Creators are revolting against Google after the terms of the tech giant’s #TeamPixel program went public. The program, which began in 2017, gives creators and influencers early access to the latest Google Pixel phone. But the stipulations involved in this program have sparked outrage.
The Google Form, independently verified by The Verge, said Google expected creators who were a part of the unpaid program “to feature the Google Pixel device in place of any competitor mobile devices.”
In addition, Google added, “If it appears other brands are being preferred over the Pixel, we will need to cease the relationship between the brand and the creator.”
Screenshots of these rules circulated online, leading several creators to terminate their partnerships with Google. Soon after, Google responded to the controversy in a statement provided to The Verge.
“#TeamPixel is a distinct program, separate from our press and creator reviews programs. The goal of #TeamPixel is to get Pixel devices into the hands of content creators, not press and tech reviewers,” Google said in its statement. “We missed the mark with this new language that appeared in the #TeamPixel form yesterday, and it has been removed.”
While the damage control has clearly started in earnest, it might take more than a removal and statement for Google to regain the trust of creators.
Creators react to #TeamPixel terms
Although he claims he wasn’t beholden to these terms during his work with Google, tech reviewer Marques Brownlee has distanced himself from the scheme, saying he wasn’t involved in this particular program.
Meanwhile, tech YouTuber Kevin Nether told The Verge that the clause led to him quitting the program.
Furthermore, YouTuber Adam Matlock said in an X post that he’s “formally removing” himself from the program.
“It’s been a good run,” he wrote. “But the program is no longer in line with my ethics or in the best interest of my channel and the content that I provide to my viewers.”
