Meta-owned Manus promotes get-rich-quick videos for its AI tool

In short: The Verge reports that Manus, an AI company owned by Meta, ran ads and paid creator videos that promised quick money, and some posts did not clearly say they were ads.

What happened

Manus is an AI company that Meta acquired for about $2 billion last year. According to The Verge, Manus has been running social media ads that claim people can earn easy money by using its AI tool.

The pitch in the ads is simple. Find local businesses that do not have a website, or have a poor one, use the AI to make a new site, then call the business and try to sell it. One ad said it could take “less than 10 minutes” and could bring in “potential $5k a month.”

The Verge also found a network of Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok accounts posting very similar videos promoting Manus. Many of the posts did not clearly disclose that the creators were paid, even though Meta, YouTube, and TikTok rules say paid promotions should be labeled. After The Verge asked questions, many TikTok videos appeared to be removed and some accounts seemed to be banned.

A Manus spokesperson told The Verge that the company works with third-party agencies for paid creator programs. The spokesperson also said Manus does not endorse exaggerated earnings claims and is reviewing the content that was flagged.

Why it matters

When ads look like regular videos from real people, it can be hard to tell what is genuine and what is paid marketing. Earnings claims can also push people toward risky “side hustle” plans that may not work, like a flyer promising easy money without showing proof.

Source: The Verge AI