Why Not Tagging Your Collaborators on Social Media Is More Than Just Rude—It’s Exploitative

In today’s digital world, social media isn’t just about pretty pictures and hashtags—it’s the lifeblood of creative careers. Whether you’re an artist, maker, or curator, your online presence helps you build an audience, gain clients, and establish your professional reputation. So if you work with collaborators, tagging them when sharing your joint creations isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s an absolute must.

Let’s get one thing straight: paying someone for their work is important—it’s the right thing to do. But payment alone doesn’t cover everything. Imagine you commission a graphic designer to create a unique logo for your brand, then post it on social media without tagging or crediting them. You’re benefiting from their creativity and expertise, but denying them the chance to steer followers, inquiries, and opportunities their way. It’s like displaying their masterpiece in your shop window and telling everyone it’s your art. Ouch.
Tagging collaborators publicly says, “This brilliance is theirs, too.” It amplifies their voice and grows their audience—think of it as digital applause that helps their career bloom. Without it, the collaborator’s labor and talent become invisible freebies that you benefit from alone.

This isn’t just about etiquette, either. Many platforms require paid partnerships or sponsored content to include clear disclosures—transparency fosters trust with your followers and supports ethical content creation. When you tag and openly acknowledge collaborators, you’re building a culture of respect and fairness, not just for today but for the future of your creative community.

So next time you post that stunning brand logo, innovative artwork, or shared project, remember: tagging your collaborators isn’t an optional add-on—it’s the respectful and right thing to do. It honors creativity, nurtures professional relationships, and makes the creative world a better, more inclusive place for all of us.

In other words? Don’t be that person. Tag your collaborators. Because behind every beautiful creation is a story—and everyone deserves to have their name in the spotlight.