform its conduct to the requirements of the law, deters prevalent unlawful conduct, and allows the Commission to bring enforcement actions more efficiently and effectively.

A retailer recommended that the provision “be revised to further incorporate a requirement that the `insider' review/testimonial be `fake' or `false,' in order to better target the deceptive acts of bad actors that use their employees to generate fake reviews and testimonials that purport to be from actual customers.” [ 345 ] The Commission rejects that suggestion, as the intention of § 465.5 is to address certain inherently biased reviews and testimonials. Fake and false reviews are already addressed by § 465.2.

Commenters pointed out what they saw as inconsistencies between proposed § 465.5 and section 5 of the FTC Act. A retailer commenter wrote that proposed § 465.5 was “inconsistent with the longstanding principles in the Endorsement Guides . . . that disclosures must be made when the connection between a reviewer and the sponsoring advertiser is material, meaning it would affect the weight or credibility that consumers give to the endorsement.” [ 346 ] A trade association noted in its comment that the section “seeks to impose liability for reviews and testimonials authored by certain employees or their relatives that lack disclosures regardless of context, and whether that connection is material under the circumstances” and “would impose civil penalties for reviews or testimonials that are not even deceptive.” [ 347 ] Another trade association opined “that a reviewer's out-of-state second cousin [who] works a minimum-wage job at a retailer would (hopefully) not be a `material connection' requiring disclosure under the Endorsement Guides, because such connection would not bias the reviewer's review, and therefore would not make the review misleading.” [ 348 ] The same trade association and a business organization also commented that the provision poses concerns under the First Amendment by “broadly prohibiting certain reviews or testimonials by `insiders' regardless of whether that speech is deceptive in context.” [ 349 ] The Commission intended for § 465.5 to be limited to unfair or deceptive failures to disclose material connections, and is now clarifying this intent. Specifically, in paragraphs (a) through (c) of § 465.5, the Commission is limiting the covered relationships to “material” relationships. In § 465.5(a) and (b), the Commission is also clarifying that, under certain circumstances, the relationship of a consumer testimonialist may be clear to the audience without disclosure. For example, the audience may already be aware that an executive is associated with a particular company, or the context of an ad may otherwise communicate a relationship with a particular company. Specifically, in § 465.5(b), which applies only to consumer testimonials, the Commission is adding the requirement that “the relationship is not otherwise clear to the audience,” and in § 465.5(a), which involves both consumer reviews and testimonials, it is adding, “unless, in the case of a consumer testimonial, the relationship is otherwise clear to the audience.” The Commission does not believe that, absent a disclosure, a relationship will ever be clear to consumers in the context of an ordinary consumer review.

Proposed § 465.5(b) and (c) would have required disclosures in some circumstances involving consumer testimonials or reviews from “relatives” of a company's officers, managers, employees, or agents. Some commenters voiced concerns pertaining to these requirements.

For example, a review platform, explaining that it prohibits reviews about a business or its products by someone whose immediate family owns or works for the business, asked how businesses would “know whether reviews have been submitted by the extended family (such as the second cousins) of their officers, managers, employees, or agents,” questioned whether it would be proportional to seek penalties when extended family are involved, and suggested “narrowing the scope of the family requirement” to “immediate family.” [ 350 ] A trade association said that “relatives can include cousins, nieces/nephews, and other more distant familial ( print page 68059) relationships,” that “even immediate family relationships (parents, children, siblings) are not always closely held” because “adult siblings are not necessarily in each other's day-today lives,” and that “it would be more appropriate to substitute the term . . . `members of the same household' as that would suggest individuals that have regular contact with an employee.” [ 351 ] A business organization wrote in its comment that the term “relative” is too vague and that “[i]t is unclear whether the rule applies to third cousins, the spouses of a stepbrother's child from a previous marriage, or friends that are considered family,” concluding that “[l]arge companies creating monitoring programs for testimonials need some clarity about what relatives will be captured under the Rule.” [ 352 ] A second trade association said in its comment that “relatives” of “any company employee should not be considered `insiders'” because “[i]n most cases, such family members would have no incentive to post a fake review.” [ 353 ] However, the Commission intended for § 465.5 to address biased reviews and testimonials by insiders or their relatives, not the writing of “fake [or false] reviews,” which is addressed in § 465.2.

To reduce the compliance burden, the Commission is removing relatives from § 465.5(b) and limiting what was originally proposed as § 465.5(c)(1), which is now split into three separate prohibitions. One prohibition addresses officers or managers soliciting or demanding a consumer review from “any of their [own] immediate relatives.” A second prohibition addresses officers or managers soliciting or demanding reviews from employees or agents. A third prohibition addresses solicitations or demands by officers or managers that “employees or agents seek such [consumer] reviews from their relatives.” In such instances the request will likely be a general one (such as “Ask your relatives to review us” or “Get three family members to review us”), although it could also be more specific (such as “Get your spouse to write us a review”). As set forth in § 465.5(c)(1)(i), any reviews resulting from demands that employees or agents solicit their relatives would only be violations if the resulting reviews were written by immediate relatives of the employees or agents.

A trade association objected to the inclusion of the undefined term “agents” in proposed § 465.5(b) and (c) and suggested its removal. The commenter said that “it is not clear what individuals would be considered `agents' of the business” and the meaning of the term “agent” could “dramatically expand the scope of the compliance programs that businesses will likely need to create in order to mitigate their risks under this section” which “would be particularly important for small businesses.” [ 354 ] The Commission intends for the term “agents” in this rule to apply only to those agents that promote the company or its products, such as representatives of advertising agencies, public relations firms, and review management firms. As discussed below, given the clarifications of and limitations to § 465.5(b)(1) and (c)(1), the Commission has no reason to believe that the inclusion of “agents” will “dramatically expand the scope of the compliance programs.” [ 355 ]

Several comments addressed the scope of proposed § 465.5, including the scope of liability of businesses in the context of insider reviews and testimonials. For example, a trade association asserted that § 465.5 should “be limited to the extent it references employees (or agents) who are not officers or managers, and who were not instructed by their superiors to post reviews.” [ 356 ] A retailer asked for a safe harbor that would apply to employee reviews and testimonials “if businesses are not encouraging insider reviews and testimonials.” [ 357 ] The Commission intended for the provision to apply to reviews or testimonials by employees or agents who are not officers or managers only when (1) the reviews are requested or solicited by an officer or manager of the business or (2) the testimonials appear in advertising or promotional messages actively disseminated by the business. As discussed in this section, the Commission's clarifications and limitations should resolve any concerns arising from any broader interpretation.

Two trade associations and another industry organization asserted in their comments that § 465.5 “appears to impose liability on businesses for distributing the content of third parties, even when they had no knowledge that the content violated the proposed rule.” [ 358 ] As the commenters used the word “distributing,” the Commission assumes that these comments pertain to the liability of businesses under § 465.5(b), which prohibits businesses from “disseminating or causing the dissemination of consumer testimonials” by insiders without disclosures. The testimonials covered by § 465.5 are, by definition, a business's advertising or promotional messages, so the Commission does not consider them to be third-party content. The section covers such testimonials when disseminated by the business itself, by its officers or managers, or in response to solicitations or demands from its officers or managers. With respect to the commenters' concern that businesses will be liable even when they had no knowledge that the content violated the rule, the Commission discusses below the appropriate application of the “knew or should have known” standard.

A retailer's comment expressed “significant concerns with this section if the FTC intends to apply it to marketplace service providers with hundreds of thousands of employees.” [ 359 ] A trade association said in its comment that, “to the extent the Commission intends for this language to apply to reviews or testimonials written by employees of online retailers with hundreds of thousands of employees, the Commission has failed to demonstrate that this is an unfair or deceptive act or practice that is prevalent” as “[n]one of the cases cited in the NPRM involved this type of company.” [ 360 ] With respect to employees, the section applies only to (1) testimonials by employees that the company chooses to disseminate and (2) reviews that are solicited or demanded by company officers or managers. Further, the Commission has sufficient evidence of prevalence as to the use of insider reviews and testimonials, [ 361 ] and that evidence need not specifically include examples of companies of every size, such as those “with hundreds of thousands of employees.”

A trade association's comment “urge[d] the Commission to add a safe harbor . . . that will assure businesses acting in good faith that they will not face civil penalty liability for the actions of rogue individuals.” [ 362 ] Again, whether a business will be subject to civil penalties will depend on whether ( print page 68060) the facts show that the business had actual knowledge or knowledge fairly implied of the violation. A business will not violate the rule—much less be subject to civil penalties—merely because employees write consumer reviews without disclosing their relationship to the business, but it may violate the rule when an officer or manager of the company solicited or demanded such reviews. A business will also not be liable under § 465.5 simply because one of its employees (other than an officer or manager) or agents makes an unsolicited social media post. However, as discussed above, a business might be liable under § 465.2(a) for an employee posting fake testimonials to social media on behalf of the company. [ 363 ]

Two commenters addressed general review solicitations from businesses to their customers. A trade association said that “[b]usinesses which seek reviews from their customers generally seek reviews from all customers, and again, do not currently monitor or screen for potential relatives or agency relationships.” [ 364 ] A review platform operator wrote in its comment, “An automated review invitation system can operate via integration with, for example, a C[ustomer] R[elationship] M[anagement] platform where customer details are automatically fed through to generate review invitations following on from purchases or experiences. The information within the system could be as minimal as a name and email address. . . . It could therefore be possible for businesses to inadvertently invite persons that are related to an officer, manager, employee, or agent . . . . In practice, it will be difficult to check whether any invitation recipients could fall within the very wide group of persons outlined at [§ ] 465.5(c), and it will also be difficult to draw a firm line between what types of indicators are sufficient to warrant imputing constructive knowledge.” [ 365 ] The Commission did not intend for § 465.5(c) to cover such generalized invitations to past purchasers to write reviews. The Commission is therefore adding language in § 465.5(c)(2) to clarify that § 465.5(c)(1) “does not apply to generalized review solicitations to purchasers for them to post reviews about their experiences with the product, service, or business.” The Commission is making a similar clarification in § 465.5(b)(2)(i); specifically, that § 465.5(b)(1) “does not apply to generalized review solicitations to purchasers for them to post testimonials about their experiences with the product, service, or business.”

The Commission has also added § 465.5(b)(2)(ii), which exempts “merely engaging in consumer review hosting” from § 465.5(b)(1). Thus, an unsolicited employee review merely appearing on the business's website cannot violate the provision against disseminating insider testimonials.

A trade association noted that “[l]arge national retail chains collectively employ millions of workers who are also their customers” and “[w]hile a retailer may provide guidance on disclosing their relationship, it should not be liable for policing their customer reviews for posts that may have been submitted by any one of their thousands or millions of employees—who in many cases may be using ambiguous screennames or not be readily identifiable.” [ 366 ] The Commission points out that only § 465.5(c) applies to customer reviews by employees, and that provision only applies to employee reviews that an officer or manager has solicited or demanded. If there are no such solicitations or demands, then § 465.5 does not apply to employee reviews. When an officer or manager does solicit or demand a review, the business would only be liable if the officer or manager (1) “encouraged the prospective reviewer not to make . . . a disclosure,” (2) “did not instruct that prospective reviewers disclose clearly and conspicuously their relationship to the business,” [ 367 ] or (3) “knew or should have known that such a review appeared without such a disclosure and failed to take remedial steps.” It is only under the last of the three clauses that a business might be liable for any “policing” of reviews, and, as discussed below, any such obligations should not be unduly burdensome. [ 368 ]

An industry organization commenter expressed concern that § 465.5 “would require the disclosure of personally identifying information” and impact employees' privacy. [ 369 ] The Commission does not see how the provision requires the disclosure of personally identifying information. Section 465.5 requires the disclosure of unexpected material connections but does not require that employees identify themselves by name. Testimonialists and reviewers could be anonymous, or use pseudonyms, and include general phrases indicating their relationship to the business, such as “my employer's product,” “my company's,” or “my spouse's company.”

A number of commenters discussed the “knew or should have known” standard contained in § 465.5(b) and (c). A trade association said that a “ ‘knew or should have known' standard . . . [in] § 465.5 aptly reflects that the rule is targeting bad actors that intend to commit fraud through fake reviews.” [ 370 ] A consumer organization “advise[d] the Commission against relying on knowledge standards that will introduce unnecessary evidentiary burdens in the enforcement process” and against making it “a condition of liability,” noting that instead “the Commission can and should consider knowledge and intent in deciding the equities of bringing any enforcement action.” [ 371 ] A review platform said “that `should have known' is too low as a knowledge threshold and this should therefore be limited to `knew', i.e., actual knowledge.” [ 372 ] A trade association called the “should have known” standard “vague.” [ 373 ] A business commenter also described “should have known” as vague and suggested limiting the knowledge standard to actual knowledge. [ 374 ] A trade association and a retailer said that civil penalties should not be based upon a “should have known” standard. [ 375 ] The retailer continued, “In the alternative, if the Commission refuses to elevate the knowledge standard for this section, the final rule must provide greater guidance on the sorts of scenarios that would give rise to liability.” [ 376 ] Specifically, the retailer asserted that the Commission would have to provide “additional information about when a company or officer/manager `should' know that an `insider' review or testimonial violates the rule.” [ 377 ] A trade association wrote in its comment that “the Commission should raise the knowledge standard for this section to actual knowledge,” which “would ensure that companies that are actually complicit in the proliferation of deceptive insider reviews and testimonials are the targets of this section, rather than well-meaning ( print page 68061) businesses that fail to discover and remedy reviews or testimonials by employees, managers, officers, agents, or any of those individuals' relatives that lack disclosures.” [ 378 ] The commenter continued, “[r]egardless of the knowledge standard the Commission imposes, the final rule must provide greater guidance on what sorts of scenarios would give rise to liability under this section.” [ 379 ]

The Commission chooses to retain the proposed “knew or should have known” standard in § 465.5(b)(1) and (c)(1)(ii)(c). First, the Commission notes again that it cannot obtain civil penalties under section 5(m)(1)(A) of the FTC Act for a rule violation unless it proves that a defendant had actual knowledge or knowledge fairly implied that the act or practice is unfair or deceptive and is prohibited by the rule. With respect to § 465.5(b)(1), the provision applies only to testimonials that the business disseminates or causes to be disseminated, i.e., it applies to the business's own advertising and promotional activities. As noted above, § 465.5(b)(1) does not apply to unsolicited social media posts by employees or to social media posts that result from generalized solicitations. The Commission does not expect that a business will ask every potential testimonialist whether they are an agent of the business. There may be red flags, however, that should cause a business to realize that a prospective testimonialist is likely an insider, such as the testimonial featuring an image of that person standing in front of the company's headquarters. If a business routinely asks prospective testimonialists how they became interested in the business or its products, it should not avoid looking at answers that might indicate a covered connection.

With respect to § 465.5(c)(1)(ii)(c), the Commission believes that, if officers and managers of a business request or demand that the business's employees or agents write consumer reviews or solicit or demand that such employees or agents seek such reviews from their relatives, it is more than reasonable to have those officers and managers take on certain responsibilities with respect to those reviews. The employees, agents, and relatives on the receiving end of such requests or demands are likely to assume that their reviews should be positive, which gives such reviews an inherent bias. Therefore, officers and managers should instruct that prospective reviewers make disclosures. When they demand that employees or agents seek reviews from their relatives, the officers or managers should instruct the employees or agents to ask their immediate relatives to make disclosures. The officers and managers should also take remedial steps when they know or should know that resulting insider reviews appeared without a disclosure. The Commission does not expect an officer or manager to scour every review of the business for possible insider reviews appearing without a disclosure. There may be red flags, however, that should cause officers or managers to inquire further. An example that is at least applicable to smaller companies is a review without a disclosure by someone the soliciting officer or manager recognizes as having the same last name as an employee whom the officer or manager told to obtain reviews from relatives. Another example is an employee sending a soliciting officer or manager a link to the resulting review, in which case the officer or manager should take the time to see if that review has a disclosure. By taking “remedial steps,” the Commission means that the officer or manager should request that the reviewer delete the review or add a clear and conspicuous disclosure to it.

Commenters recommended that the Commission adopt a number of additional requirements or prohibitions. An individual commenter said that insider reviews should be banned and that disclosures are insufficient to cure them. [ 380 ] One consumer group proposed that (1) “non-disclosed insider ratings” should be “independent and separate violation[s] from deceptive narrative reviews;” (2) “symbolic ratings—both independently and when aggregated—should feature a clear and conspicuous disclosure of necessary material connections;” and (3) “reviews requiring a disclosure should not be included in a product's aggregate rating without a disclosure.” [ 381 ] Another consumer group suggested the following: (1) § “465.5(a) and (c) should apply to all employees and board members of a business;” (2) § 465.5(b) and (c) be extended “to employees or board members of other companies with a material business relationship with the first business;” (3) § 465.5(c) should be extended “to include solicitations or demands of employees of companies with which the business conducts material business;” (4) § 465.5(c) should prohibit “any employee or board member of a business to solicit or demand from another employee or board member (or relative of an employee or board member) a consumer review about the business or one of its products or services;” and (5) “employees of a business should not be permitted to provide star or numerical reviews that count toward an aggregate or average rating, even if their conflict of interest is otherwise disclosed in an accompanying narrative review.” [ 382 ] Some of these proposals go beyond the scope of this rulemaking. Based on its policy expertise, the Commission declines to make any of these changes at this time. The Commission notes, however, that some may, in certain situations, involve unfair or deceptive acts or practices that violate section 5 of the FTC Act.

Proposed § 465.6 sought to prohibit a business from representing, expressly or by implication, that a website, organization, or entity that it controls, owns, or operates provides independent reviews or opinions about a category of businesses, products, or services including the business or one or more of its products or services. Based on the following, the Commission has determined to finalize this provision with two limiting modifications. [ 383 ]

A business organization, a retailer, and a review platform submitted comments supporting the intent of proposed § 465.6. [ 384 ] For example, the business organization noted that it “was supportive of a . . . rule aimed at addressing the practice of marketers setting up purportedly independent websites, organizations, or entities to review or endorse their own product.” [ 385 ]

Some commenters argued that, as drafted, the provision was overly broad and would prohibit conduct that was not deceptive or unfair. A business organization said that, as drafted, proposed § 465.6 “. . . could capture retailers that sell their own house brands” and “prevent media companies from operating general review websites that publish reviews by independent critics and consumers about films or television produced by affiliated studios or divisions.” [ 386 ] A consumer ( print page 68062) organization similarly said that, “as written, . . . [proposed § 465.6] would make it illegal for companies to host any reviews whatsoever so long as some of the reviews touch on a category of business, products, or services the company provides” and would prohibit “customer review forums on sites such as Home Depot and Amazon.” [ 387 ] A retailer said that “the plain text of . . . [proposed § 465.6 would] sweep[ ] in more conduct that is neither deceptive nor unfair—for example, where Company A provides customer reviews authored by others to Company B, without disclosing an ownership relationship.” [ 388 ] A trade association wrote that proposed § 465.6 “could be applied to prohibit retailers from representing that any consumer reviews or opinions featured on their own websites are independent, even if they are.” [ 389 ] A retailer commented that proposed § 465.6 is “overly broad and would prohibit a business from using a related entity from [sic] testing or comparing products in good faith and publishing those results, even if the company clearly disclosed that the test or comparison was done by an affiliate.” [ 390 ] A review platform asked in its comment that the Commission clarify that the section would not “unintentionally lead[ ] to review sites being unable to host reviews of their own company or sector.” [ 391 ] The Commission recognizes and agrees with the above concerns and is making two responsive modifications to narrow final § 465.6 in a way that better reflects the Commission's intent. The Commission is excluding “consumer reviews” from the scope of final § 465.6 and changing the prohibition against “represent[ing]” to a prohibition against “materially misrepresent[ing].”

A trade association commented that “many retailers host product reviews on their online shopping websites and make no direct claims that the reviews are independent” and asked the Commission to “make clear that it is permissible for retailers to host product reviews on a site they control and operate.” [ 392 ] Assuming that the commenter is referring to retailers hosting independent consumer reviews on a site they operate or control, then this is permissible under § 465.6. If the retailer's website misrepresents that it provides independent reviews or opinions by experts or organizations, then the retailer could be liable under § 465.6.

Two commenters asked the Commission to adopt a safe harbor provision for disclosures of the relationship between the business and the provider of the purportedly independent reviews or opinions. [ 393 ] The Commission's modifications address this request effectively by providing that businesses do not violate § 465.6 if they are not materially misrepresenting independence. The Commission believes that contradictory disclosures cannot cure a false express claim, such as a false express claim of independence. If a false claim of independence is merely implied, whether a disclosure is adequate to cure it will depend on the net impression of the website or advertisement, i.e., whether it materially misrepresents independence even with the disclosure.

A trade association commented that “[i]t would be helpful to make it clear that . . . § 465.6 only applies to websites or entities whose core service is providing reviews or opinions.” [ 394 ] The term “core service” is ambiguous, and it is not clear how one would determine whether it applies to reviews or opinions provided by a given website or other entity. False material claims that a website or entity provides independent reviews or opinions would still be deceptive even if such reviews or opinions are not the website's or entity's core service. The NPRM cited a number of cases in which businesses created purportedly independent seals or badges that they then awarded to their own products; the awarding of such seals or badges was clearly not their core business. [ 395 ] The NPRM also cited cases involving purportedly independent review websites, and, although such review websites might have appeared to be a “core service,” the true core business was selling the respondent's or defendant's own products. [ 396 ] Focusing on the ambiguous term “core services” would likely open the door to manipulation and evasion of the prohibition. The commenter further noted that it would also be “useful to clarify what `independent reviews or opinions' means.” [ 397 ] In this context, the term “independent” merely refers to explicit or implicit claims that reviews or opinions are not coming from a business that offers any of the products or services being reviewed or evaluated.

A business organization commenter suggested that the Commission not finalize § 465.6 because “the fraudulent nature of reviews on purportedly independent websites would likely be covered by . . . [§§ ] 465.2 and 465.5 of the . . . Rule.” [ 398 ] Those sections are limited to consumer reviews and consumer or celebrity testimonials and do not apply to reviews, seals, or other opinions by purportedly independent experts, organizations [ 399 ] or other entities. Therefore, § 465.6 is not duplicative of either § 465.2 or § 465.5.

Proposed § 465.7 sought to prohibit two different types of consumer review suppression.

Proposed § 465.7(a) sought to prohibit anyone from using an unjustified legal threat or a physical threat, intimidation, or false accusation in an attempt to prevent a consumer review or any portion thereof from being written or created or to cause a consumer review or any portion thereof to be removed. Based on the following, the Commission is finalizing § 465.7(a) with several revisions for the purpose of clarity. [ 400 ]

A number of commenters supported the provision. [ 401 ] The NPRM asked whether it is “appropriate that . . . § 465.7(a) focuses on the specific types of listed threats or activities,” and two ( print page 68063) business commenters responded that it is. [ 402 ] One of the commenters said that “[t]his narrow approach protects consumers, all while ensuring clarity for businesses and avoiding the pitfall of ambiguity in the . . . Rule.” [ 403 ] However, as already noted above, based on the comments and on the proposed definition for the phrase “unjustified legal threat,” the Commission is adopting a definition for the phrase “unfounded or groundless legal threat,” instead of a definition of the phrase “unjustified legal threat,” as originally proposed. [ 404 ]

A trade association commenter noted that “ `intimidation' means threat of the use of force” so it “duplicates `physical threat' ” and should be deleted. [ 405 ] A review platform commenter questioned why the “proposed text is limited to `physical threats' ” and said that non-physical threats, such as verbal threats in the form of abusive or coercive language, should not be tolerated and should be acted against.” [ 406 ] A consumer group's comment said that “[t]he term `intimidation' seems sufficiently broad to cover most types of threats not otherwise covered by `legal' or `physical' threats.” [ 407 ] The Commission disagrees with the first commenter because, in this context, “intimidation” means things other than legal or physical threats. Intimidation can include abusive communications, stalking, character assassination, and sexual harassment when those things are used to intimidate, that is to force someone into or deter someone from taking some action by inducing fear. [ 408 ]

Three commenters voiced concerns about the fact that proposed § 465.7(a) included “false accusation[s]” as a type of conduct that could amount to review suppression. A review platform noted that the determination of whether an accusation is false “introduces an element of subjectivity,” and that it would “be preferable to ground this in a legal basis, such as defamation.” [ 409 ] A trade association wrote that “a statement by a business about a consumer review or the consumer making a review may sometimes be in order,” and a prohibition on false accusations should “allow breathing room for First Amendment free speech concerns, such as requiring a guilty mental state from the maker of an accusation before culpability attaches.” [ 410 ] It recommended adding “knowing that it is false or with reckless disregard as to its truth or falsity.” [ 411 ] A second trade association asserted that proposed § 465.7(a) was “not narrowly tailored to serve a compelling state interest because it applies regardless of the magnitude of the alleged error or intent or state of mind of the business that makes the false statement.” [ 412 ] In order to illustrate its point, the second trade association also posited a scenario involving false accusations by a restaurant owner in a private conversation with a disgruntled patron. [ 413 ] The owner in the hypothetical did not know the accusations were false and did not act recklessly. In response to these comments, final § 465.7(a) adopts the phrase “a public false accusation in response to a consumer review that is made with the knowledge that the accusation was false or made with reckless disregard as to its truth or falsity,” rather than the phrase “false accusation,” as originally proposed. This change resolves the commenters' concerns regarding the accuser's state of mind, clarifies the Commission's intent that the provision applies only to public accusations, and provides greater clarity, thereby making compliance less burdensome. In response to the concern about subjectivity, the Commission notes that courts can make objective determinations of whether a given accusation is false. One of these commenters also asserted broadly that § 465.7(a) “regulates `pure speech,' not conduct, because it applies to the use of words to convey a message” and that speech is not commercial speech if it does not propose a commercial transaction. [ 414 ] This assertion has no basis in First Amendment law and is an overly limited articulation of what counts as commercial speech. When a business makes a public false accusation in response to a consumer review in an attempt to cause the review to be removed, the speech at issue is clearly commercial speech because it is intended to promote the product, service, or business that was the subject of the negative consumer review.

Two commenters, a review platform and a trade association, said that the provision should be strengthened by also covering attempts to force a consumer review or a portion thereof to be changed or edited. [ 415 ] Proposed § 465.7(a) would have prohibited certain acts made in an attempt to, among other things, “cause a consumer review or any portion thereof to be removed.” The Commission believes that, in most cases, changing or editing a review would necessarily require removing a portion of it. Accordingly, the Commission is clarifying that final § 465.7 applies to such modifications of reviews by adding “whether or not that review or a portion thereof is replaced with other content,” immediately after “cause a consumer review or any portion thereof to be removed.”

A trade association's comment asked that the “Rule be clarified to emphasize that it does not prohibit companies from contacting customers who post negative reviews to resolve the reported issues.” [ 416 ] The commenter was concerned that “sensitive customers could argue that such communication from the Company (no matter how innocuous) amounts to intimidation.” [ 417 ] The Commission does not believe that a company engages in intimidation by merely contacting customers to resolve reported issues or simply asking satisfied customers to update their reviews. Specifying that a consumer's concerns will be addressed only if the consumer changes or removes a truthful negative review may be an unfair or deceptive act or practice that has the effect of distorting or otherwise misrepresenting what consumers think of a marketer's products, [ 418 ] but that issue is beyond the scope of this rulemaking.

A consumer organization's comment said that, “[j]ust as businesses may use threats or intimidation to prevent a consumer from leaving a negative review, they may use similar tactics to ensure receipt of a positive review,” thus concluding that § 465.7(a)'s “prohibitions . . . should also apply to compelled creation of positive reviews.” [ 419 ] Although compelling the creation of positive reviews through threats or intimidation may be an unfair or deceptive act or practice, the ( print page 68064) Commission declines to address that practice in this rulemaking at this time.

A dental trade association expressed that, because Federal and State privacy laws prohibit dentists and other health care providers from disclosing patient information, their ability to correct the record when they are themselves a target of deceptive or unfair reviews is limited. [ 420 ] The commenter asked the Commission to permit dentists and other health care providers to disclose patient information in response to a review (limited to the scope of the topics addressed in the review) without violating any FTC privacy-based prohibitions. [ 421 ] This request is beyond the scope of this rulemaking.

Proposed § 465.7(b) sought to prohibit a business from misrepresenting, “expressly or by implication, that the consumer reviews of one or more of its products or services displayed on its website or platform represent most or all the reviews submitted to the website or platform when reviews are being suppressed ( i.e., not displayed) based upon their ratings or their negativity.” Proposed § 465.7(b) enumerated reasons for suppressing reviews that would not be considered suppression based upon their ratings or their negativity, so long as the criteria for withholding reviews are applied to all reviews submitted without regard to the favorability of the review. Proposed § 465.7(b) listed the following valid reasons for review suppression: (1) “the review contain[ed] . . . [(a)] trade secrets or privileged or confidential commercial or financial information, . . . [(b)] libelous, harassing, abusive, obscene, vulgar, or sexually explicit content, . . . [(c)] the personal information or likeness of another person, . . . [(d)] content that is discriminatory with respect to race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, or another protected class, or . . . [(e)] content that is clearly false or misleading;” (2) “the seller reasonably believe[d] the review is fake;” or (3) “the review is wholly unrelated to the products or services offered by or available at the website or platform.” Based on the following, the Commission has determined to finalize this prohibition with some modifications. [ 422 ]

Multiple commenters said that the practice of product sellers suppressing less favorable reviews was problematic. One individual commenter said they were “[d]isgusted by businesses who[ ] filter/have control over their . . . reviews.” [ 423 ] Another individual commenter stated that “[t]he removal of reviews that are critical, but accurate of the service or good creates an illusion and ultimately, defrauds the consumer of their choice,” but also worried about how “the FTC [will] catch companies that delete negative reviews.” [ 424 ] A third individual commenter said that the “Rule should prohibit businesses from suppressing . . . honest negative reviews.” [ 425 ] A fourth individual commenter wrote that “[b]usiness should be barred from misrepresenting reviews on their websites and from suppressing negative reviews.” [ 426 ] The State Attorneys General said that, when “a merchant . . . only posts positive consumer reviews on its website, instead of both favorable and negative reviews, [it] can potentially mislead consumers into believing that such reviews represent most or all of the reviews submitted to the merchant's website.” [ 427 ] A retailer wrote that it “support[s] the goals of section 465.7[(b)], which prohibits sellers from suppressing customer reviews based on their negativity” and “believe[s] that it is critically important that customers not be deprived of useful, negative feedback when deciding whether to purchase a product.” [ 428 ]

The NPRM asked whether “it [is] appropriate that proposed § 465.7(b) is limited to circumstances in which reviews are being suppressed based on rating or negativity,” and a business commenter agreed that it was. [ 429 ]

A trade association commenter said “that the Commission has . . . failed to satisfy the requirement that the specific unfair or deceptive acts or practices identified in the rule be prevalent.” [ 430 ] According to the commenter, “The rulemaking record cites only one case, one closing letter, and one comment in support of the Commission's conclusion that review suppression is prevalent.” [ 431 ] The commenter understates the significance of the evidence that the Commission considered in finding that the suppression of reviews based upon their rating or sentiment is prevalent. The closing letter to Yotpo, a company that provided review management services, is significant because the investigation revealed that more than 4,500 Yotpo merchant clients were automatically publishing only 4- or 5-star reviews and that most 1-star reviews and 2-star reviews submitted to those merchants were suppressed. [ 432 ] The investigation of Yotpo shows that there was widespread suppression of negative reviews. The Commission thus has a strong basis for its conclusion that the suppression of negative reviews on retailer or business websites is prevalent.

A review platform's comment suggested changing “based upon their ratings or their negativity” to “based upon their ratings or their sentiment” because “reviews can be difficult to categorize as wholly `negative' or `positive.' ” [ 433 ] The Commission intended for the phrase “based upon their ratings or their negativity” to refer to the suppression of reviews based on their ratings or their sentiment. However, in light of the comment, the Commission now realizes that the use of the word “negativity” in this context could be subject to misinterpretation and be construed to imply that a review must be wholly negative for its suppression to be problematic. Accordingly, the Commission is clarifying its original intent by changing “their negativity” to “their negative sentiment.” The commenter also said that “consumer harm may result if someone suppresses a review, regardless of the sentiment expressed in the review.” [ 434 ] The Commission is not expanding the rule to address other types of review suppression not based on ratings or negative sentiment. There are numerous legitimate reasons for suppressing consumer reviews, including those listed in § 465.7(b)(1), (2), and (3). Furthermore, such an expansion would be beyond the scope of the rulemaking.

A trade association's comment requested that the Commission “carve out the use of reviews in marketing materials” because the provision “could effectively prohibit retailers from highlighting any customer reviews in advertising—even though customers understand that advertising normally highlights particularly positive ( print page 68065) reviews.” [ 435 ] The Commission did not intend for proposed § 465.7(b) to cover the use of consumer reviews in marketing materials. Specifically, proposed § 465.7(b) was only intended to cover misrepresentations about the body of reviews in a “reviews” section of a website or platform—that is, a portion of a website or platform dedicated in whole or in part to receiving and displaying consumer reviews—and not misrepresentations about whether a highlighted review is “representative.” The Commission is clarifying this by changing “displayed on its website or platform” to “displayed in a portion of its website or platform dedicated in whole or in part to receiving and displaying consumer reviews.” The Commission notes however, that the use of non-representative consumer reviews in marketing could be deceptive in violation of section 5 of the FTC Act. [ 436 ]

A trade association asked that the Commission “clarify what it means for a review to be “suppressed ( i.e., not displayed).” [ 437 ] The trade association said that “[m]any businesses that operate websites that display consumer reviews will organize those reviews in reasonable ways to help consumers navigate what might be a large corpus of varying consumer commentary” and that, “[i]f a business takes reasonable steps to organize their reviews, those reviews should not be considered `suppressed.' ” [ 438 ] The Commission agrees that organizing reviews does not qualify as suppressing reviews. The Commission notes, however, that organizing reviews in a way that makes it difficult for consumers to know about or find negative reviews could be an unfair or deceptive act or practice in violation of section 5 of the FTC Act. The commenter also asked that the Commission change “not displayed” to “not displayed or accessible.” [ 439 ] The Commission is instead clarifying its original intent by changing “not displayed” to “not displayable,” so that the provision only covers reviews that consumers will be unable to view even if they were to sort or filter the reviews differently. Another trade association's comment said that “the Rule should explicitly allow retailers to sort reviews by objective measures unrelated to the positivity of the review, where the sorting method is disclosed.” [ 440 ] As modified, § 465.7(b) does not prohibit the sorting or organization of reviews, so the proposed modification is unnecessary.

Four industry commenters argued that there are legitimate reasons for suppressing consumer reviews beyond those listed in proposed § 465.7(b). [ 441 ] One of these commenters, a retailer, gave examples of other legitimate reasons for suppressing a review: “describing violence, encouraging illegal activities or misuse of the product, incorporating hyperlinks that could jeopardize customer online safety, or using a language not supported by the website.” [ 442 ] Three of the industry commenters said that, by limiting review suppression to the listed reasons, the provision violated the First Amendment and section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, [ 443 ] and all four asked the Commission to clarify that the listed reasons are not exhaustive. [ 444 ] The Commission agrees that there are legitimate reasons for suppressing reviews beyond those listed and is clarifying that the listed criteria for review suppression are non-exhaustive examples.

Proposed § 465.7(b) provided that suppression was not violative “so long as the criteria for withholding reviews are applied to all reviews submitted without regard to the favorability of the review.” The Commission is clarifying that the criteria must be applied to all reviews equally. Additionally, to be consistent with the above clarification regarding sentiment, the Commission is changing “without regard to the favorability of the review” to “without regard to sentiment.”

An individual commenter asked whether a company could “have a policy of not posting reviews that mention other products” or suppress a review that is “patently false (wrong company, wrong product, wrong location, etc. ).” [ 445 ] As long as the policy is applied to all reviews equally, those could be legitimate reasons for suppressing reviews.

A trade association commented that one of the listed, acceptable reasons for suppressing reviews is too limited. Specifically, it said that “libelous” reviews would not cover reviews with an oral component that were “slanderous,” and it thus recommended using the word “defamatory.” [ 446 ] The Commission intended to cover all defamatory consumer reviews, not just written ones, and the Commission is making that clarification.

Another one of the listed, acceptable reasons for suppressing reviews was that “the seller reasonably believes the review is fake.” A review platform commented that it is important that this criteria “cannot be used by a business to seek to censor consumer reviews based on a valid experience” and said that, without information about the reviewer, the reviewer's location, and the reviewer's other reviews, “it can be difficult to accurately identify fake reviews.” [ 447 ] One individual commenter wrote that this “is overbroad and gives sellers leeway to suppress reviews at their discretion so long as they claim a belief that said reviews were fake.” [ 448 ] The commenter recommended “revising this provision to add specificity and identify the parameters of what a fake review looks like.” [ 449 ] A seller does not risk liability if the suppression occurs for a reason other than the review's rating or negative sentiment. The provision's phrase “such as” recognizes that it is proper to suppress reviews for legitimate reasons. For this specific enumerated exception, “the seller [only needs to] reasonabl[y] believe[ ] the review . . . [to be] fake.” Thus, if there are indicia that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the review is fake, the seller would meet this exception.

A different, listed acceptable reason for suppressing reviews was “content that is discriminatory with respect to race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, or another protected class.” The Commission is changing “protected class” to “intrinsic characteristic” in order to more closely echo the language in the CRFA on which the reason is based. [ 450 ]

A trade association noted that the “FTC should not prohibit sellers from excluding reviews that solely discuss service experience and do not include comments on the product.” [ 451 ] The rule as clarified does not prohibit suppressing reviews that solely discuss customer service as long as the criteria is applied equally to all reviews. The Commission notes, however, that it has expressed the view that suppressing customer reviews about a “particular seller's customer service, delivery, returns, and exchanges” can be deceptive in violation of section 5 of the FTC Act. [ 452 ]

A consumer organization expressed concern that proposed § 465.7(b) “allows businesses to suppress reviews when they contain `harassing,' `abusive,' or `obscene' content, which are highly subjective terms likely to be interpreted broadly by businesses that have a clear interest in suppressing reviews that may harm their public perception.” [ 453 ] The commenter suggested that, “to preserve the public benefit of reviews that contain instances of objectionable content,” the Commission could “allow businesses to redact such content but require them to leave the remainder of the review along with any corresponding score or numerical rating available for public consumption.” [ 454 ] Appropriate redaction of portions of consumer reviews may be difficult or infeasible in some instances. The Commission declines to impose such a requirement at this time.

The State Attorneys General asked in their comment that the Commission “delete[ ] the phrase `based upon their ratings or their negativity' at the end of the first sentence.” [ 455 ] The State Attorneys General's reasoning for this request was that the language is unnecessarily limiting and superfluous” because “a company seeking to suppress negative reviews could potentially succeed by offering reasons that are proxies for negativity” and “any legitimate suppression should already be sufficiently covered by the robust carve-outs set forth in § 465.7(b)(1).” [ 456 ] The Commission declines to make that change, as the enumerated “carve-outs” do not exhaustively identify every legitimate reason for suppressing reviews.

A business organization asserted that proposed § 465.7(b) “implies a `gross feedback score' must be disclosed along with the `net feedback score,' which is the actual number of reviews viewable to a user.” [ 457 ] The commenter is incorrect, as § 465.7(b) contains no such disclosure requirements.

An individual commenter expressed concern as to how the FTC will “catch companies that delete negative reviews” and suggested offering rewards “for individuals or organizations to help address” the problem. [ 458 ] The Commission will use the investigative and law enforcement tools at its disposal to identify bad actors who suppress reviews.

In connection with proposed § 465.7(b), several commenters recommended that the Commission impose additional consumer review-related requirements. An individual commenter asked the Commission to “require businesses to display consumer reviews in a fair and transparent manner, such as by allowing consumers to choose how they want to sort or filter reviews, and by disclosing any criteria or algorithm that they use to rank or highlight reviews.” [ 459 ] Another individual commenter said that “companies . . . should be required to maintain and periodically disclose records of review suppression,” which would, at a minimum, “contain the number of reviews suppressed at each rating level and an associated justification.” [ 460 ] A review platform recommended the Commission expand the scope of the rule to (1) prevent reviews from “being misquoted and manipulated via quoting select parts of reviews,” and (2) require that the criteria on which consumer reviews are selected for showcasing ( e.g., on a website carousel) be made clear. [ 461 ] A consumer organization commented that consumers should be able to assume that the reviews that they see on a business's website are representative of the reviews the business receives, and if “a business wishes to curate reviews, the business should have the burden to transparently communicate the fact and nature of the curation to consumers.” [ 462 ] One individual commenter asked that the proposed rule be “extended to include penalties for Pay-to-Play platforms that engage in practices such as manipulating ratings and suppressing negative reviews for businesses that advertise on their websites,” [ 463 ] and another commenter thought the rule should cover “companies that profit from shaming businesses by posting negative reviews while unilaterally determining positive reviews are `unverified'—effectively holding any positive sentiment back until the business subscribes to the platform.” [ 464 ] Some of these proposed requirements are beyond the scope of this rulemaking, although some of the acts and practices described may be deceptive or unfair in violation of section 5 of the FTC Act. For example, misquoting reviews can be deceptive [ 465 ] and showcasing or curating reviews might deceptively represent that the reviews presented are representative or typical of the reviews received. Based on its policy expertise, the Commission declines to address any of these practices in this rulemaking at this time.

Proposed § 465.8(a) sought to prohibit anyone from selling or distributing fake indicators of social media influence that can be used by persons or businesses to misrepresent their influence or importance for a commercial purpose. Proposed § 465.8(b) sought to prohibit anyone from purchasing or procuring fake indicators of social media influence to misrepresent their influence or importance for a commercial purpose. Based on the following, the Commission has determined to finalize these prohibitions with certain modifications. [ 466 ]

Several commenters raised concerns about the meaning of the term “fake” in the context of indicators of social media influence. A trade association asked, “Does `fake' only mean that the likes and followers were created by bots or through fake accounts? If a social media influencer were to recommend that their followers also follow another business' social media account, would that also be `procuring' of `fake' indicators of social media influence? . . . If the FTC means to capture a specific category of `likes,' `follows,' or other metrics that do not reflect any real opinions, findings, or experiences with the marketer or its products or services, it should make that ( print page 68067) intention more clear.” [ 467 ] A retailer asked for “confirmation . . . that this provision would not apply where companies award legitimate indicators of influence to certain users upon satisfaction of objective criteria, even if those individuals are later discovered to have circumvented or abused those criteria.” [ 468 ] A second trade association said that, “[w]hen . . . indicators are awarded based on legitimate criteria, they serve this informative and non-deceptive purpose” and the “innovative companies that develop these indicators of influence should not be punished if bad actors try to abuse the processes,” so the Commission “should . . . clarify that this section applies to true `fake' indicators of social media influence.” [ 469 ] In response to these comments, the Commission is clarifying what it intended as “fake indicators of social media influence.” For this purpose, the final rule includes a definition of the phrase “fake indicators of social media influence” in § 465.1(h), which defines the phrase as indicators of social media influence derived from bots, purported individual accounts not associated with a real individual, accounts created with a real individual's personal information without their consent, hijacked accounts, or that otherwise do not reflect a real individual's or entity's activities, opinions, findings, or experiences. If a social media influencer were to recommend that their followers also follow another social media account, any resulting followers of the second account would not be “fake.” If a company awards legitimate indicators of influence to certain users upon satisfaction of objective criteria reflecting the influence of the users, the company would not be selling “fake” indicators, even if bad actors were able to deceive the company.

Three commenters addressed the section's lack of a knowledge requirement. A retailer commenter wrote that “a business could be in violation of this provision even if it innocently sold or procured a fake indicator, without knowledge or any indication that the indicator was fake,” which it said “is patently unreasonable.” [ 470 ] A second retailer similarly “recommend[ed] that the rule be revised so that it only applies when the seller/buyer knows the indicators are fake.” [ 471 ] A trade association suggested “revising this section to additionally require that the seller or purchaser act `with knowledge that the indicators of influence are fake.' ” [ 472 ] The Commission recognizes that someone could think that they were paying for a promotional campaign to increase their followers but, unbeknownst to the purchaser, the entity offering the campaign was lying and just providing fake followers. It is also possible that a company might bestow a legitimate indicator of social media influence, like a seal, that the company does not know is based upon or derived from fake indicators of social media influence. The Commission is therefore narrowing the provision by adding “that they knew or should have known to be fake” to both § 465.8(a) and (b).

A trade association's comment asserted that “the Commission failed to meet the prevalence requirement” because “the evidence the Commission . . . cited in the NPRM . . . all relate[s] to the use of actual `fake' indicators of influence that the seller or purchaser knew were fake.” [ 473 ] The Commission believes that, with the addition of the definition of “fake indicators” and the knowledge requirement, it has sufficiently addressed the commenter's concerns.

A trade association expressed concern that the provision would “hold[ ] retailers vicariously liable for the actions of independent endorsers,” that is, the influencers and other endorsers that they hire. [ 474 ] That was not the Commission's intention. The distribution of fake indicators of social media influence was intended to mean the distribution to individuals or businesses who could use the indicators to misrepresent their influence, not causing the dissemination of social media by users of such fake indicators, e.g., by hiring influencers who happen to have fake followers. The Commission is clarifying this intent by adding a definition of “distribute fake indicators of social media influence” in § 465.1(g).

Although no commenter specifically raised the issue in the context of § 465.8, the Commission is adding the concept of materiality to both § 465.8(a) and (b) in terms of the scope of misrepresentations covered therein, so as to be consistent with other parts of the rule.

A consumer organization said in its comment that the Commission “should clarify that `procure' ” in § 465.8(b) “includes the creation of automated bot or other fake accounts that `follow' or `subscribe' to an account, artificially inflating the popularity of that account.” [ 475 ] The Commission declines to make this change. It is not the creation of the bot or fake account, itself, that the rule makes illegal, but the use of the bot or fake account to follow another user, watch another user's videos, or create other fake indicia of social media influence. The same commenter said the Commission should “remove the word ‘fake' from the Rule to clarify that it covers the purchase or procurement of any social media engagement . . . from both real and fake accounts unless those incentives can be disclosed to people who can view the engagement.” [ 476 ] The use of incentivized indicia of social media influence is not necessarily deceptive in all cases, and it is beyond the scope of this rulemaking.

Finally, a trade association and a retailer suggested changing the prohibition in § 465.8(a) from selling or distributing fake indicators that “can be used” by persons to misrepresent their influence to those that “are used” by persons to misrepresent their influence. [ 477 ] The trade association said that “[a]pplying this section to indicators of social media influence that `can be' used for this purpose, but are not, would mean that the rule prohibits conduct that is not deceptive.” [ 478 ] Such fake indicators are not physical products that people collect and then use later as desired. Instead, their existence is premised on and limited to situations in which they appear deceptively on a social media site. Therefore, any person or business that obtains fake indicators of social media influence is misrepresenting their social media influence. While some individuals may not be doing so for a commercial purpose, those individuals are excluded from the rule's scope. Further, a person or entity that is in the business of selling or distributing fake indicia of social media influence is engaging in commerce, and it is unreasonable to posit that no buyers would use such indicia to misrepresent their social media influence for a commercial purpose. The Commission therefore declines to make the suggested modification.

Proposed § 465.9 provided that the provisions of the rule are separate and severable from one another and that, if any provision is stayed or determined to ( print page 68068) be invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue in effect. The Commission did not receive any comments regarding proposed § 465.9. The Commission is changing “shall continue in effect” to “will continue in effect” which is more precise. With that clarification, the Commission is finalizing § 465.9.

For the reasons described above, the Commission has determined to adopt the provisions of §§ 465.1, 465.2, and 465.4 through 465.9 with clarifying or limiting modifications. The Commission declines to finalize proposed § 465.3 regarding consumer review or testimonial reuse or repurposing.

Under section 22 of the FTC Act, the Commission, when it promulgates any final rule for a “rule” as defined in section 22(a)(1), must include a “final regulatory analysis.” 15 U.S.C. 57b-3(b)(2) . The final regulatory analysis must contain (1) a concise statement of the need for, and objectives of, the final rule; (2) a description of any alternatives to the final rule which were considered by the Commission; (3) an analysis of the projected benefits, any adverse economic effects, and any other effects of the final rule; (4) an explanation of the reasons for the determination of the Commission that the final rule will attain its objectives in a manner consistent with applicable law and the reasons the particular alternative was chosen; and (5) a summary of any significant issues raised by the comments submitted during the public comment period in response to the preliminary regulatory analysis, and a summary of the assessment by the Commission of such issues. 15 U.S.C. 57b-3(b)(2)(A)-(E) .

The Commission received several comments that included elements that the Commission identified as specifically in response to the preliminary regulatory analysis. Two trade associations asserted that compliance costs would be higher than estimated by the Commission. These associations stated that the risk of statutory penalties would lead many of their members to engage in compliance activities beyond those assumed for the high-cost compliance scenario in the NPRM. [ 479 ] In the preliminary regulatory analysis, the high-cost compliance scenario assumed an average compliance burden of 8 hours of attorney time for firms with greater than 500 employees. This average is consistent with some firms, especially the largest ones in industries more reliant on reviews and testimonials, choosing to make more extensive improvements to their compliance programs. In addition, the Commission has narrowed the rule and clarified the rule requirements as described in section IV of this document. For these reasons, the Commission continues to believe the high-cost scenario likely overestimates compliance costs, and chooses to not modify its estimate of possible compliance costs for that scenario, but it does present a sensitivity analysis below that assesses what effect systematic underestimation of compliance costs would have on the rule's net benefits to the public.

One individual commenter asserted that the benefits the Commission estimated in the NPRM did not justify the estimated compliance costs because the same results could be obtained using the FTC's existing section 5 authority. [ 480 ] As explained in detail in this final regulatory analysis, the Commission believes that the final rule will increase deterrence of unfair or deceptive acts or practices involving consumer reviews and testimonials relative to relying on its existing authority and that the net benefits of the rule justify its promulgation.

A second individual commenter claimed that it was unreasonable to assume that the rule would eliminate the entire loss to consumers, in terms of choosing products optimally, from the impact of bad information in false reviews. The commenter asserted that deterrence would be only partial because some circumstances would make it difficult to identify such reviews. [ 481 ] The Commission believes that its estimate of the benefits of reducing manipulated reviews is appropriate, as discussed further below. However, the Commission presents additional sensitivity analysis below that assesses the effect of systematic overestimation of the degree to which the rule would fix review manipulation, and determines that, even conceding that point, the quantified net benefits are highly positive.

Finally, a business offering third-party review fraud detection tools offered research that it claimed showed that the rule would generate benefits of $180.83 billion and that the benefits would outweigh the costs 100:1. [ 482 ] These estimates are similar to those of the Commission.

The Commission believes that the final rule will substantially improve its ability to combat certain specified, clearly unfair or deceptive acts or practices involving consumer reviews or testimonials. Although such unfair or deceptive acts or practices are already unlawful under section 5 of the FTC Act, the rule will increase deterrence of such conduct by allowing courts to impose civil penalties against the violators. In addition, the final rule will allow the Commission to seek court orders requiring violators to compensate consumers for the harms caused by their unlawful conduct. The Commission believes that the rule will accomplish these goals without significantly burdening honest businesses and that the rule will provide significant benefits to consumers and honest competitors.

The final rule will allow courts to impose civil penalties under section 5(m)(1)(A) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 45(m)(1)(A) , against those who engage in the deceptive or unfair conduct that the final rule prohibits. The ability to obtain civil penalties is important because it can be difficult to quantify consumer losses that stem from the use of unfair or deceptive consumer reviews and testimonials. Without civil penalties, persons who engage in such conduct might avoid monetary consequences for their unlawful conduct simply because there is insufficient evidence to link their unlawful conduct to quantifiable losses suffered by consumers. And if there are no monetary consequences, potential wrongdoers have little incentive to refrain from engaging in unlawful practices. Because the final rule will allow courts to impose civil penalties for violations, it provides the deterrence necessary to incentivize compliance with the law, even in cases where it is difficult to quantify consumer harm.

In addition, the final rule is necessary to allow the Commission to recover redress more efficiently to redress consumer harm resulting from the unfair or deceptive use of reviews or testimonials. In 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court in AMG Capital Management, LLC ( print page 68069) v. FTC [ 483 ] ruled that section 13(b) of the FTC Act [ 484 ] did not authorize the Commission to seek court orders requiring wrongdoers to return money unlawfully taken from consumers through unfair or deceptive acts or practices or give up the unjust gains they earned from engaging in such unlawful conduct. The AMG ruling has made it significantly more difficult for the Commission to return money to injured consumers, particularly in cases that do not involve rule violations. [ 485 ]

Since AMG, the primary means for the Commission to return money unlawfully taken from consumers is section 19 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 57b , which provides two paths for consumer redress. The longer path, under section 19(a)(2), typically requires the Commission to first conduct an administrative proceeding to determine whether the respondent violated the FTC Act; if the Commission finds that the respondent did so, the Commission issues a cease-and-desist order, which might not become final until after the resolution of any resulting appeal to a Federal court of appeals. After the conclusion of the administrative proceeding (and any appeal), the Commission must initiate an action in Federal court to obtain monetary relief under section 19 and, in that action, the Commission must prove that the violator engaged in objectively fraudulent or dishonest conduct. [ 486 ] In effect, the section 19(a)(2) pathway requires the Commission to file two separate actions to obtain monetary relief.

The more efficient path to monetary relief is under section 19(a)(1), which allows the Commission to recover redress in one Federal court action for violations of a Commission rule relating to unfair or deceptive acts or practices. [ 487 ] Only a small portion of the Commission's past cases challenging unfair or deceptive consumer reviews or testimonials involved rule violations that would allow the Commission to seek monetary relief under section 19(a)(1). With the final rule, however, the Commission will be able to use section 19(a)(1) to obtain redress for consumer losses attributable to violations of the rule.

Overall, outlawing egregious review and testimonial practices in the final rule expands the Commission's enforcement toolkit and allows it to deliver on its mission by stopping and deterring harmful conduct and, in some cases, making American consumers whole when they have been harmed. The unfair or deceptive acts or practices involving reviews and testimonials encompassed by this final rule are prevalent and harmful to consumers and honest businesses. Thus, the unlocking of additional remedies through this rulemaking—particularly, the ability to obtain civil penalties against violators and redress for consumers or others injured by the conduct—will allow the Commission to more effectively police and deter harmful review and testimonial practices that plague consumers and honest businesses.

As discussed below, the Commission has determined that the rule's benefits greatly outweigh its costs. The rule promotes accuracy in reviews and testimonials by prohibiting certain unfair or deceptive acts or practices involving reviews and testimonials. Thus, this rule will help the vast majority of American consumers who rely on such reviews and testimonials to make better-informed purchase decisions. The rule prohibits (1) the creation, sale, purchasing, or procurement from insiders of fake or false reviews, and (2) buying of reviews conditioned on the reviews expressing particular sentiments. It also includes prohibitions on fake or false consumer or celebrity testimonials, certain insider reviews without adequate disclosures, misleading company-controlled review websites or entities, certain review suppression practices, and the misuse of fake indicators of social media influence.

In the analysis below, the Commission describes the anticipated impact of the rule. Where possible, the Commission quantifies the benefits and costs. If a benefit or cost is quantified, the Commission indicates the sources of the data relied upon. If an assumption is needed, the analysis makes clear which quantities are being assumed. The Commission measures the benefits and costs of the rule against a baseline in which no rule has been promulgated by the Commission. For the remainder of section VI, and in the interest of brevity, the term “reviews” collectively refers to both reviews and testimonials.

Quantifiable benefits stem from consumer welfare improvements and consumer time savings. With the rule, reviews will be more accurate overall, leading consumers to purchase higher-quality products or products that are better-matched to their preferences. The rule will also lead to more trustworthy aggregate review ratings ( e.g., star ratings), leading some consumers to spend less time scrutinizing reviews to determine their validity. Quantifiable costs primarily reflect the resources spent by businesses to review the rule and to take any preemptive or remedial steps to comply with its provisions. Because the rule is an application of preexisting law under section 5 of the FTC Act, the Commission expects these compliance costs to be minimal.

A period of ten years is used in the baseline scenario because FTC rules are subject to review every ten years. [ 488 ] Quantifiable aggregate benefits and costs are summarized as the net present value over this ten-year period in Table 1.1. The discount rate reflects society's preference for receiving benefits earlier rather than later; a higher discount rate is associated with a greater preference for benefits in the present. The present value is obtained by multiplying each year's net benefit by a discount factor raised to the power of the number of years in the future the net benefit accrues.

Table 1.1—Present Value of Net Benefits

[2024-2033 (in billions)]

Present value: low-end estimate Present value: high-end estimate Total Benefits: 3% Discount Rate $67.40 $269.55 7% Discount Rate 57.03 230.44 Total One-Time Costs 0.87 0.00 Net Benefits: 3% Discount Rate 66.53 269.55 7% Discount Rate 56.16 230.44

This section describes the beneficial impact of the rule, provides quantitative estimates where possible, and describes benefits that are only assessed qualitatively. The quantifiable estimates reflect benefits stemming from the decrease in online review manipulation on third-party platforms or company websites, which covers most of the prohibitions contained in the rule. This analysis does not calculate benefits from the other aspects of the rule—that is, the prohibitions on fake or false celebrity testimonials, company-controlled entities that deceptively purported to provide independent opinions, review suppression, and the misuse of fake indicators of social media influence—because of the limited quantitative research in these areas. Some of these benefits are likely to be substantial. The quantified benefits are presented by benefit category, rather than stemming from a specific provision of the rule, because the relevant provisions have the same end goal—that is, to improve the information available to consumers by reducing the level of review manipulation. Therefore, it is difficult to disentangle the benefits stemming from each provision.

Existing academic literature in economics, marketing, computer science, and other fields documents the importance of online reviews; specifically that the number of online reviews and aggregate ratings are extremely important for consumer purchase decisions. It is widely documented that the presence of online reviews improves consumer welfare via reductions in both search costs and the level of information asymmetry that exists prior to purchase. [ 489 ]

When making purchase decisions, consumers typically have incomplete information on product quality and attributes. Searching for additional information is costly. Consumers incur costs—including time and effort costs—to seek, evaluate, and integrate incoming information. Online platforms where past users share information about their experiences can significantly lower search costs.

Researchers have also demonstrated that consumer reviews create value for consumers beyond a reduction in search costs. Consumers are better able to learn of a product's quality and attributes when there is free-flowing, non-manipulated commentary from past consumers. Consumer reviews lead to “better” decisions by increasing the level of information available prior to purchase and reducing uncertainty. By the same token, the academic literature also documents that manipulated or fake reviews lead to reductions in consumer welfare by leading consumers to buy low-quality products or otherwise make suboptimal purchase decisions. [ 490 ]

A secondary benefit is deterrence of the specified review practices. The rule is essentially the only means for imposing civil penalties in most cases involving such practices. Civil penalties are not available for conduct that violates section 5(a)'s prohibition on unfair or deceptive acts or practices—rather, a violation of an FTC rule is necessary to impose civil penalties under section 5(m)(1)(a). Civil penalties act as a deterrent to fraud and deception in connection with reviews. [ 491 ]

To obtain redress without alleging a rule violation, the Commission must typically first determine in an administrative proceeding that the respondent violated the FTC Act, successfully defend that determination in any appeal to a Federal court of appeals, and then initiate a second action in Federal district court under section 19(a)(2) in which the Commission must prove that the conduct at issue is “one which a reasonable man would have known under the circumstances was dishonest or fraudulent.” [ 492 ] Although these requirements are likely to be satisfied in cases involving the conduct covered by

the rule, it would take substantially more time and resources, and would significantly delay any redress to consumers, compared to a single Federal court action alleging a rule violation, in which the court adjudicates both whether the defendant violated the rule and, if so, the appropriate amount of monetary relief to award. [ 493 ]

Given the prevalence of unfair or deceptive conduct involving reviews and testimonials, the Commission will have no shortage of bad actors to investigate; it can invest the extra resources freed up by the final rule into more investigations and actions with respect to consumer reviews or testimonials. In sum, the potential consumer-redress benefits of the rule are significant: the Commission can put a stop to more inarguably unfair or deceptive consumer reviews, return more money to consumers, and obtain that redress more quickly.

The study containing the most direct estimate of welfare losses from review manipulation finds that the presence of fake reviews leads consumers to lose $0.12 for every dollar spent in an experimental setting. [ 494 ] The study considers a limited number of kinds of review manipulation, which notably does not include suppression of negative reviews or misrepresenting the independence of reviews, which might mean that $0.12 is an underestimate of the effect of the rule. However, the study also measures the effect of complete elimination of inflated star ratings and false written narratives, which might mean that $0.12 is an overestimate of the effect of the rule. Thus, the Commission believes that a reasonable proxy for the effect of the rule's elimination of much review manipulation is that consumers will gain an estimated $0.12 for every dollar spent on goods whose online reviews included fake or false ones.

To estimate consumer welfare benefits from better-informed purchase decisions, the Commission first estimates the total amount of sales for which consumers consult online reviews. U.S. e-commerce sales by retail firms totaled $1.119 trillion in 2023. [ 495 ] The Commission assumes that all online retail sales had some form of user-generated commentary ( e.g., on third-party review platforms or on company websites), and that this commentary factored into consumers' purchase decisions for these goods.

Online reviews are also important for commerce that is not conducted online, including for revenues earned by the hospitality industry and by other services. Sales for businesses classified as “Food Services and Drinking Places” by the U.S. Census totaled $980.15 billion in 2022, which includes revenue from restaurants and bars. [ 496 ] The Commission assumes that consumers rely on reviews for only a portion of these sales. Some consumers—particularly those living in rural parts of the country and in smaller cities—may have a small set of familiar food and drink establishments available to them, making online reviews less influential to their decision to patronize a particular one. Moreover, prior research has found that online reviews do not impact revenues of chain restaurants. [ 497 ] Accordingly, the Commission assumes that consumers rely on reviews for twenty-five percent of the total revenue generated in the food services and drinking places sector (twenty-five percent of $980.15 billion, or $245.04 billion). [ 498 ]

Online reviews are also important for sales in other service sectors. In 2022, total revenue was $316.35 billion for the accommodations sector (which includes hotels and vacation rentals), and total revenue was $67.70 billion for personal services (including beauty salons, barber shops, health clubs, and non-veterinary pet care), totaling $384.05 billion for both sectors. [ 499 ] About half of hotel revenue is generated by business travelers, who might rely less on online reviews than leisure travelers do. [ 500 ] In addition, pre-paid hotel bookings and vacation rentals booked online are already accounted for in the e-commerce sales figure described above. Furthermore, some consumers may be loyal customers of local salons and other personal services, regardless of these businesses' online reputations. For these reasons, the Commission assumes that a subset of accommodation and personal services revenues is affected by consumer reviews. Similar to the calculation for the food and drinking places industry, the Commission assumes that twenty-five percent of total accommodation and personal care services revenue is impacted by consumer reviews (twenty-five percent of $384.05 billion, or $96.01 billion). The total estimated revenue for services impacted by consumer reviews is $341.05 billion (the sum of $245.04 billion and $96.01 billion). Combining the revenue estimates described above yields $1.461 trillion in estimated sales of goods or services for which consumers incorporate reviews into their decision-making.

Quantitative estimates of the incidence of fake or false reviews vary by source. [ 501 ] Nevertheless, at least three prior studies examining the degree of review manipulation as a proportion of businesses or products (rather than as a proportion of reviews ) contain similar findings. According to these studies, approximately ten percent of products or businesses have some manipulated ( print page 68072) consumer reviews. [ 502 ] Thus, a basic approximation of total e-commerce sales involving some review manipulation is ten percent of $1.119 trillion, or $111.9 billion. Similarly, a basic approximation of review-dependent service industry sales involving some review manipulation is ten percent of $341.05 billion, or $34.1 billion.

Importantly, online businesses that engage in review manipulation are likely to earn less revenue than other e-commerce companies. For example, prior research has found that independent firms and sellers offering lower-quality products are more likely to engage in review manipulation. [ 503 ] Therefore, e-commerce sales affected by review manipulation are likely to be lower than the $111.9 billion in sales described above. A more conservative estimate of e-commerce sales involving review manipulation can be obtained by using price differentials of review-manipulated products versus others. Because products with online review manipulation have price points that are approximately 19 percent of the average price of goods sold online (according to research using data from Amazon), [ 504 ] a more conservative estimate of review-manipulated products' revenue is 1.9 percent (19 percent × 10 percent) of all $1.119 trillion in e-commerce sales, or $21.26 billion. Because the Commission does not have data on the revenue or quantities sold of review-manipulated products, it assumes that revenue is constant across price points and relies solely on the price differential to approximate revenue. The Commission does not similarly adjust revenues for non-e-commerce firms ( e.g., restaurant and hotels) because there is less variation in prices in those industries.

The Commission estimates annual welfare gains by applying the $0.12 estimate, described above, to the estimated amount of U.S. sales that are likely to have some manipulated consumer reviews, yielding an annual estimate of welfare gains in the range of $6.64 billion (12 percent of $55.36 billion, the sum of $21.26 billion and $34.1 billion) and $17.52 billion (12 percent of $146.0 billion, the sum of $111.9 billion and $34.1 billion). Assuming that e-commerce sales increase linearly over the next ten years at the same rate as they did in the past year, [ 505 ] the present value of consumer welfare improvements from better-informed purchasing decisions is estimated to be between $57.03 and $230.36 billion as described in Table 2.1.

Table 2.1—Estimated Benefits From Consumer Welfare Improvements From Purchase Decisions

[2024-2033]
Percent of e-commerce revenue impacted by review manipulation	Total annual welfare improvements from better-informed purchase decisions (in billions)	Total 10-year (2024-2033) welfare improvement, 3% discount rate (in billions)	Total 10-year (2024-2033) welfare improvement, 7% discount rate (in billions)
10	$17.52	$230.36	$196.91
1.9	6.64	67.40	57.03

The rule's prohibitions against deceptive and unfair consumer review acts and practices would increase the reliability of consumer reviews. The Commission assumes that this improvement in the dependability of reviews will lead consumers to place more trust in aggregate measures ( e.g., aggregate star ratings), which many review settings use to summarize consumer reviews. This in turn will lead some consumers to spend less time scrutinizing individual reviews to detect red flags commonly found in manipulated reviews ( e.g., spelling and grammar mistakes, generic highly positive or negative statements, and lack of detail). Therefore, the rule is likely to result in some amount of time savings for consumers who consult online reviews before making purchases.

Approximately eighty percent of Americans are online shoppers. [ 506 ] Of those who shop online, fourteen percent shop online more than once a week, twenty percent shop online once a week, twenty-three percent shop online once every two weeks, twenty-five percent shop online once a month, and the remainder do so every few months. [ 507 ] Different age groups of online shoppers spend various amounts of time reading reviews before making a purchase decision. On average, younger consumers spend more time reading reviews than older consumers. [ 508 ] This analysis does not incorporate time spent by consumers researching reviews of ( print page 68073) restaurants, hotels, and other goods and services that are not purchased online because of the limited amount of information available regarding consumers' total time spent on such activities.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage in 2023 was $31.48. [ 509 ] Recent research suggests that individuals living in the United States value their non-work time at eighty-two percent of average hourly earnings. [ 510 ] Thus, Americans overall value their non-work time at $25.81 per hour on average.

The survey data does not specify whether consumers were surveyed regarding the time spent reading reviews before the purchase of a single product or whether the question concerned the purchase of multiple products. This analysis assumes that the time listed in the survey results pertains to the purchase of a single product. It also assumes that the implementation of the rule will reduce the time spent reading reviews by ten percent. Combining the above figures results in $2.49 billion in consumer time savings per year, or a present value of $33.53 billion to $39.19 billion over a 10-year period, as described in Table 2.2.

In addition, there are likely to be other utility-related benefits consumers receive when reading nonmanipulated online reviews or consulting more accurate aggregate summary measures, such as increased satisfaction (apart from purchasing decisions) and decreased frustration. The Commission is not able to quantify these benefits.

Finally, some consumers may spend more time reading reviews if reviews are less likely to be fake or otherwise manipulated. This increase in time spent reading reviews may offset any time savings from the increased reliability of summary ratings. Therefore, the Commission presents another scenario in Table 2.2 where consumers do not gain any benefits from time savings. However, as before, there are likely to be additional benefits that are difficult to quantify ( e.g., decreased frustration) that result from reading more accurate reviews, likely yielding positive net benefits related to reading reviews even when consumers spend more time doing so.

Table 2.2—Estimated Benefits From Time Savings

[2024-2033]

Number of online shoppers, age 18-34	60,467,204
Average amount of time spent reading online reviews before making a purchase decision (in hours), age 18-34	0.336
Number of online shoppers, age 35-54	67,273,832
Average amount of time spent reading online reviews before making a purchase decision (in hours), age 35-54	0.231
Number of online shoppers, age 55+	78,920,814
Average amount of time spent reading online reviews before making a purchase decision (in hours), age 55+	0.167
Total amount of time all online shoppers spend reading online reviews before making a purchase decision (in hours)	48,991,116
Total amount of time U.S. online shoppers spend reading online reviews per year (in hours)	1,728,406,578
Value of time for online shoppers (per hour)	$25.81
Percentage of time saved	10%
Total annual time savings	$4,461,017,378
Total 10-year (2024-2033) time savings, 3% discount rate (in billions)	$39.19
Total 10-year (2024-2033) time savings, 7% discount rate (in billions)	$33.53

No quantifiable benefit	$0
80% of age-specific total U.S. population (Source: Pew Research Center, U.S. Census).
Adjusting for online shopping frequency (Source: International Post Corporation).

Accurate online reviews have been shown to improve competition. Several studies have found that online reviews are particularly important for independent and newer firms. [ 511 ] Ratings are more influential for these firms because consumers do not have strong prior beliefs as to their quality. New entrants whose sales benefit from online reviews typically offer higher quality goods and services. On the other hand, lower-quality firms often experience revenue losses with more online review activity. [ 512 ]

Relatedly, fake, false, and manipulated online reviews allow companies to surpass competitors. One study found that it only takes 50 fake reviews for a seller to pass any of its competitors in terms of visibility ( e.g., via rankings or search results). [ 513 ] It follows that by curbing the number of fake, false, or manipulated reviews, the rule would benefit consumers by improving the competitive environment for legitimate firms selling higher-quality products ( i.e., those who do not rely on review manipulation to sell their goods). While the benefits resulting ( print page 68074) from improvements in the competitive environment are difficult to quantify, the Commission believes they are likely to be substantial.

This section describes the costs associated with the rule, provides quantitative estimates where possible, and describes costs that are only assessed qualitatively. While the Commission only quantifies benefits from reduced review manipulation and not the other rule provisions above, the Commission quantifies compliance costs for all aspects of the rule.

The acts and practices prohibited by the rule are unfair or deceptive under section 5 of the FTC Act. The rule targets acts or practices that are clear violations of section 5, and businesses that are already compliant will not experience any additional compliance costs as a result of the rule. Moreover, the FTC routinely provides guidance to businesses on complying with FTC law, which will make the implications of the rule easy to understand for a wide range of businesses. Finally, in response to the comments, the Commission has both narrowed and clarified the rule requirements relative to the proposed rule ( see section IV of this document). Accordingly, one of the scenarios reflected in Table 3.1 assumes that businesses will spend a de minimis amount of time interpreting the rule and make no changes to their current policies.

However, because businesses now face the potential for civil penalties if they engage in conduct that violates the final rule, businesses may choose to incur additional administrative burdens to ensure compliance. The Commission presents another scenario in Table 3.1 where businesses notify their employees of the rule, conduct a review of their processes, and take any steps they deem important to ensure compliance. For firms that already comply with section 5 of the FTC Act, these steps might be out of caution so as not to risk the possibility of violating the rule. For example, some sellers may currently flag and remove reviews on their websites that they reasonably believe are fake. While this practice would not amount to a violation of the relevant rule provision (§ 465.7(b)), the rule may lead some businesses to choose to take extra steps to verify the inauthenticity of such reviews before suppressing them. A business may also decide to notify its employees of the rule. For example, if certain employees are responsible for posting new product pages or managing the company's social media presence, business owners may wish to notify these employees to ensure compliance. Although cautious firms may elect to conduct additional compliance review, the rule would not require any additional recordkeeping or notices beyond what is required by section 5 of the FTC Act.

For the heightened compliance review scenario in Table 3.1, the Commission makes assumptions about the number of businesses impacted and the number of person-hours involved in compliance activities. In 2021, there were approximately 34.77 million total firms in the United States. Of these firms, 19,688 had 500 or more employees (“large companies”), and the remaining 34.75 million had fewer than 500 employees (“small companies”). [ 514 ] The Commission assumes that all 19,688 large companies had some form of online consumer review presence ( e.g., on third-party business platforms such as Yelp or Google Reviews, or on their own websites). It assumes that 74 percent of the 34.75 million small companies (25.71 million companies) had an online consumer review presence. [ 515 ]

With heightened compliance review, the Commission assumes that lawyers at large companies, whose time is valued at $70.08 per hour, [ 516 ] will spend eight hours conducting a one-time review of the rule and notifying employees whose role involves creating new product pages, managing the company's social media presence, and any other relevant practices covered by the rule. It assumes that small company owners, whose time is valued at $33.48, [ 517 ] and are less likely have formal compliance programs, spend one hour doing the same.

In addition, some companies may spend time reviewing their automated processes to ensure that they comply with the rule. These costs, which companies might incur just once or on a recurring basis, are likely to be minimal. The Commission does not quantify these process-related costs because, among other things, the Commission does not know the number of firms that might undertake such a review.

The total estimated costs are tabulated in Table 3.1.

Table 3.1—Estimated Compliance Costs
	2024 Only

No cost	$0
Total cost	$0

Number of large companies (in thousands)	19.69
Cost per hour of rule review and related activities	$70.08
Number of hours of rule review and related activities	8
Subtotal (in millions)	$11.04
Number of small companies with online reviews (in thousands)	25,715.23
Cost per hour of rule review and related activities	$33.48
( print page 68075)
Number of hours of rule review and related activities	1
Subtotal (in millions)	$860.95
Total cost (in millions)	$871.98

There are several other potential effects from the rule. While the proposed requirements are far from onerous, there is the possibility that some sellers may “overcorrect” in response to the penalties available for rule violations. For example, a firm may encounter an excess of fake, negative reviews from a competitor. While § 465.7(b) permits the suppression of reviews that the seller reasonably believes are fake, an overcautious seller seeking to suppress fake reviews from competitors may choose to display no reviews whatsoever so as not to risk violating the rule. Alternatively, such a firm may take no action towards suspected fake reviews to avoid a possible rule violation. Both of these hypothetical scenarios would likely hurt the information environment for consumers. The Commission believes that such unintended consequences of the rule are very unlikely, especially in light of how the rule has been clarified and narrowed in response to the comments.

The Commission has attempted to catalog and quantify the incremental benefits and costs of the provisions included in the final rule. Extrapolating these benefits over the 10-year assessment period and discounting to the present provides an estimate of the present value for total benefits and costs of the rule, with the difference—net benefits—providing one measure of the value of regulation.

Using our low-end estimate above, the present value of quantified benefits for consumers from the rule's requirements over a 10-year period using a 7% discount rate is estimated at $57.03 billion. The present value of quantified costs for covered firms of complying with the rule's requirements over a 10-year period using a 7% discount rate is estimated at $0.83 billion. This generates an estimate of the present value of quantified net benefits equal to $56.16 billion using a discount rate of 7%. Using the upper-end assumptions discussed in the preceding analysis results in net benefits of $230.44 billion using a discount rate of 7%.

To examine the sensitivity of the net benefits conclusions to the possibility of systematic underestimating of compliance costs, the Commission calculates costs and benefits in a scenario where all labor costs turn out to be ten times larger than the parameter values in the heightened compliance review scenario. For both small and large companies, the number of hours of rule review and related activities are increased by a factor of ten. All benefits and other cost parameters are unchanged in this analysis. With these new parameters, compliance review will cost $8.72 billion in 2024, and the present value of quantified net benefits will be equal to $48.31 billion using a discount rate of 7%. Thus, while the Commission believes compliance costs in the heightened compliance scenario are likely overestimates, even if they are instead severe underestimates, the quantified net benefits are highly positive.

To examine the sensitivity of the net benefits conclusions to the possibility of systematic overestimating of the effectiveness of deterrence, the Commission calculates costs and benefits in a scenario in which the rule only partially eliminates the welfare losses to consumers caused by the various types of review manipulation covered by the rule. For this scenario, the Commission instead assumes that consumers will gain an estimated $0.04, rather than $0.12, for every dollar spent on goods whose online reviews included fake or false ones, the minimum welfare improvement reported for partial elimination of review manipulation in the study on which these estimates are based. [ 518 ] Under this scenario, the present value of quantified net benefits under a 7% discount rate is $18.14 billion instead of $56.16 billion. Combining the two scenarios, if the Commission both systematically underestimates compliance costs and systematically overestimates the effectiveness of the rule in preventing review manipulation, the present value of quantified net benefits under a 7% discount rate is $10.29 billion. Thus, even if the main compliance cost estimates above are underestimates and the main welfare benefits above are overestimates, the quantified net benefits are highly positive.

One alternative to the final rule would be to terminate the rulemaking and rely instead on the existing tools that the Commission currently possesses to combat the specified review and testimonial practices, such as consumer education and enforcement actions brought under sections 5 and 19 of the FTC Act. Failing to strengthen the set of tools available in support of the Commission's enforcement program against unfair or deceptive consumer reviews or testimonials would deprive it of the net benefits outlined above.

The Commission expects unquantified benefits to outweigh unquantified costs for this rule. As noted above, the benefits from several rule provisions are unquantified, while the compliance costs of all rule provisions are quantified. Thus, the quantified net benefits of $56.16 billion above likely underestimate the benefits to the public. Furthermore, these estimates are robust to uncertainty. Even assuming systematic underestimation of compliance costs and systematic overestimation of the rule effectiveness, the quantified net benefits are large and positive. Therefore, this regulatory analysis indicates that adoption of the rule will result in benefits to the public that outweigh the costs.

The Paperwork Reduction Act (“PRA”), 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq., requires Federal agencies to seek and obtain Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) approval before undertaking a collection of information directed to ten or more persons. As part of the NPRM, the Commission noted that the proposed rule did not contain an information collection requirement. However, for the purpose of confirmation, in Question 4 of the NPRM, the Commission nonetheless asked commenters whether the proposed rule contained a collection ( print page 68076) of information. [ 519 ] One commenter responded, “Yes, it does. It contains our research and others' research, as well as valuable estimates to harm/costs for all 3 parties: consumers, businesses, and government.” [ 520 ] The Commission believes that this commenter was addressing whether the NPRM was collecting information, as opposed to whether the proposed rule would contain a collection of information within the meaning of the PRA. No other comments responding to the NPRM or Notice of Hearing addressed this question. While the Commission finalizes the proposed rule with some limiting modifications and clarifications based on the comments it received, it has not added any new requirements that would collect information from the public. Accordingly, the Commission has determined that the final rule neither includes a new collection of information, nor modifies an existing collection of information.

The Regulatory Flexibility Act (“RFA”), 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq., requires an agency to provide an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (“IRFA”) with a proposed rule and a Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (“FRFA”) with a final rule, if any, unless the Commission certifies that the rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. [ 521 ] The purpose of a regulatory flexibility analysis is to ensure that an agency considers potential impacts on small entities and examines regulatory alternatives that could achieve the regulatory purpose while minimizing burdens on small entities.

In the NPRM, the Commission provided an IRFA, stating its belief that the proposal will not have a significant economic impact on small entities, and soliciting comments on its burden estimate. In addition to publishing the NPRM in the Federal Register , the Commission announced the proposed rule through press and other releases. The Commission received comments from small businesses and associations that represent small businesses. In order to reduce compliance burdens on small businesses and other small entities, the Commission finalizes the proposed rule with some limiting modifications and clarifications as described in section IV of this document.

The Commission believes that the rule will not have a significant economic impact upon small entities, although it may affect a substantial number of small businesses. The rule primarily prohibits certain unfair or deceptive acts or practices involving consumer reviews or testimonials and does not impose a reporting or recordkeeping requirement upon businesses. In addition, the Commission does not anticipate these changes will impose any additional significant additional costs upon small businesses. Specifically, as discussed in further detail below, the Commission anticipates than an average small business will spend, at most, one hour on compliance review, incurring a cost of $33.48. [ 522 ] Therefore, the rule imposes no new significant burdens on law-abiding small businesses. The Commission has determined, nonetheless, that it is appropriate to publish an FRFA to identify the impact of the rule on small entities. Therefore, the Commission has prepared the following analysis:

The Commission describes the reasons for the rule in section VI.A. of this document. The FTC's law enforcement, outreach, and other engagement in this area indicate that certain unfair or deceptive acts or practices involving consumer reviews or testimonials are prevalent. The rule will benefit consumers and legitimate businesses without imposing significant burdens.

The Commission describes the objectives for the rule in section VI.A of this document. The legal basis for the rule is section 18 of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 57a , which authorizes the Commission to promulgate, modify, and repeal trade regulation rules that define with specificity acts or practices in or affecting commerce that are unfair or deceptive within the meaning of section 5(a)(1) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 45(a)(1) .

One individual commenter accepted the Commission's estimated compliance costs on small businesses but said it was unfair that “small companies with online reviews would bear almost all of the [rule's] estimated compliance costs.” [ 523 ] As the Commission stated in the NPRM, it is likely that only a minority of small businesses would elect to conduct optional compliance review and the total compliance costs for small businesses is likely to be significantly lower than the Commission's estimate. [ 524 ]

One trade association simply asserted that certain provisions of the proposed rule could be detrimental to small businesses but did not specifically address the IRFA. [ 525 ] This commenter expressed concern about: (1) civil penalty exposure for failing to stop the actions of undiscovered third parties providing reviews and testimonials appearing on a business's website; (2) a subsequent broadening of the proposed rule to prohibit incentivized reviews other than those required to express a particular sentiment; and (3) potential liability when an agent's review or testimonial appears without a disclosure. [ 526 ] The Commission addresses these specific concerns in section IV of this document and has narrowed the rule or provided clarification as appropriate.

The Commission does not believe that it needs to make any changes to its IRFA in response to these comments.

Section IV provides a section-by-section analysis that discusses the provisions proposed in the NPRM, the comments received, the Commission's responses to the comments, and any changes made by the Commission as a result.

The Commission did not receive any comments from the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the SBA.

The final rule could impact small entities that currently have, or might potentially, solicit consumer reviews or disseminate consumer testimonials. It could also impact small entities that use celebrity testimonials or have a social media presence. It is likely that the rule will primarily affect businesses that sell products or services directly to consumers. For example, the rule is less likely to impact small entities that manufacture niche raw materials for other businesses or small agricultural ( print page 68077) firms that do not sell directly to consumers. Nevertheless, for a conservative estimate of total costs, the Commission assumes that the rule will impact all industry classes of small entities.

As described in section VI.B.2 of this document, there are approximately 34.75 million small businesses in the United States. Prior research has found that 74 percent of small businesses have at least one Google review. [ 527 ] On the one hand, it is possible that, across all platforms (beyond Google reviews), a higher percentage of small businesses have consumer reviews or testimonials, celebrity testimonials, or a social media presence. On the other hand, it is likely that many of these firms do not interact with reviews and such passive firms would not be affected by the rule. The Commission does not have the appropriate data to refine this estimate. Therefore, its best estimate is that no more than 25.71 million (74 percent × 34.75 million) small businesses will be impacted by the rule.

The rule contains no reporting or recordkeeping requirements. Therefore, many law-abiding businesses are likely to incur no additional compliance costs with the rule.

As described in section VI.B.2 of this document, a cautious firm may elect to undertake additional compliance review due to the potential for civil penalties for rule violations. If every small business impacted by the rule conducts one hour of compliance review, each firm would incur $33.48 of compliance costs, which reflects the estimated hourly earnings of a small business owner. [ 528 ] Therefore, under the conservative estimate of heightened compliance review for all small businesses, costs to small businesses would total $860.95 million (25.71 million × $33.48). Because it is likely that only a minority of small businesses will elect to conduct optional compliance review, total compliance costs for these entities are likely to be significantly lower than this estimate.

In response to comments, the Commission has narrowed the rule and clarified the rule requirements as described in section IV of this document, which should minimize further any economic impact on small entities. In its IRFA, the Commission described an alternative to the proposed rule, namely, to rely on the Commission's previously existing tools, such as consumer education and enforcement actions brought under sections 5 and 19 of the FTC Act, to combat the specified review and testimonial practices. The Commission believes that promulgation of the rule will result in greater net benefits to the marketplace while imposing no additional burdens beyond what is required by the FTC Act. As described in further detail in section VI.B.1.c of this document, the rule will not only result in significant benefits to consumers but also improve the competitive environment, particularly for small, independent, or new firms. Therefore, the rule appears to be superior to this alternative for small entities.

Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act ( 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq. ), the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has designated this rule as a “major rule,” as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2) .

Advertising

For the reasons set forth above, the Federal Trade Commission amends 16 CFR Chapter I by adding part 465 to read as follows:

Authority: 15 U.S.C. 57a .

(a) Business means an individual who sells products or services, a partnership that sells products or services, a corporation that sells products or services, or any other commercial entity that sells products or services.

(b) Celebrity testimonial means an advertising or promotional message (including verbal statements, demonstrations, or depictions of the name, signature, likeness, or other identifying personal characteristics of an individual) that consumers are likely to believe reflects the opinions, beliefs, or experiences of a well-known individual who purchased, used, or otherwise had experience with a product, service, or business.

(c) Clear and conspicuous means that a required disclosure is easily noticeable ( i.e., difficult to miss) and easily understandable by ordinary consumers, including in all of the following ways:

(1) In any communication that is solely visual or solely audible, the disclosure must be made through the same means through which the communication is presented. In any communication made through both visual and audible means, such as a television advertisement, the disclosure must be presented in at least the same means as the representation(s) requiring the disclosure.

(2) A visual disclosure, by its size, contrast, location, the length of time it appears, and other characteristics, must stand out from any accompanying text or other visual elements so that it is easily noticed, read, and understood.

(3) An audible disclosure, including by telephone or streaming video, must be delivered in a volume, speed, and cadence sufficient for ordinary consumers to easily hear and understand it.

(4) In any communication using an interactive electronic medium, such as social media or the internet, the disclosure must be unavoidable. A disclosure is not clear and conspicuous if a consumer must take any action, such as clicking on a hyperlink or hovering over an icon, to see it.

(5) The disclosure must use diction and syntax understandable to ordinary consumers and must appear in each language in which the representation that requires the disclosure appears.

(6) The disclosure must comply with these requirements in each medium through which it is received, including all electronic devices and face-to-face communications.

(7) The disclosure must not be contradicted or mitigated by, or inconsistent with, anything else in the communication.

(8) When the representation or sales practice targets a specific audience, such as children, the elderly, or the terminally ill, “ordinary consumers” includes members of that group.

(d) Consumer review means a consumer's evaluation, or a purported consumer's evaluation, of a product, service, or business that is submitted by ( print page 68078) the consumer or purported consumer and that is published to a website or platform dedicated in whole or in part to receiving and displaying such evaluations. For the purposes of this part, consumer reviews include consumer ratings regardless of whether they include any text or narrative.

(e) Consumer review hosting means providing the technological means by which a website or platform enables consumers to see or hear the consumer reviews that consumers have submitted to the website or platform.

(f) Consumer testimonial means an advertising or promotional message (including verbal statements, demonstrations, or depictions of the name, signature, likeness, or other identifying personal characteristics of an individual) that consumers are likely to believe reflects the opinions, beliefs, or experiences of a consumer who has purchased, used, or otherwise had experience with a product, service, or business.

(g) Distribute fake indicators of social media influence means the distribution of fake indicators of social media influence to individuals or businesses who could use the indicators to misrepresent their influence.

(h) Fake indicators of social media influence means indicators of social media influence generated by bots, purported individual accounts not associated with a real individual, accounts created with a real individual's personal information without their consent, or hijacked accounts, or that otherwise do not reflect a real individual's or entity's activities, opinions, findings, or experiences.

(i) Immediate Relative means a spouse, parent, child, or sibling.

(j) Indicators of social media influence means any metrics used by the public to make assessments of an individual's or entity's social media influence, such as followers, friends, connections, subscribers, views, plays, likes, saves, shares, reposts, and comments.

(k) Manager means an employee of a business who supervises other employees or agents and who either holds the title of a “manager” or otherwise serves in a managerial role.

(l) Officers include owners, executives, and managing members of a business.

(m) Purchase a consumer review means to provide something of value, such as money, gift certificates, products, services, discounts, coupons, contest entries, or another review, in exchange for a consumer review.

(n) Reviewer means the author or purported author of a consumer review.

(o) Testimonialist means the individual giving or purportedly giving a consumer testimonial or celebrity testimonial.

(p) An unfounded or groundless legal threat is a legal threat based on claims, defenses, or other legal contentions unwarranted by existing law or based on factual contentions that have no evidentiary support or will likely have no evidentiary support after a reasonable opportunity for further investigation or discovery.

(a) It is an unfair or deceptive act or practice and a violation of this part for a business to write, create, or sell a consumer review, consumer testimonial, or celebrity testimonial that materially misrepresents, expressly or by implication:

(1) That the reviewer or testimonialist exists;

(2) That the reviewer or testimonialist used or otherwise had experience with the product, service, or business that is the subject of the review or testimonial; or

(3) The reviewer's or testimonialist's experience with the product, service, or business that is the subject of the review or testimonial.

(b) It is an unfair or deceptive act or practice and a violation of this part for a business to purchase a consumer review, or to disseminate or cause the dissemination of a consumer testimonial or celebrity testimonial, about the business or one of the products or services it sells, which the business knew or should have known materially misrepresented, expressly or by implication:

(c) It is an unfair or deceptive act or practice and a violation of this part for a business to procure a consumer review from its officers, managers, employees, or agents, or any of their immediate relatives, for posting on a third-party platform or website, when the review is about the business or one of the products or services it sells, and when the business knew or should have known that the review materially misrepresented, expressly or by implication:

(1) That the reviewer exists;

(2) That the reviewer used or otherwise had experience with the product, service, or business that is the subject of the review; or

(3) The reviewer's experience with the product, service, or business that is the subject of the review.

(d) However, paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section do not apply to:

(1) Reviews or testimonials that resulted from a business making generalized solicitations to purchasers to post reviews or testimonials about their experiences with the product, service, or business; or

(2) Reviews that appear on a website or platform as a result of the business merely engaging in consumer review hosting.

It is an unfair or deceptive act or practice and a violation of this part for a business to provide compensation or other incentives in exchange for, or conditioned expressly or by implication on, the writing or creation of consumer reviews expressing a particular sentiment, whether positive or negative, regarding the product, service, or business that is the subject of the review.

(a) It is an unfair or deceptive act or practice and a violation of this part for an officer or manager of a business to write or create a consumer review or consumer testimonial about the business or one of the products or services it sells that fails to have a clear and conspicuous disclosure of the officer's or manager's material relationship to the business, unless, in the case of a consumer testimonial, the relationship is otherwise clear to the audience.

(b)(1) It is an unfair or deceptive act or practice and a violation of this part for a business to disseminate or cause the dissemination of a consumer testimonial about the business or one of the products or services it sells by one of its officers, managers, employees, or agents, which fails to have a clear and conspicuous disclosure of the testimonialist's material relationship to the business, when the relationship is not otherwise clear to the audience and the business knew or should have known the testimonialist's relationship to the business. ( print page 68079)

(2) However, paragraph (b)(1) of this section does not apply to:

(i) Generalized solicitations to purchasers for them to post testimonials about their experiences with the product, service, or business, or

(ii) Merely engaging in consumer review hosting.

(c)(1) It is an unfair or deceptive act or practice and a violation of this part for an officer or manager of a business to solicit or demand a consumer review about the business or one of the products or services it sells from any of their immediate relatives or from any employee or agent of the business, or to solicit or demand that such employees or agents seek such reviews from their relatives, when:

(i) The solicitation or demand results in an officer's or manager's immediate relatives, an employee or agent, or the immediate relatives of an employee or agent writing or creating such a review without a disclosure of the reviewer's material relationship to the business, and

(ii) The officer or manager:

(A) Encouraged the prospective reviewer not to make such a disclosure,

(B) Did not instruct that prospective reviewers disclose clearly and conspicuously their relationship to the business, or

(2) However, paragraph (c)(1) of this section does not apply to generalized solicitations to purchasers for them to post reviews about their experiences with the product, service, or business.

It is an unfair or deceptive act or practice and a violation of this part for a business to materially misrepresent, expressly or by implication, that a website, organization, or entity that it controls, owns, or operates provides independent reviews or opinions, other than consumer reviews, about a category of businesses, products, or services including the business or one or more of the products or services it sells.

It is an unfair or deceptive act or practice and a violation of this part:

(a) For anyone to use an unfounded or groundless legal threat, a physical threat, intimidation, or a public false accusation in response to a consumer review that is made with the knowledge that the accusation was false or made with reckless disregard as to its truth or falsity, in an attempt to:

(1) Prevent a review or any portion thereof from being written or created, or

(2) Cause a review or any portion thereof to be removed, whether or not that review or a portion thereof is replaced with other content, or

(b) For a business to materially misrepresent, expressly or by implication, that the consumer reviews of one or more of the products or services it sells displayed in a portion of its website or platform dedicated in whole or in part to receiving and displaying consumer reviews represent most or all the reviews submitted to the website or platform when reviews are being suppressed ( i.e., not displayable) based upon their ratings or their negative sentiment. For purposes of this paragraph, a review is not considered suppressed based upon rating or negative sentiment if the suppression occurs based on criteria for withholding reviews that are applied equally to all reviews submitted without regard to sentiment, such as when:

(1) The review contains:

(i) Trade secrets or privileged or confidential commercial or financial information,

(ii) Defamatory, harassing, abusive, obscene, vulgar, or sexually explicit content,

(iii) The personal information or likeness of another individual,

(iv) Content that is discriminatory with respect to race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, or another intrinsic characteristic, or

(v) Content that is clearly false or misleading;

(2) The seller reasonably believes the review is fake; or

(3) The review is wholly unrelated to the products or services offered by or available at the website or platform.

It is an unfair or deceptive act or practice and a violation of this part for anyone to:

(a) Sell or distribute fake indicators of social media influence that they knew or should have known to be fake and that can be used by individuals or businesses to materially misrepresent their influence or importance for a commercial purpose; or

(b) Purchase or procure fake indicators of social media influence that they knew or should have known to be fake and that materially misrepresent their influence or importance for a commercial purpose.

The provisions of this part are separate and severable from one another. If any provision is stayed or determined to be invalid, the remaining provisions will continue in effect.

By direction of the Commission.

April J. Tabor,

1. Fed. Trade Comm'n, Trade Regulation Rule on the Use of Reviews and Endorsements, 87 FR 67424 (Nov. 8, 2022) [hereinafter “ANPR”], https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/11/08/2022-24139/trade-regulation-rule-on-the-use-of-reviews-and-endorsements . The ANPR was entitled “Trade Regulation Rule Concerning Reviews and Endorsements.” In order to better reflect its content, the Commission subsequently decided to change the name of the proposed rule to “Trade Regulation Rule on the Use of Consumer Reviews and Testimonials.”

2. See ANPR, 87 FR 67427 .

3. The Commission also received six unresponsive comments.

4. The comments are publicly available on this rulemaking's docket at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FTC-2022-0070/comments .

5. See Fed. Trade Comm'n, Trade Regulation Rule on the Use of Consumer Reviews and Testimonials, 88 FR 49364 (July 31, 2023) [hereinafter “NPRM”], https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2023/07/31/2023-15581/trade-regulation-rule-on-the-use-of-consumer-reviews-and-testimonials .

6. See id. at 49370-77.

7. Id. at 49377-81, 49389-90.

8. Id. at 49390-92.

9. The Commission also received sixteen comments that were non-responsive and two that were duplicates.

10. The comments are publicly available on this rulemaking's docket at https://www.regulations.gov/document/FTC-2023-0047-0001/comment .

11. Fake Review Watch, Cmt. on NPRM at 4-5 (Aug. 8, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0015 (“Fake Review Watch Cmt.”); Interactive Advertising Bureau, Cmt. on NPRM at 14-15 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0101 (“IAB Cmt.”); Researchers at Brigham Young University, Pennsylvania State University, and Emory University, Cmt. on NPRM at 4 (Sept. 22, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0060 (“The Researcher Cmt.”).

12. Fed. Trade Comm'n, Trade Regulation Rule on the Use of Consumer Reviews and Testimonials, 89 FR 2526 (Jan. 16, 2024) [hereinafter “Hearing Notice”], https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/16/2024-00678/rule-on-the-use-of-consumer-reviews-and-testimonials .

13. The comments are publicly available on this rulemaking's docket at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FTC-2024-0004/comments .

14. Hearing Notice, 89 FR 2528 .

15. Members of the public were able to watch the informal hearing live on the Commission's website, https://www.ftc.gov .

16. A transcript of the February 13 hearing session is available at https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/transcript-consumer-reviews-and-testimonials-rule-informal-hearing-feb-13-2024.pdf [hereinafter “February 13 Hearing Transcript”].

17. IAB's proposed disputed issues of material fact were “whether the compliance costs for businesses will be minimal, particularly if the `knew or should have known' standard is finalized” and “whether the Commission finding that unattended consequences from the NPRM are unlikely is accurate.” February 13 Hearing Transcript at 9.

18. Order by Presiding Officer Foelak at 2 (Feb. 13, 2024), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/r311003aljorder20240213.pdf .

19. IAB “represents over 700 leading media companies, brand marketers, agencies and technology companies.” February 13 Hearing Transcript at 6.

20. Letter Brief from Interactive Advertising Bureau to Presiding Officer Foelak (Feb. 20, 2024), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/r311003iabsubmission20240220.pdf .

21. Order by Presiding Officer Foelak (Feb. 23, 2024), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/p311003aljorder20240226.pdf .

22. Id.

23. Id.

24. Order by Presiding Officer Foelak (Feb. 28, 2024), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/r311003_alj_order_3_2024.02.28.pdf .

25. A transcript of the March 6 hearing session is available at https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/r311003informalhearing03062024.pdf . See also, Interactive Advertising Bureau's Submission of Exhibits (Mar. 5, 2024), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/r311003iabsubmissionexhibits20240305.pdf .

26. The presiding officer stated that testimony by the trade association's “attorney about survey responses is hearsay and will be weighed accordingly.” Order by Presiding Officer Foelak (Mar. 4. 2024), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/r311003aljorder20240304-1.pdf .

27. IAB received eighteen responses to the first survey and nineteen to the second. See Post-Hearing Letter Brief from Interactive Advertising Bureau to Presiding Officer Foelak (Mar. 13, 2024), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/r311003iabposthearingbrief20240313.pdf .

28. See Transcript of Informal Hearing on Proposed Trade Regulation Rule on the Use of Consumer Reviews and Testimonials (Mar. 6, 2024), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/r311003informalhearing03062024.pdf .

29. Order by Presiding Officer Foelak at 5 (May 8, 2024), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/r311003aljdecision20240508.pdf . The presiding officer added that, “[u]nquestionably, there is insufficient evidence in the record to make a specific finding as to the size of the compliance costs associated with the proposed rule.” Id. at 5 n.9.

30. Id. at 6.

31. See 15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B) .

32. 15 U.S.C. 57a(d)(1) . In addition, section 22(b)(2) of the FTC Act requires the Commission to prepare a final regulatory analysis. 15 U.S.C. 57b-3(b)(2) . The final regulatory analysis is in section VI of this document.

33. ANPR, 87 FR 67425-26 .

34. NPRM, 88 FR 49370-77 .

35. Id. at 49370-72. AI tools make it easier for bad actors to pollute the review ecosystem by generating, quickly and cheaply, large numbers of realistic but fake reviews that can then be distributed widely across multiple platforms. AI-generated reviews are covered by the final rule, which the Commission hopes will deter the use of AI for that illicit purpose.

36. NPRM, 88 FR 493720-73 .

37. Id. at 49373.

38. Id. at 49373-74.

39. Id. at 49374.

40. Id. at 49374-75.

41. Id. at 49375

42. Id. at 49376.

43. Id.

44. Id. at 49376-77.

45. ANPR, 87 FR 67426-27 ; NPRM, 88 FR 49387-88 .

46. See AMG Cap. Mgmt., LLC v. FTC, 593 U.S. 67, 82 (2021).

47. See 15 U.S.C. 57b(a)(1) , (2); see also NPRM, 88 FR 49377-78 (discussing impact of AMG Cap. Mgmt. ).

48. When the rule has been violated, the Commission can commence a Federal court action and seek to recover money for consumers or obtain an order imposing civil penalties. See 15 U.S.C. 57b(a)(1) , 15 U.S.C. 45(m)(1)(A) . Without the rule, the path to monetary relief is longer and requires the Commission to first conduct an administrative proceeding to determine whether the respondent violated the FTC Act; if the Commission finds that the respondent did so, the Commission issues a cease-and-desist order, which might not become final until after the resolution of any resulting appeal. Then, to recover money for consumers, the Commission must prove in a separate Federal court action that the violator engaged in fraudulent or dishonest conduct. See 15 U.S.C. 57b(a)(2) .

49. See section 5(m)(1)(A) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 45(m)(1)(A) (providing that violators of a trade regulation rule “with actual knowledge or knowledge fairly implied on the basis of objective circumstances that such act is unfair or deceptive and is prohibited by such rule” are liable for civil penalties for each violation). In addition, any entity or person who violates such a rule (irrespective of the state of knowledge) is liable for any injury caused to consumers by the rule violation. The Commission may pursue such recovery in a suit under section 19(a)(1) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 57b(a)(1) .

50. NPRM, 88 FR 49382-85 .

51. Id. at 49385-87; see infra sections VI and VIII of this document.

52. Minor changes to formatting, grammar, and punctuation have been made to some of the comments quoted in this document. These changes do not entail any substantive changes.

53. NPRM, 88 FR 49388 .

54. Id. at 49388-89.

55. Id. at 49388. In addition to soliciting public comment on the NPRM's PRA and RFA analyses in the PRA and RFA sections, the NPRM also posed two specific questions related to the PRA and RFA analyses. Question 4 inquired whether “the proposed rule contains a collection of information,” and Question 5 asked, “Would the proposed rule, if promulgated, have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities? If so, how could it be modified to avoid a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities?” Id. at 49381-86, 49388.

56. NPRM, 88 FR 49388 .

57. Yelp Inc., Cmt. on NPRM at 3 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0088 (“Yelp Cmt.”); The Transparency Company, Cmt. on NPRM at 1, 5 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0107 (“Transparency Company Cmt.”).

58. Trustpilot, Cmt. on NPRM at 2 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0084 (“Trustpilot Cmt.”).

59. Family First Life, LLC, Cmt. on NPRM at 2 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0104 (“Family First Life Cmt.”).

60. Trustpilot Cmt. at 2-3; Family First Life Cmt. at 2-3.

61. Consumer Reports, Cmt. on NPRM at 2-3 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0099 (“Consumer Reports Cmt.”).

62. NPRM, 88 FR 49388 .

63. Transparency Company Cmt. at 6.

64. Trustpilot Cmt. at 3.

65. Amelia Markey, Cmt. on NPRM (July 31, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0003 (“Markey Cmt.”); Chris Hippensteel, Cmt. on NPRM (Aug. 1, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0006 (“Hippensteel Cmt.”); Jeremy Anderson, Cmt. on NPRM (Aug. 1, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0007 (“Anderson Cmt.”); Caroline Fribance, Cmt. on NPRM (Aug. 11, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0017 (“Fribance Cmt.”); Pia Edborg, Cmt. on NPRM (Aug. 17, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0027 (“Edborg Cmt.”); Anonymous 1, Cmt. on NPRM (Aug. 20, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0031 (“Anonymous 1 Cmt.”); Jessica Ludlam, Cmt. on NPRM (Aug. 24, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0036 (“Ludlam Cmt.”); SUPERGUEST, Cmt. on NPRM (Sept. 8, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0046 (“Superguest Cmt.”); Sean Poole, Cmt. on NPRM at 1-2 (Sept. 22, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0063 (“Poole Cmt.”); Artemio Magana, Cmt. on NPRM (Sept. 28, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0079 (“Magana Cmt.”).

66. American Dental Association, Cmt. on NPRM at 1 (Sept. 28, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0078 (“ADA Cmt.”); Travel Technology Association, Cmt. on NPRM at 1, 4-5 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0097 (“Travel Tech. Cmt.”).

67. Coalition of Civil Society Organizations, Cmt. on NPRM at 1-3 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0108 ; U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, Cmt. on NPRM at 2 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0109 (“US PIRG Cmt.”).

68. Markey Cmt.

69. Anderson Cmt.

70. Anonymous 1 Cmt.

71. Travel Tech. Cmt. at 1, 4.

72. US PIRG Cmt. at 2.

73. Michael Ravnitzky, Cmt. on NPRM at 1-2 (Aug. 6, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0013 (“Ravnitzky Cmt.”); Adam Foster, Cmt. on NPRM at 1-2 (Sept. 21, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0052 (“Foster Cmt.”); Anonymous 2, Cmt. on NPRM at 1, 4 (Sept. 22, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0065 (“Anonymous 2 Cmt.”); Anonymous 3, Cmt. on NPRM (Sept. 27, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0069 (“Anonymous 3 Cmt.”).

74. Yelp Cmt. at 1, 5-8.

75. Strategic Marketing, Cmt. on NPRM (Aug. 7, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0014 ; PerfectRec Inc., Cmt. on NPRM at 1-3 (Aug. 23, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0035 ; Mozilla, Cmt. on NPRM at 5-7 (Sept. 28, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0076 (“Mozilla Cmt.”); The Responsible Online Commerce Coalition, Cmt. on NPRM at 2, 4-6 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0086 .

76. Fake Review Watch Cmt. at 1-4; Truth in Advertising, Inc., Cmt. on NPRM at 2, 4-11 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0083 (“TINA Cmt.”); National Consumers League, Cmt. on NPRM at 2-9 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0096 (“NCL Cmt.”); Consumer Reports Cmt. at 2-11.

77. Anonymous 3 Cmt.

78. Yelp Cmt. at 1, 4-8.

79. TINA Cmt. at 4, 6.

80. Anonymous 4, Cmt. on NPRM (Sept. 1, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0040 (“Anonymous 4 Cmt.”); Riley Albert, Cmt. on NPRM at 3 (Sept. 21, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0053 (“Albert Cmt.”); Alyssa Frieling, Cmt. on NPRM at 1-4 (Sept. 22, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0059 (“Frieling Cmt.”).

81. Hammacher, Schlemmer and Co., Inc., Cmt. on NPRM at 1-7 (Aug. 21, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0032 (“Hammacher Schlemmer Cmt.”); Amazon.com, Inc., Cmt. on NPRM at 5-13 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0085 (“Amazon Cmt.”); TechNet Cmt. on NPRM at 2-4 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0089 (TechNet Cmt.”); Family First Life Cmt. at 2-16.

82. Anonymous 4 Cmt.

83. Frieling Cmt. at 1-4.

84. Hammacher Schlemmer Cmt. at 1.

85. Amazon Cmt. at 5.

86. TechNet Cmt. at 2-4.

87. Marc Slezak, Cmt. on NPRM at 1-5 (Sept. 22, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0054 (“Slezak Cmt.”); Sumner Camp-Martin, Cmt. on NPRM at 1-5 (Sept. 22, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0056 (“Camp-Martin Cmt.”).

88. National Automobile Dealers Association, Cmt. on NPRM at 1-2 (Sept. 28, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0077 (NADA Cmt.”); Association of National Advertisers, Cmt. on NPRM at 3-7 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0105 (“ANA Cmt.”).

89. Slezak Cmt. at 1-4.

90. Id. 3.

91. Id. 4.

92. Camp-Martin Cmt. at 1-2. The commenter said, “In the alternative to the complete abandonment of the proposed rule, Section 465.4 should be amended” and broadened. Id. at 1.

93. NADA Cmt. at 1-2.

94. ANA Cmt. at 3-7.

95. The Commission is aware that a business could attempt to damage a competitor's reputation by purchasing fake positive reviews for that competitor and then reporting those reviews to the platform on which they appear. In investigating a fake review matter, FTC staff would take such a possibility into account.

96. The Commission notes that many commenters raised similar concerns or addressed overlapping issues. To avoid repetition, the Commission has endeavored to respond to issues raised in similar comments together. Responses provided in any given section apply equally to comments addressing the same subject in the context of other sections. Moreover, throughout the SBP, the Commission discusses justifications for the final rule that are informed by its careful consideration of all comments received, even where that discussion is not linked to a particular comment.

97. Because the Commission is adding additional definitions and not including one proposed definition, the definitions are renumbered in the final rule.

98. National Federation of Independent Businesses, Cmt. on NPRM at 2 (Sept. 12, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0047 (“NFIB Cmt.”).

99. Id.

100. TINA Cmt. at 6-7.

101. Yelp Cmt. at 3.

102. NADA Cmt. at 5.

103. Id.

104. IAB Cmt. at 14.

105. Id.

106. Family First Life Cmt. at 4-5.

107. Id. at 5. See Black's Law Dictionary (11th ed. 2019).

108. Electronic Privacy Information Center, Cmt. on NPRM at 3 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0111 (“EPIC Cmt.”).

109. See Fed. Trade Comm'n, Guides Concerning Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (“Endorsement Guides”), 16 CFR 255.4 .

110. The Commission is using the term “individual” in the context of this rule to mean a single human being. See Individual (def. 1), Dictionary.com, LLC, https://www.dictionary.com/browse/individual (last visited July 5, 2024) (defining “individual” as “a single human being, as distinguished from a group”). The Commission notes that, in the context of a different rulemaking, it has proposed defining “individual” to mean “a person, entity, or party, whether real or fictitious, other than those that constitute a business or government” under 16 CFR 461 . See Fed. Trade Comm'n, Trade Regulation Rule on Impersonation of Government and Businesses, 89 FR 15072 , 15083 (Mar. 1, 2024).

111. NFIB Cmt. at 2.

112. Id.

113. See Diction (def. 2), Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diction (last visited July 5, 2024) (defining “diction” as the “choice of words especially with regard to correctness, clearness, or effectiveness”).

114. See Syntax (defs. 1a, 1b), Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/syntax (last visited July 5, 2024) (defining “syntax” as the “the way in which linguistic elements (such as words) are put together to form constituents (such as phrases or clauses)” and as “the part of grammar dealing with this”).

115. ANA Cmt. at 11.

116. IAB Cmt. at 14; U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Cmt. on NPRM at 7-8 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0087 (“Chamber of Commerce Cmt.”); National Retail Federation, Cmt. on NPRM at 10 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0090 (“NRF Cmt.”).

117. IAB Cmt. at 14; Chamber of Commerce Cmt. at 8.

118. Id.

119. Fed. Trade Comm'n, .com Disclosures: How to Make Effective Disclosures in Digital Advertising at 10 (Mar. 2013), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/plain-language/bus41-dot-com-disclosures-information-about-online-advertising.pdf .

120. Id. at 11. (“Although the label itself does not need to contain the complete disclosure, it may be necessary to incorporate part of the disclosure to indicate the type and importance of the information to which the link leads.”)

121. See Press Release, Fed. Trade Comm'n, FTC Looks to Modernize Its Guidance on Preventing Digital Deception (June 3, 2022), https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/06/ftc-looks-modernize-its-guidance-preventing-digital-deception .

122. Trustpilot Cmt. at 14. The same commenter also raised concerns about the applicability of the definition to ratings and aggregate ratings. Id. That is issue is discussed below in the discussion of the corresponding substantive rule provision. See infra section IV.E.6 of this document.

123. NRF Cmt. at 10.

124. Id. at 11.

125. ANA Cmt. at 11.

126. IAB Cmt. at 14; NRF Cmt. at 11.

127. ANA Cmt. at 11.

128. See infra section IV.E.1 of this document.

129. Id.

130. 16 CFR 255.0(g)(9) and (11) .

131. 16 CFR 255.0(g)(10) .

132. Retail Industry Leaders Association, Cmt. on NPRM at 5 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0094 (“RILA Cmt.”).

133. NRF Cmt. at 10.

134. Id.

135. Fed. Trade Comm'n, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising, 87 FR 44288 , 44290 (July 26, 2022) (proposing changes to guides and soliciting public comment).

136. NRF Cmt. at 11.

137. Id.

138. RILA Cmt. at 5.

139. Id.

140. Trustpilot Cmt. at 8.

141. Anonymous 2 Cmt. at 1.

142. IAB Cmt. at 13-14.

143. Id.

144. TINA Cmt. at 7.

145. Id.

146. Id.

147. Id.

148. Yelp Cmt. at 3-4.

149. Id.

150. Id. at 4.

151. The Commission is making this change throughout the rule, including in §§ 465.2(a), (b), and (c), 465.4, 465.5(a), 465.6, 465.7, 465.8, and 465.9.

152. NFIB Cmt. at 2-3.

153. Id. at 4.

154. See Endorsement Guides, 16 CFR 255.0(g)(2) .

155. See, e.g., Fed. Trade Comm'n, FTC Policy Statement on Deception, 103 F.T.C. 174, 176-77 (1984) [hereinafter FTC Policy Statement on Deception] (appended to In re Cliffdale Assocs., Inc., 103 F.T.C. 110 (1984)), available at https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/public_statements/410531/831014deceptionstmt.pdf .

156. See supra Section IV.A.2.b of this document.

157. EPIC Cmt. at 3.

158. NCL Cmt. at 3.

159. Id. at 3-6.

160. Id. at 6-8.

161. Yelp Cmt. at 4-5.

162. Id. at 5.

163. Trustpilot Cmt. at 12.

164. Id.

165. See infra Section IV.A.3.b of this document.

166. John Christofferson, Cmt. on NPRM (Aug. 16, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0025 .

167. Yelp Cmt. at 5.

168. Id.

169. Id.

170. Trustpilot Cmt. at 8.

171. The Commission is also replacing the term “goods” with the word “products” in the final definition of the phrase “purchase a consumer review” (final § 465.1(m)).

172. Yelp Cmt. at 4.

173. See supra Section IV.A.2.d of this document.

174. Some commenters suggested edits to the definition, such as removing “flavor” from the list of attributes that might not be material, adding other product attributes to that list, or adding flexibility by removing the listed attributes altogether. TINA Cmt. at 6; Amazon Cmt. at 9-10; Chamber of Commerce Cmt. at 6-7; RILA Cmt. at 3; NRF Cmt. at 7-8; IAB Cmt. at 8.; ANA Cmt. at 15-16; NRF Cmt. at 8. Other commenters asked questions about how the definition would apply to an updated version of a product or to different scenarios. Magana Cmt.; NADA Cmt. at 5.

175. Transparency Company Cmt. at 14.

176. NFIB Cmt. at 4.

177. State Attorneys General, Cmt. on NPRM at 2-3 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0100 (“State AGs Cmt.”).

178. Id. at 2.

179. Id. at 3.

180. Yelp Cmt. at 5.

181. Consumer Review Fairness Act of 2016 § 2(b)(1), 15 U.S.C. 45b(b)(1) .

182. Consumer Reports Cmt. at 10.

183. Family First Life Cmt. at 16.

184. Id.

185. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 11(b)(2) and (3).

186. Trustpilot Cmt. at 17-18.

187. As discussed below in Section IV.H. of this document, the Commission is adding definitions of two phrases in response to concerns raised by commenters: “fake indicators of social media influence” and “distribute fake indicators of social media influence.”

188. NRF Cmt. at 3.

189. Id. at 3-4. The Commission elsewhere addresses whether § 465.2 applies to a business allowing reviews to be posted or published on its web page or to retailers sharing reviews with third-party platforms. See infra Section IV.B.5 of this document.

190. See, e.g., Kouichi Taniguchi v. Kan Pac. Saipan, Ltd., 566 U.S. 560, 566 (2012); Tanzin v. Tanvir, 592 U.S. 43, 48 (2020) (“Without a statutory definition, we turn to the phrase's plain meaning at the time of enactment.”); Lamar, Archer & Cofrin, LLP v. Appling, 584 U.S. 709, 715 (2018) (“Because the Bankruptcy Code does not define the words `statement,' `financial condition,' or `respecting,' we look to their ordinary meanings.”).

191. Disseminate, Dictionary.com , LLC, https://www.dictionary.com/browse/disseminate (last visited July 5, 2024) (defining “disseminate” as “to scatter or spread widely, as though sowing seed; promulgate extensively; broadcast; disperse”); Disseminate, Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disseminate (last visited July 5, 2024) (defining “disseminate” as “to spread abroad as though sowing seed” or “to disperse throughout”); Disseminate, Cambridge Dictionary, https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/disseminate (last visited July 5, 2024) (defining “disseminate” as “to spread or give out something, especially news, information, ideas, etc., to a lot of people”).

192. Transparency Company Cmt. at 13.

193. TechNet Cmt. at 3.

194. Trustpilot Cmt. at 9.

195. Id. at 12.

196. If the term were only to appear in § 465.2(c), such a clarification would not be needed. This is because § 465.2(c) also covers employees and agents.

197. Family First Life Cmt. at 13.

198. Trustpilot Cmt. at 12.

199. Id.

200. Chamber of Commerce Cmt. at 7.

201. Id.

202. See infra Section IV.E.2 of this document.

203. Consumer Reports Cmt. at 4.

204. Commenters also expressed concern about or sought guidance on the meaning of the term “procure” as used in proposed § 465.2(c), but they did not expressly suggest that the Commission define the term. The use of the term “procure” in § 465.2 is discussed below in the context of that substantive provision. See infra Section IV.B.4 of this document.

205. See Procure (def. 1), Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/procure (last visited July 5, 2024) (establishing that the word “procure” means, among other things, “to get possession of (something)” or “to obtain (something) by particular care and effort”).

206. Amazon Cmt. at 7. As discussed below, other commenters also argued that § 465.2 should not apply to merely hosting reviews. See infra section IV.B.5 of this document.

207. Id. at 7.

208. See infra section IV.B.5 of this document.

209. See, e.g., William Hardy, Cmt. on NPRM (July 31, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0002 ; Eric Beback, Cmt. on NPRM (Aug. 1, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0005 (“Beback Cmt.”); Hippensteel Cmt.; Anderson Cmt.; Nathan Wilson, Cmt. on NPRM (Aug. 2, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0008 ; fred foreman, Cmt. on NPRM (Aug. 6, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0012 ; Ravnitzky Cmt. at 1; Fribance Cmt.; Ian wolk, Cmt. on NPRM (Aug. 15, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0020 ; Edborg Cmt.; Anonymous 5, Cmt. on NPRM (Aug. 18, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0030 ; Anonymous 1 Cmt.; Steven Osburn, Cmt. on NPRM (Aug. 22, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0033 (“Osburn Cmt.”); Ludlam Cmt.; Janette Ponticello, Cmt. on NPRM (Sept. 5, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0042 ; Hannah Abbott, Cmt. on NPRM at 1 (Sept. 20, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0051 (Abbott Cmt.).

210. Pasabi, Cmt. on NPRM at 2 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0103 .

211. Mark Cuban, Cmt. on NPRM (Sept. 25, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0066 .

212. Transparency Company Cmt. at 9.

213. See 15 U.S.C. 45(m)(1)(C) .

214. IAB Cmt. at 3.

215. Id.

216. Id. at 4 & n.12.

217. Complaint at 8-11, 17-18, FTC v. NextGen Nutritionals, LLC, No. 8:17-cv-2807 (M.D. Fla. filed Nov. 20, 2017) (testimonials in ads made specific quantified claims of weight loss and blood pressure reduction); In re Esrim Ve Sheva Holding Corp., 132 F.T.C. 736, 737 (2001) (testimonial made specific quantified claims about increased mileage and decreased harmful pollutants); In re Computer Bus. Servs., Inc., 123 F.T.C. 75, 78 (1997) (endorsers made specific quantified earnings claims); In re Twin Star Prods., Inc., 113 F.T.C. 847, 849-51, 853-54 (1990) (endorsements made regarding a weight-loss product, a baldness treatment, and an impotency treatment); In re National Sys. Corp., 93 F.T.C. 58, 61-62 (1979) (testimonials about jobs obtained by graduates of respondents' schools).

218. IAB Cmt. at 6; NRF Cmt. at 6.

219. NPRM, 88 FR 49373 .

220. A virtual influencer is a computer-generated fictional character that can be used for a variety of marketing-related purposes, but most frequently for social media marketing, in lieu of human influencers. See, e.g., Koba Molenaar, Discover the Top 12 Virtual Influencers for 2024—Listed and Ranked!, Influencer MarketingHub (Mar. 29, 2024), https://influencermarketinghub.com/virtual-influencers/ .

221. ANA Cmt. at 12.

222. Id.

223. Id.

224. Id.

225. Beback Cmt.

226. Id.

227. See Endorsement Guides, 16 CFR 255.1(g) .

228. TINA Cmt. at 8.

229. Albert Cmt. at 3.

230. Id.

231. IAB Cmt. at 6.

232. Amazon Cmt. at 6.

233. Computer & Communications Industry Association, Cmt. on NPRM at 3 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0110 (“CCIA Cmt.”).

234. Wilson Cmt.

235. Osburn Cmt.

236. See 15 U.S.C. 45(m)(1)(A) (establishing that the recovery of civil penalties requires a showing of “actual knowledge or knowledge fairly implied on the basis of objective circumstances that such act is unfair or deceptive and is prohibited by such rule”).

237. Slezak Cmt. at 1.

238. TINA Cmt. at 6 n.23.

239. NRF Cmt. at 5.

240. CCIA Cmt. at 3.

241. NRF Cmt. at 4; ANA Cmt. at 12; IAB Cmt. at 4; Amazon Cmt. at 7.

242. NRF Cmt. at 4.

243. Id. at 5.

244. Id. at 5-6.

245. See §§ 465.5(a), (b), and (c), 465.6, and 465.7(b) of the rule.

246. One industry commenter expressed a general concern that was not tied to a specific provision “that the Proposed Rule imposes liability on companies for the dissemination and/or display of fake reviews that clashes with Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. ” TechNet Cmt. at 3. As discussed below, the Commission is including exemptions for mere consumer review hosting in §§ 465.2 and 465.5. See infra section IV.B.5 of this document.

247. See, e.g., NRF Cmt. at 5-6; IAB Cmt. at 6; Amazon Cmt. at 7-9; CCIA Cmt. at 3; Abbott Cmt.

248. TechNet Cmt. at 2; IAB Cmt. at 5; NRF Cmt. at 7. A trade association also requested a “safe harbor” but did not tie it to any specific provision of the proposed rule. NADA Cmt. at 4.

249. NRF Cmt. at 6.

250. IAB Cmt. at 4.

251. ANA Cmt. at 12-13.

252. Prompting the submission of consumer reviews that must be positive in order to obtain an incentive could violate § 465.4. Moderation of consumer reviews that results in the suppression of some of them based upon their ratings or their negative sentiment could violate § 465.7(b).

253. Chamber of Commerce Cmt. at 4.

254. Id.

255. Id.

256. Transparency Company Cmt. at 11.

257. Poole Cmt. at 2.

258. IAB Cmt. at 5-6; NRF Cmt. at 2-5; NADA Cmt. at 3-4; Chamber of Commerce Cmt. at 2-3; TechNet Cmt. at 2.

259. TechNet Cmt. at 2.

260. Id.

261. Amazon Cmt. at 8; ANA Cmt. at 13; Trustpilot Cmt. at 5, 8; NRF Cmt at 3; Family First Life Cmt. at 5-8.

262. Amazon Cmt. at 7-8; ANA Cmt. at 12-13; NRF Cmt. at 2-5. One trade association commenter disagreed, asserting that the “knew or should have known” standard the Commission proposed for § 465.2 will “not unduly burden review platforms.” Travel Tech Cmt. at 4.

263. NRF Cmt. at 3.

264. Amazon Cmt. at 9; IAB Cmt. at 5.

265. Amazon Cmt. at 9.

266. Id.

267. Poole Cmt. on at 1.

268. Albert Cmt. at 3.

269. Annie Horgan, Cmt. on NPRM at 1-2 (Sept. 22, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0058 .

270. Consumer Reports Cmt. at 4.

271. Id. at 4-5. An individual commenter disagreed, stating that “the complete removal of a knowledge requirement in favor of a strict liability approach would almost guarantee situations of unwarranted punishment under the proposed rule.” Poole Cmt. at 3.

272. See supra section IV.B.5. of this document.

273. The final rule would therefore not require a business that is merely hosting consumer reviews on its platform to prove that the reviews it is hosting are legitimate.

274. Other Commission rule provisions with a “knew or had reason to know” requirement include § 460.8 of Labeling and Advertising of Home Insulation (commonly known as the R-Value Rule), which prohibits non-manufacturers of home insulation from relying on R-value data provided by the manufacturer if they “know or should know” the data is false or not based on proper tests. 16 CFR 460.8 ; see also 16 CFR 460.19(e) (non-manufacturers are liable only if they “know or should know that the manufacturer does not have a reasonable basis for the claim”); 16 CFR 436.7(d) (franchise sellers must notify prospective franchisees of any material changes “that the seller knows or should have known occurred”).

275. IAB Cmt. at 5-6; ANA Cmt. at 13. An individual commenter said that the Commission should “provide some clear and objective criteria or indicators for identifying fake reviews, such as the use of bots, scripts, templates, or multiple accounts, or the lack of verifiable purchase or experience, or the inconsistency with other reviews or information” and this “would help businesses and consumers to distinguish between genuine and fake reviews.” Ravnitzky Cmt. at 1.

276. IAB Cmt. at 5-6; ANA Cmt. at 13. As explained above, these concerns are unwarranted given that the “should have known” standard has no bearing here on the imposition of civil penalties, for which the Commission must prove that a defendant met the higher knowledge standard of section 5(m)(1)(A) of the FTC Act.

277. Taylor V, Cmt. on NPRM at 2 (Sept. 22, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0062 (“Taylor V. Cmt.”).

278. EPIC Cmt. at 3.

279. Consumer Reports Cmt. at 5.

280. Family First Life Cmt. at 6.

281. Paying for or giving other incentives in exchange for consumer reviews expressing a particular sentiment regarding the product, service, or business that is the subject of the review would violate § 465.4 of the rule.

282. Transparency Company Cmt. at 11.

283. Trustpilot Cmt. at 10.

284. Complaint at 2-5, In re Google, LLC, Nos. C-4783 and C-4784 (F.T.C. Feb. 8, 2023).

285. Trustpilot Cmt. at 9-10.

286. Id.

287. Anonymous 3 Cmt.

288. Foster Cmt. at 2.

289. Frieling Cmt. at 2; see also Anonymous 6, Cmt. on NPRM (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0082 .

290. Wilhelmina Randtke, Cmt. on NPRM at 1 (Sept. 26, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0068 .

291. Fake Review Watch Cmt. at 2-3.

292. Consumer Reports Cmt. at 3.

293. Trustpilot Cmt. at 3, 7.

294. ADA Cmt. at 2.

295. Albert Cmt. at 4; see also Yanni Kakouris, Cmt. on NPRM at 1, 3 (Sept. 22, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0055 . The commenter also expressed concerns that “violators are too difficult to track,” asserted that civil penalties would somehow deter consumers from posting honest, negative comments about a business, and misunderstood the purpose and use of civil penalties, thinking that a large portion of civil penalties would go to businesses maligned by false comments. Id. at 1-2. A review platform commenter said that the proposed rule “upholds legitimate consumer speech by ensuring that, `proposed § 465.2 does not limit legitimate reviews to reviews by purchasers or verified purchasers' ” and “by preserving anonymous reviews.” Tripadvisor LLC, Cmt. on NPRM at 4-5 (Sept. 29, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0092 (“Tripadvisor Cmt.”).

296. Taylor V. Cmt. at 2.

297. Osburn Cmt.

298. TINA Cmt. at 6.

299. Chamber of Commerce Cmt. at 2.

300. See, e.g., IAB Cmt. at 7-8; ANA Cmt. at 14; Chamber of Commerce Cmt. at 5-6; Trustpilot Cmt. at 10; Consumer Reports Cmt. at 5-6; Amazon Cmt. at 10; CCIA Cmt. at 3; NRF Cmt. at 7-8; Ravnitzky Cmt. at 2.

301. See supra sections I.C. and IV.A.2.j of this document.

302. One minor modification is changing “Rule” to “part.”

303. Amazon Cmt. at 6.

304. IAB Cmt. at 8.

305. Alex Rooker, Cmt. on NPRM (Aug. 15, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0019 .

306. Frieling Cmt. at 2.

307. Anonymous 7, Cmt. on NPRM (Aug. 15, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0021 .

308. NPRM, 87 FR 49389 .

309. Transparency Company Cmt. at 12.

310. Family First Life Cmt. at 8-9.

311. Id. at 10-11.

312. In re AmeriFreight, Inc., 159 F.T.C. 1626, 1627-30 (2015).

313. Id. at 1628.

314. NRF Cmt. at 8.

315. ANA Cmt. at 8.

316. Id.

317. Consumer Reports Cmt. at 6.

318. TINA Cmt. at 10. An individual commenter described the pressure they felt to leave a positive review of a car dealership in order to receive a gift card and said that proposed “§ 465.4 should . . . address both explicit and implied conditions of incentivization.” Anonymous 8, Cmt. on NPRM at 3-5 (Sept. 22, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0061 .

319. As the Commission explained in the NPRM, “Review gating occurs when a business asks past purchasers to provide feedback on a product and then invites only those who provide positive feedback to post online reviews on one or more websites.” See NPRM, 88 FR 49379 .

320. NRF Cmt. at 9. The commenter went on to ask that “the Rule be revised to only prohibit companies from `. . . provid[ing] compensation or other incentives in exchange for . . . consumer reviews explicitly required to express a particular sentiment, whether positive or negative. . . .' ” (emphasis in original). Id.

321. See Endorsement Guides, 16 CFR 255.2(d) and (e)(11) .

322. Trustpilot Cmt. at 11.

323. Frieling Cmt. at 3.

324. See FTC Policy Statement on Deception, 103 F.T.C. at 180 (“[ P ] ro forma statements or disclaimers may not cure otherwise deceptive messages”); Removatron Int'l Corp. v. FTC, 884 F.2d 1489, 1497 (1st Cir. 1989) (“Disclaimers or qualifications in any particular ad are not adequate to avoid liability unless they are sufficiently prominent and unambiguous to change the apparent meaning of the claims and to leave an accurate impression. Anything less is only likely to cause confusion by creating contradictory double meanings.”); Joint FCC/FTC Policy Statement for the Advertising of Dial-Around and Other Long-Distance Services to Consumers (Mar. 1, 2000), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/documents/public_statements/297751/000301jpsdeceptoveads.pdf (“If a claim is false, a disclosure that provides contradictory information is unlikely to cure the deception.”); FTC v. Direct Marketing Concepts, Inc., 624 F.3d 1, 12 n.9 (1st Cir. 2010) (“A statement that studies prove a product cures a certain disease, followed by a disclaimer that the statement is opinion and the product actually does not cure the disease, leaves an overall impression of nonsense, not clarity.”).

325. Endorsement Guides, 16 CFR 255.5(b)(2) , (3) , (7) , (8) , (9) , and (11) .

326. Hammacher Schlemmer Cmt. at 3-4.

327. Endorsement Guides, 16 CFR 255.2(e)(9) .

328. Id. (emphasis added).

329. ANA Cmt. at 8.

330. Anonymous 3 Cmt; Yelp Cmt. at 5-6.

331. Ravnitzky Cmt. at 1.

332. Endorsement Guides, 16 CFR 255.5(a) & (b)(6)(ii).

333. Camp-Martin Cmt. at 4-5; Yelp Cmt. at 7.

334. Anonymous 4 Cmt.

335. Endorsement Guides, 16 CFR 255.2(d) .

336. Due to an inadvertent drafting error, the regulatory text of proposed § 465.5(a), which addressed an officer or manager of a business writing or creating a consumer review or consumer testimonial about the business or its products or services, only referenced disclosure of the officer's but not the manager's relationship to the business. The Commission clearly intended that proposed § 465.5(a) require disclosure of the manager's relationship as well. See NPRM, 88 FR 49379 (“Proposed § 465.5(a) would prohibit an officer or manager of a business from writing or creating a consumer review or consumer testimonial about the business or its products or services if the consumer review or consumer testimonial does not have a clear and conspicuous disclosure of the officer's or manager's relationship to the business.”).

337. Proposed § 465.5(b) and (c) are being renumbered as final § 465.5(b)(1) and (c)(1).

338. Anonymous 9, Cmt. on NPRM (Aug. 16, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0023 .

339. Anonymous 5 Cmt.

340. Transparency Company Cmt. at 13.

341. Family First Life Cmt. at 13.

342. Id.

343. Id. at 3.

344. NRF Cmt. at 9.

345. Amazon Cmt. at 11.

346. Id.

347. IAB Cmt. at 9.

348. NRF Cmt. at 9.

349. Id. at 11; TechNet Cmt. at 3.

350. Trustpilot Cmt. at 5-6.

351. RILA Cmt. at 6.

352. Chamber of Commerce Cmt. at 7.

353. NRF Cmt. at 9.

354. IAB Cmt. at 10.

355. See infra section IV.E.4 and 5 of this document.

356. NRF Cmt. at 10.

357. Amazon Cmt. at 11.

358. NRF Cmt. at 11; IAB Cmt. at 10; TechNet Cmt. at 3.

359. Amazon Cmt. at 11.

360. IAB Cmt. at 9.

361. See NPRM, 88 FR 49374-75 .

362. IAB Cmt. at 10.

363. See supra section IV.B.2 of this document.

364. NADA Cmt. at 6.

365. Trustpilot Cmt. at 13.

366. RILA Cmt. at 6.

367. The Commission has slightly modified this clause, changing “did not instruct the prospective reviewer to disclose clearly and conspicuously that relationship” to “did not instruct that prospective reviewers disclose clearly and conspicuously their relationship to the business” for purposes of clarity.

368. See infra section IV.E.5 of this document.

369. TechNet Cmt. at 3.

370. Travel Tech Cmt. at 4.

371. Consumer Reports Cmt. at 8.

372. Trustpilot Cmt. at 5, 8.

373. NRF Cmt. at 9.

374. Family First Life Cmt. at 15.

375. NADA Cmt. at 3; Amazon Cmt. at 11.

376. Amazon Cmt. at 11.

377. Id.

378. IAB Cmt. at 9.

379. Id. at 10.

380. Anonymous 3 Cmt.

381. TINA Cmt. at 6 and 8.

382. Consumer Reports Cmt. at 7-8.

383. Two modifications are changing “Rule” to “part” and, as discussed above, changing “its products or services” to “the products and services it sells.” See supra section IV.B.4. of this document.

384. Chamber of Commerce Cmt. at 6; Amazon Cmt. at 12; Trustpilot Cmt. at 4-5.

385. Chamber of Commerce Cmt. at 6.

386. Id.

387. Consumer Reports Cmt. at 9.

388. Amazon Cmt. at 12. The commenter suggested that the Commission “clarify the regulatory language to make clear that it covers only reviews authored by the owner company or its agents.” Id. The Commission is not adopting this approach because § 465.6 is not limited to websites with reviews. It also applies to organizations or entities that misrepresent that they provide independent reviews or opinions ( e.g., seals) about a category of businesses, products, or services including the business or one or more of the products or services it sells.

389. NRF Cmt. at 11-12.

390. Hammacher Schlemmer Cmt. at 5.

391. Trustpilot Cmt. at 5.

392. RILA Cmt. at 7.

393. Hammacher Schlemmer Cmt. at 6-7 (proposing that the Commission adopt § 465.6 with the addition of the following clause: “unless the business discloses that there is a relationship or affiliation between the business and the website, organization, or entity that it controls, owns, or operates and why the reviews or opinions are `independent', including the steps that the business takes to ensure objectivity or independence in obtaining such reviews or opinions.” (emphasis omitted)); Frieling Cmt. at 4.

394. CCIA Cmt. at 3.

395. NPRM, 88 FR 49375 .

396. Id.

397. CCIA Cmt. at 3.

398. Chamber of Commerce Cmt. at 6.

399. “Endorsements by organizations, especially expert ones, are viewed as representing the judgment of a group whose collective experience exceeds that of any individual member.” Endorsement Guides, 16 CFR 255.4(a) .

400. One modification is changing “Rule” to “part.”

401. Anonymous 10, Cmt. on NPRM (Aug. 3, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0009 ; TT in PA, Cmt. on NPRM (Aug. 9, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0016 (“TT in PA Cmt.”); Kurt Braun, Cmt. on NPRM (Aug. 17, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0026 ; Superguest Cmt.; Tripadvisor Cmt. at 5-6; Consumer Reports Cmt. at 9-10; State AGs Cmt. at 2.

402. Transparency Company Cmt. at 14; Family First Life Cmt. at 15.

403. Family First Life Cmt. at 15.

404. See supra section IV.A.2.l of this document.

405. NFIB Cmt. at 4.

406. Trustpilot Cmt. at 17.

407. Consumer Reports Cmt. at 10.

408. See Intimidate (def. 3), Dictionary.com, LLC, https://www.dictionary.com/browse/intimidate (last visited July 5, 2024) (establishing that the word “intimidate” means, among other things, “to force into or deter from some action by inducing fear”).

409. Trustpilot Cmt. at 17.

410. NFIB Cmt. at 4.

411. Id. at 5.

412. ANA Cmt. at 10.

413. Id. at 9-10.

414. Id.

415. Yelp Cmt. at 7; CCIA Cmt. at 4.

416. NRF Cmt. at 12.

417. Id.

418. See Endorsement Guides, 16 CFR 255.2(d) .

419. Consumer Reports Cmt. at 9. Although it does not involve § 465.7(a), a business urged the Commission to “deter meritless legal threats by platforms against providers and users of pro-consumer tools.” Mozilla Cmt. at 6. Such threats are beyond the scope of this rulemaking.

420. ADA Cmt. at 1.

421. Id. at 1-2.

422. One modification, discussed above, is changing “its products or services” to “the products and services it sells.” See supra section IV.B.4. of this document. Another modification discussed above is changing “person” to “individual.” See supra section IV.A.2.b of this document. As it has done elsewhere in the rule, the Commission is limiting the misrepresentations prohibited to “material” misrepresentations. Nonetheless, in the context of § 465.7(b), the Commission believes that all such misrepresentations would likely always be material.

423. Hippensteel Cmt.

424. Superguest Cmt.

425. Ravnitzky Cmt. at 2.

426. TT in PA Cmt.

427. State AGs Cmt. at 3.

428. Amazon Cmt. at 12.

429. Transparency Company Cmt. at 14.

430. IAB Cmt. at 11.

431. Id.

432. NPRM, 88 FR 49376 .

433. Yelp Cmt. at 7-8.

434. Id.

435. NRF Cmt. at 12.

436. An individual commenter said it would be helpful to have rule language “around a business being allowed to highlight specific testimonial reviews on their website as long as there is a disclaimer or prominent indication that the page does not represent all reviews for the business.” Anonymous 3 Cmt. The rule does not prohibit such “highlighting” of specific reviews or testimonials, but the creation of a safe harbor for such highlighting is beyond the scope of the rule. In addition, the Commission believes that the wording of the proposed disclosure is likely inadequate.

437. IAB Cmt. at 11.

438. Id. at 11-12.

439. Id. at 12.

440. NRF Cmt. at 13.

441. IAB Cmt. at 11; Technet Cmt. at 3; Amazon Cmt. at 12; NRF Cmt. at 13.

442. Amazon Cmt. at 12. A different commenter gave the example of a snowstorm “obstruct[ing] the delivery of a package to a buyer who could claim failure to deliver on time.” TechNet Cmt. at 3. The Commission does not agree that this is a legitimate reason for suppressing consumer reviews.

443. IAB Cmt. at 12; Amazon Cmt. at 12; NRF Cmt. at 13.

444. IAB Cmt. at 11; TechNet Cmt. at 3; Amazon Cmt. at 12; NRF Cmt. at 12-13.

445. Anonymous 4 Cmt.

446. NFIB Cmt. at 5.

447. Trustpilot Cmt. at 18.

448. Madeline D'Entrmont, Cmt. on NPRM at 1 (Sept. 22, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0064 .

449. Id.

450. See Consumer Review Fairness Act of 2016 § 2(b)(2)(C)(i), 15 U.S.C. 45b(b)(2)(C)(i) .

451. RILA Cmt. at 4.

452. Endorsement Guides, 16 CFR 255.2(e)(8)(ii) .

453. Consumer Reports Cmt. at 10.

454. Id.

455. State AGs Cmt. at 4.

456. Id.

457. TechNet Cmt. at 3.

458. Superguest Cmt.

459. Ravnitzky Cmt. at 2.

460. Rob Levy, Cmt. on NPRM at 2 (Sept. 22, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0057 .

461. Trustpilot Cmt. at 18.

462. Consumer Reports Cmt. at 11.

463. Anonymous 11, Cmt. on NPRM (Aug. 16, 2023), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FTC-2023-0047-0022 .

464. Anonymous 4 Cmt.

465. Endorsement Guides, 16 CFR 255.0(g)(1) and 255.1(b) .

466. One modification is changing “Rule” to “part.” Another modification, discussed above, is changing “persons” to “individuals.” See supra section IV.A.2.b of this document.

467. ANA Cmt. at 17-18.

468. Amazon Cmt. at 13.

469. IAB Cmt. at 13.

470. Hammacher and Schlemmer Cmt. at 7.

471. Amazon Cmt. at 13.

472. IAB Cmt. at 13.

473. Id. at 12.

474. NRF Cmt. at 13.

475. Consumer Reports Cmt. at 11.

476. Id.

477. IAB Cmt. at 13; Amazon Cmt. at 13.

478. IAB Cmt. at 13.

479. NRF Cmt. at 2-3, 13-14; IAB Cmt. at 5, 15. IAB also raised this issue in the context of the informal hearing discussed above in section I of this document. See, e.g., Petition by Interactive Advertising Bureau to Designate Disputed Issues of Material Fact (Feb. 12, 2024), https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/r311003iabpetition20240212.pdf . As noted above, the presiding officer at that hearing found that IAB had not shown that compliance costs would be more than minimal.

480. Camp-Martin Cmt. at 2-3.

481. Slezak Cmt. at 3.

482. Transparency Company Cmt. at 6-9.

483. 141 S. Ct. at 1352.

484. 15 U.S.C. 53(b) .

485. See ANPR, 87 FR at 67425, 67425 n.1 (discussing AMG Cap. Mgmt. ).

486. See 15 U.S.C. 57b(a)(2) (“If the Commission satisfies the court that the act or practice to which the cease-and-desist order relates is one which a reasonable man would have known under the circumstances was dishonest or fraudulent, the court may grant relief.”).

487. Certain statutes, such as the Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act, 15 U.S.C. 8401-05 , include provisions that treat violations of the statute as a violation of a rule for purposes of section 19(a)(1). See 15 U.S.C. 8404(a) .

488. Fed. Trade Comm'n, Notice Announcing Ten-Year Regulatory Review Schedule and Request for Public Comment on the Federal Trade Commission's Regulatory Review Program, 76 FR 41150 , 41150 (July 13, 2011), https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2011-07-13/pdf/2011-17513.pdf (“all rules and guides are scheduled to be reviewed ten years after implementation and ten years after completion of a regulatory review.”)

489. See, e.g., Dina Mayzlin, Promotional Chat on the Internet, 25(2) Mktg. Sci., 155-63 (2006).

490. See, e.g., Chrysanthos Dellarocas, Strategic Manipulation of Internet Opinion Forums: Implications for Consumers and Firms, 52(10) Mgmt. Sci., 1577-93 (2006), https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/20110630.pdf ; Michael Anderson & Jeremy Magruder, Learning from the Crowd: Regression Discontinuity Estimates of the Effects of an Online Review Database, 122(563) Econ. J., 957-89 (2012); Michael Luca & Georgios Zervas, Fake It Till You Make It: Reputation, Competition, and Yelp Review Fraud, 62(12) Mgmt. Sci., 3412-27 (2016), https://dash.harvard.edu/handle/1/22836596 ; Jonathan Zinman & Eric Zitzewitz, Wintertime for Deceptive Advertising?, 8(1) Am. Econ. J. Applied, 177-92 (2016), https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/app.20130346; Imke Reiners & Joel Waldfogel, Digitization and Pre-purchase Information: The Causal and Welfare Impacts of Reviews and Crowd Ratings, 111(6) Am. Econ. Rev., 1944-71 (2021), https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/aer.20200153 .

491. In October 2021, the Commission authorized a Notice of Penalty Offenses concerning endorsement practices that the FTC determined to be unfair or deceptive in prior administrative cases, including falsely claiming an endorsement by a third party; misrepresenting whether an endorser is an actual, current, or recent user; and failing to disclose an unexpected material connection with an endorser. See, e.g., Press Release, Fed. Trade Comm'n, FTC Puts Hundreds of Businesses on Notice about Fake Reviews and Other Misleading Endorsements (Oct. 13, 2021), https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2021/10/ftc-puts-hundreds-businesses-notice-about-fake-reviews-other-misleading-endorsements . The notice allows the agency to seek civil penalties pursuant to section 5(m)(1)(B) of the FTC Act against a company that received the notice and then engages in conduct that the Commission previously determined to be unfair or deceptive. 15 U.S.C. 45(m)(1)(B) .

492. 15 U.S.C. 57b(a)(2) . Depending on the egregiousness of the misconduct and the harm it is causing, the Commission also may seek preliminary injunctive relief in Federal court. 15 U.S.C. 53(b) .

493. See, e.g., Press Release, Fed. Trade Comm'n, Marketers of Ab Force Weight Loss Device Agree to Pay $7 Million for Consumer Redress (Jan. 14, 2009), https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2009/01/marketers-ab-force-weight-loss-device-agree-pay-7-million-consumer-redress (describing a 2009 settlement of a follow-on section 19(a)(2) action against Telebrands Corp. that was brought after the conclusion of litigation over a 2003 administrative complaint alleging violations of section 5).

494. See Jesper Akesson et al., The Impact of Fake Reviews on Demand and Welfare, National Bureau of Economic Research Working Paper 31836, Nov. 2023, https://www.nber.org/papers/w31836 .

495. See U.S. Census Bureau, Quarterly Retail E-Commerce Sales 4th Quarter 2023, Feb. 20, 2024, https://www2.census.gov/retail/releases/historical/ecomm/23q4.pdf .

496. U.S. Census Bureau, Service Annual Survey (SAS), Jan. 30, 2024, https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/sas.html (listing total revenue of $980,153,000,000 for NAICS Code 722 in 2022, the most recent year with data).

497. See Michael Luca, Reviews, Reputation, and Revenue: The Case of Yelp.com, Harvard Bus. Sch. Working Paper 12-016 (2016).

498. Twenty-five percent is likely a reasonable estimate based on the difference in revenues for new restaurants and established restaurants. A study conducted by Toast, Inc., found that new restaurants earn approximately $112,000 in average revenue per year. Justin Guinn, What is the Average Restaurant Revenue for a New Restaurant?, https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/on-the-line/average-restaurant-revenue (last visited July 5, 2024). This is approximately twenty-five percent of average revenue for restaurants overall ($486,000, according to the website Eat Pallet, see Shari Mason, How Much Do Restaurants Make in a Day? Solved, May 24, 2024, https://eatpallet.com/how-much-do-restaurants-make-in-a-day ).

499. See U.S. Census Bureau, Service Annual Survey (SAS), supra note 496 (listing total 2022 revenue of $316,350,000,000 for NAICS Code 721 and listing total 2022 revenue of $67,698,000,000 for NAICS Codes 812111 through 812199 and NAICS Code 81291.

500. See Linchi Kwok, Will Business Travel Spending Return to the Pre-Pandemic Level Soon?, Hospitality Net, Sept. 22, 2022, https://www.hospitalitynet.org/opinion/4112075.html .

501. These estimates range from the single digits to over twenty percent. See Tripadvisor, 2023 Review Transparency Report, https://www.tripadvisor.com/TransparencyReport2023 (last visited July 5, 2024) (finding that 4.4 percent of review submissions were fraudulent); Trustpilot, Transparency Report 2024, https://assets.ctfassets.net/b7g9mrbfayuu/7p63VLqZ9vmU2TB65dVdnF/6e47d9ee81c145b5e3d1e16f81bba89a/Trustpilot_Transparency_Report_2024.pdf (last visited July 5, 2024) (stating that its software removed 6 percent of reviews due to being fake); Yelp, 2023 Yelp Trust & Safety Report (Feb 28, 2024), https://trust.yelp.com/trust-and-safety-report/2023-report (stating that 16 percent of submitted reviews were marked as “not recommended” by Yelp's software); Devesh Raval, Do Gatekeepers Develop Worse Products? Evidence from Online Review Platforms, (Feb. 27, 2023), https://deveshraval.github.io/reviews.pdf (Working Paper) (finding that the share of hidden (likely fake) Yelp reviews is as high as 47 percent).

502. See Nan Hu et al., Manipulation of Online Reviews: An Analysis of Ratings, Readability, and Sentiments, 52(3) Decision Support Systems 674-84 (Feb. 2012) (finding that 10.3 percent of books sold on Amazon had manipulated reviews); Luca, Fake It Till You Make It: Reputation, Competition, and Yelp Review Fraud, supra note 490 (finding that ten percent of Boston restaurants had filtered 5-star reviews on Yelp) (Table 3, row 4); Raval, Do Gatekeepers Develop Worse Products? Evidence from Online Review Platforms, supra note 501 (finding that 9.7 percent of businesses with reviews or complaints with the Better Business Bureau are of low quality, where fake reviews inflate ratings) (Table III, column 3, row 1).

503. See, e.g., Sherry He et al., The Market for Fake Reviews, 41(5) Mktg. Sci. 896 (2022), https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3664992; Dina Mayzlin et al., Promotional Reviews: An Empirical Investigation of Online Review Manipulation, 104(8) Am. Econ. Rev. 2421-55 (2014).

504. See Davide Proserpio et al., How Fake Customer Reviews Do—and Don't—Work, Harvard Bus. Rev., Nov. 24, 2020, https://hbr.org/2020/11/how-fake-customer-reviews-do-and-dont-work . The authors find that products sold on Amazon with manipulated reviews are typically in the $15 to $40 price range. The midpoint of this range ($27.50) represents 19 percent of the average product's price ($142.74, according to one study see Semrush Inc., Amazon Pricing Study: The Most Expensive Products, Category Volatility, and Seasonal Price Shifts, Mar. 22, 2022, https://www.semrush.com/blog/amazon-pricing-study ).

505. E-commerce sales increased by 7.6 percent from 2022 to 2023. See U.S. Census Bureau, Quarterly Retail E-Commerce Sales 4th Quarter 2023, supra note 495. Using growth in the past year to predict future e-commerce sales results in a more conservative estimate than using a longer time frame. E-commerce sales experienced higher annual growth rates prior to 2021 (14 percent from 2018 to 2019, 43 percent from 2019 to 2020, and 14 percent from 2020 to 2021) and grew 7.7 percent from 2021 to 2022. This analysis does not project revenues for non-e-commerce industries because linear trends during recent years are unique to the pandemic and are unlikely to be accurate for future years.

506. See Pew Research Center, Online Shopping and E-Commerce, Dec. 19, 2016, https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2016/12/19/online-shopping-and-e-commerce .

507. See Int'l Post Corp., Cross-Border E-Commerce Shopper Survey 2022, Jan. 2023, https://www.ipc.be/-/media/documents/public/publications/ipc-shoppers-survey/onlineshoppersurvey2022.pdf .

508. See BrightLocal, Local Consumer Review Survey 2019, Dec. 11, 2019, https://www.brightlocal.com/research/local-consumer-review-survey-2019 .

509. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 National Occupational and Wage Estimates, Unites States, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm (listing mean hourly wage of $31.48 for all occupations).

510. See Daniel S. Hamermesh, What's to Know About Time Use?, 30 J. of Econ. Survs. 198-203 (2016), https://doi.org/10.1111/joes.12107 .

511. See Luca, Reviews, Reputation, and Revenue: The Case of Yelp.com, supra note 497 (finding that chain restaurants have declined in market share as Yelp penetration has increased); Gregory Lewis and Georgios Zervas, The Welfare Impact of Consumer Reviews: A Case Study of the Hotel Industry, https://economics.sas.upenn.edu/sites/default/files/filevault/u475/tawelfare.pdf (Working Paper) (finding that demand for independent hotels is more sensitive to reviews on Tripadvisor); Brett Hollenbeck, Online Reputation Mechanisms and the Decreasing Value of Chain Affiliation, 55(5) J. of Mktg. Resch. 636-54 (2018), https://www.jstor.org/stable/26966532 (finding that branded, chain-affiliated hotels' premiums over independent hotels have declined substantially largely due to online reputation mechanisms).

512. See Limin Fang, “The Effects of Online Review Platforms on Restaurant Revenue, Consumer Learning, and Welfare” 68(11) Mgmt. Sci. 7793-8514 (2022).

513. See Theodoros Lappas et al., The Impact of Fake Reviews on Online Visibility: A Vulnerability Assessment of the Hotel Industry, 27(4) Inf. Sys. Research 940-961 (2016), https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/abs/10.1287/isre.2016.0674 .

514. See U.S. Census Bureau, 2021 SUSB Annual Data Tables by Establishment Industry, https://www.census.gov/data/tables/2021/econ/susb/2021-susb-annual.html (last visited July 5, 2024) (listing 6.29 million total firms with at least one paid employee) and U.S. Census Bureau, Nonemployer Statistics, https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/nonemployer-statistics.html (listing 28.48 million firms with no paid employees) (last visited July 5, 2024).

515. Seventy-four percent of small businesses have at least one Google review. See BrightLocal, Google Reviews Study: How Many Reviews Do Local Businesses Need?, Oct. 31, 2018, https://www.brightlocal.com/research/google-reviews-study/ .

516. See Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Lawyers, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm (last visited July 5, 2024).

517. See Payscale, Average Small Business Owner Salary, https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Small_Business_Owner/Salary (last visited July 5, 2024) (reporting median base salary of $69,648 for small business owners). We assume small business owners work 2,080 hours per year.

518. See Akesson, The Impact of Fake Reviews on Demand and Welfare, supra note 494 (reviews for inferior products that had inflated star ratings but accurate written narratives caused consumers to lose $0.04 in welfare for every dollar spent).

519. NPRM, 88 FR 49388 .

520. Transparency Company Cmt. at 10.

521. See 5 U.S.C. 605(b) .

522. See infra section VIII.F of this document.

523. Camp-Martin Cmt. at 2-3.

524. NPRM, 88 FR 49388 .

525. IAB Cmt. at 1-15.

526. Id. at 2, 5-6, 8-9, 10.

527. See supra note 515.

528. See Payscale, Average Small Business Owner Salary, supra note 517.

[ FR Doc. 2024-18519 Filed 8-21-24; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6750-01-P

Executive Orders

Reader Aids

Information.

About This Site
Legal Status
Accessibility
No Fear Act
Continuity Information

IMAGES

Speech On Music
Music
A short speech on the importance of music Free Essay Example
FREE 13+ Informative Speech Samples in PDF
Music Speech by Katie's Ideas
30 Informative Speech Topics About Music 2024

COMMENTS

Informative Speech Topics About Music
Find a variety of topics for informative speeches about music, from genres and history to effects and therapy. Learn how to choose a topic that interests you and connects with your audience.
30 Informative Speech Topics About Music 2024
Read: Informative Speech Topics About Music. 8. Use of music in contemporary fitness activities. 9. Ethical implication of music piracy and infringement of copyright issues. 10. Use of classical music in modern-day movies and theatres. 11. Evolution of music from ancient times to the modern era.
50 Music Speech Topics: Persuasive and Informative
Terms And Conditions. 50 Music Speech Topics: Persuasive and Informative. August 1, 2024by vijay. Music is a universal language that transcends cultural and social barriers, influencing our emotions, behaviors, and societal norms. From classical compositions to modern hip-hop beats, music has played a pivotal role in shaping human experiences ...
80+ Persuasive Speech Topics about Music 2024
19. Good music has a positive impact on a person's daily life. 20. Great Britain does not dominate the music world since the 90s and the breakup/separation of "The Beatles.". READ: Motivational Speech Topics for Students. 21. Hard rock has a bad influence on people's behavior. 22.
333 Informative Speech Topics To Rock Your Presentation
Informative Speech Topics About Music. Music is the soundtrack to our lives. Beyond mere entertainment, its impact dives into the roots of culture, identity, and brain function. Here are some exciting ways to incorporate your love of music into an informative speech. How music can help mental health ; Why you should learn an instrument
509 Informative Speech Ideas and Topics
Informative Speech Idea In 5 Steps. 1. Step One - Make a List. Make a short list of your personal interests and informative speech topic ideas. To help you determine your interests on an informative speech topic, think about your favorite objects, products, people, animals, events, places, processes, procedures, concepts, policies, theories ...
Informative Speech On Music: [Essay Example], 723 words
Published: Mar 14, 2024. Music has been a fundamental aspect of human culture for centuries, serving as a form of expression, entertainment, and communication. From classical compositions to modern-day pop hits, music has the power to evoke emotions, trigger memories, and bring people together. In this informative speech, we will explore the ...
67 Popular Music Essay Topic Ideas & Examples
Korean pop music has become a powerful genre that connects many youths to their counterparts in different parts of the world. Disco, Rock, Jazz and Popular Music: Comparison. With the support of God, the songs encourage the audience to believe in the power of God to overcome the unfortunate events.
50 Interesting Informative Speech Topics for College
Writing. Stage 3. Perfecting Speech Delivery. List of informative speech topics. Topics for informative speech about music. Informative speech topics about animals. Topics for informative speech about global warming. Informative speech ideas about sports. Interesting speech topics about food and drinks.
440 Music Research Topics
440 Music Research Topics. If you are looking for the best music research topics, you are at the right place! In this music topics compilation, we will help you explore the world of music and its impact on individuals, cultures, and societies. You will find different perspectives on music as a universal language that transcends boundaries and ...
220+ Informative Speech Topics: Fresh Ideas for a Winning Speech
Educating your audience with informative speech topics you feel passionate about is the primary goal. Browse this list and let your enthusiasm shine through. Dictionary ... the impact of autotune on modern music; modern painters you should know; strategies for making the most of a museum visit; the most valuable art in the world;
50+ Informative Speech Topics to Engage Your Audience
10 More Unique Informative Speech Topics: 41. The science and psychology of addiction and recovery 42. The history and cultural significance of tattoos in different societies 43. ... Incorporate visuals, as well as sound effects or music, to emphasize key points of your speech. Lastly, if you show enthusiasm when you speak and are truly ...
240+ Informative Speech Topics and Ideas
Find over 240 informative speech topics for various categories, such as definition, explanatory, demonstrative, comparative, descriptive, and persuasive. Learn how to write an informative speech with tips, tricks, and examples.
Best 100 Music Research Topics of All Times
Then you absolutely need to check out our exceptional list of music argument topics: Music today is better than music in the 90s. The most lucrative career for a musician. Music helps you memorize faster. The most popular kind of metal music. The evolution of blues songs over the last 30 years. Music helps children develop faster.
Informative Speech Topics for Students at Any Level
Music Informative Speech Topics. Tracing the Influence of African Rhythms on Modern Music. From the Bronx to Global Phenomenon: The Evolution of Hip-Hop Culture. Healing Through Sound and Song: The Power of Music Therapy. Exploring the Origins of Jazz from New Orleans to Harlem Renaissance.
630 Informative Speech Topics & Unique Ideas
Interesting Informative Speech Topics. Understanding Genetic Engineering and Its Potential. Delving Into the World of Performance Arts. The Power of Meditation and Mindfulness. Investigating the Effects of Noise Pollution. The Art and Science of Winemaking. The Fascinating Journey of Language Evolution.
100+ Informative Speech Topics & Ideas for All Students
Unique Informative Speech Topics About Music. Music has an undeniable power to captivate and inspire people around the world. It can evoke a range of emotions, provide meaningful messages, and bring people together in amazing ways. Following are some unique and informative speech topics about music: Lack of originality in modern music and TV shows
100+ Informative Speech Topics & Ideas for All Students
Good Informative Speech Topics for Students. First Aid Basics and Their Importance. Cold and Flu: Symptoms and Prevention. Pediatric Nursing: Caring for Children. Mental Health Awareness in Adolescence. Essentials of Nutritional Health. The Science and Importance of Vaccines. Hygiene Practices to Prevent Illness.
Informative Speech
Informative Speech Topic: How Music Affects Our Brain. Introduction: Throw on some headphones, crank up the tunes, and what happens? Your toes and fingers start to tap. Maybe your head and shoulders begin to bob. Pretty soon, you might be on your feet, busting a move, joyously belting out the lyrics. Music has taken over, and your body is now ...
126 Good Informative Speech Topics
Audience. Knowing your target audience is key to creating reciprocity, or the necessary give and take between speaker and listener that creates communication and understanding. Speakers who know their audiences are better able to shape their speeches to be well-received. [i] Imagine, for example, you're giving an informative speech on "Jane ...
A List of 272 Informative Speech Topics: Pick Only Awesome Ideas! [2024]
In this informative speech, explain the differences between the common types of pathogens. Focus on critical differences in diagnosis and treatment, as well as common misconceptions. The Space Race. Speak about the competitive space exploration by the Soviet Union and the US in the mid-20th century.
216 Fantastic Music Topics
Take a look at our free list of 216 original music topics and our step-by-step guide for free. Best research topics on music, unique ideas. Toll-free: +1 (877) 401-4335. Order Now. About; ... Informative Speech Topics About Music. The history and evolution of jazz music; The cultural significance of classical music in Europe;
83 Rock Music Essay Topic Ideas & Examples
Rock and roll are one of the brightest phenomena in the history of music. Their role was to enhance the quality and variety of rock and roll. Rhythm-and-Blues and Rock-n-Roll in the 1950s. Rhythm-and-Blues and Rock-n-Roll rose in the 1950s and became the most dominant music genre among the youth.
Federal Register :: Trade Regulation Rule on the Use of Consumer
The Commission notes that this topic is beyond the scope of the rulemaking, which focuses instead on those responsible for inarguably unfair or deceptive acts or practices regarding reviews and testimonials. ... well-known individuals include those famous in the areas of entertainment, such as film, music, writing, or sport, and those known to ...

Informative Speech Topics About Music

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

50 Music Speech Topics: Persuasive and Informative

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Persuasive Speech Topics about Music

333 Informative Speech Topics To Rock Your Presentation

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

What Is An Informative Speech?

How To Pick An Informative Speech Topic: The Five W’s

List of Informative Speech Topics: 333 Ideas to Spark Your Creativity

Easy Informative Speech Topics

Informative Speech Topics for College

Fun Informative Speech Topics

Interesting Informative Speech Topics

Informative Speech Topics About Science

Informative Speech Topics about Animals

Informative Speech Topics Sports

Bonus Tip: Level Up Your Speech With Stage Presence

Master Your People Skills

Cultural Informative Speech Topics

Informative Speech Topics About History

Informative Speech Topics About Music

Health Informative Speech Topics

Key Takeaways: Find Inspiration for a Speech

Popular Guides

Related Articles

Get our latest insights and advice delivered to your inbox.

509 Informative Speech Ideas and Topics

How to Choose the Right Informative Topic

Best 10 Informative Speech Topics

List of Informative Speech Topics

10 Animal Informative Speech Topics

10 Automotive Informative Speech Topics

14 Business Informative Speech Topics

8 Communication Informative Speech Topics

4 Current Events Informative Speech Topics

6 Economy Informative Speech Topics

10 Education Informative Speech Topics

10 Environment Informative Speech Topics

3 Ethics Informative Speech Topics

10 Family Informative Speech Topics

18 Financial Informative Speech Topics

9 Food and Drink Informative Speech Topics

11 Fun Informative Speech Topics

5 Geography Informative Speech Topics

9 Government Informative Speech Topics

10 Health Informative Speech Topics

10 History Informative Speech Topics

16 International Relations Informative Speech Topics

2 Language Informative Speech Topics

6 Literature Informative Speech Topics

21 Media Informative Speech Topics

9 Music Informative Speech Topics

4 National Security Informative Speech Topics

10 Politics Informative Speech Topics

10 Psychology Informative Speech Topics

12 Relationships Informative Speech Topics

10 Religion Informative Speech Topics

10 Science Informative Speech Topics

31 Self-Help Informative Speech Topics

10 School Informative Speech Topics

10 Society Informative Speech Topics

10 Sport Informative Speech Topics

3 Supernatural Informative Speech Topics

41 Technology Informative Speech Topics

15 Travel Informative Speech Topics

9 Workplace Informative Speech Topics

List of Informative Essay Topics

5 Demonstration Informative Essay Topics

7 Easy / Simple Informative Essay Topics

9 Education Informative Essay Topics

10 Fun Informative Essay Topics

6 Funny Informative Essay Topics

10 Health Informative Essay Topics

6 Hobbies Informative Essay Topics

9 Interesting Informative Essay Topics

7 Life Informative Essay Topics

7 Legislation Informative Essay Topics

10 Pop Culture Informative Essay Topics

7 Relationships Informative Essay Topics