Remove any 'via' tagging from status updates to Facebook

Allow posts to Facebook from HootSuite to look like they were made directly on Facebook.com, with no 'via' tag.

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diamantis shared this idea · Mar 29, 2010 · Flag idea as inappropriate… · Admin →

Anonymous shared a merged idea: XY Shared a link. like you share a link directly in Facebook instead of: XY shared a link via HootSuite. · Mar 6, 2013 ·

Anonymous shared a merged idea: Remove "via Hootsuite" Tagging on Facebook Posts · Dec 27, 2012 ·

Anonymous shared a merged idea: Remove via Hootsuite from posts · Dec 13, 2012 ·

Anonymous shared a merged idea: can v hide via hootsuite tag from status update? it appears everytime that makes the user very irritable · Sep 30, 2012 ·

D Bruce shared a merged idea: Hootsuite tag in Facebook messaging · Sep 21, 2012 ·

Andrew Birkett shared a merged idea: Via Hootsuite · Sep 6, 2012 ·

Chris shared a merged idea: Can you remove · Aug 21, 2012 ·

Anonymous shared a merged idea: make Hootsuite white label · Aug 20, 2012 ·

Mariano shared a merged idea: i think that you have to eliminate the sentence in facebook "through HootSuite" every time that you send a post · May 31, 2012 ·

Neriah Lothamer shared a merged idea: Remove: "via HootSuite" which shows up at the bottom of my tweets on my Facebook page, that makes it look like all the tweets are from you · Apr 15, 2012 ·

Melissa Fassetta shared a merged idea: Add a white-label service. · Feb 10, 2012 ·

Ila shared a merged idea: To give an option of - to remove "via HootSuite" link and logo from updates on FB and Twitter · Jan 23, 2012 ·

ferris shared a merged idea: Take off the hootsuite icon and "via hootsuite" advertising on every post if you upgrade to "pro". · Jan 10, 2012 ·

Sandy Greenwood shared a merged idea: Removal of "via Hootsuite" from Facebook posts. · Dec 13, 2011 ·

Bryan Kramer shared a merged idea: the ability to remove "via HootSuite" link and logo from updates (facebook and twitter) · Nov 9, 2011 ·

Anna Medeiros shared a merged idea: Would it be possible to have the "hootsuite" tag removed from posts? · Oct 12, 2011 ·

thefrog shared a merged idea: REMOVE YOUR LOGO FROM UPDATES! · Sep 30, 2011 ·

thefrog shared a merged idea: Remove your logo in facebook updates for pro · Sep 30, 2011 ·

Lluci shared a merged idea: Please include the ability to remove "via HootSuite" link and logo from updates · Sep 27, 2011 ·

Josef shared a merged idea: publishing · Sep 22, 2011 ·

Kenny Jean Baptiste shared a merged idea: New FEATURE!!!! · Sep 2, 2011 ·

ray shared a merged idea: Revenue Stream: Charge $3 per month to remove the "via hootsuite" tag from Facebook. Co.'s will pay · Aug 2, 2011 ·

BollyDuffer shared a merged idea: allow removal of "sent via HootSuite" · Jul 17, 2011 ·

n/a shared a merged idea: have the ability to remove "via Hootsuite" tagline from scheduled tweets. · May 26, 2011 ·

M1K3 H@11 shared a merged idea: Allow enterprise users to post without it being tagged via Hootsuite, this would be great. · Mar 23, 2011 ·

Corinne shared a merged idea: remove hootsuite logo from posts on facebook, I would pay double what I pay now monthy for that! · Mar 1, 2011 ·

Rem shared a merged idea: have the option of removing the "via hootsuite" tag on Facebook Updates for paid subscribers. · Feb 28, 2011 ·

bh854 shared a merged idea: Posts on Facebok · Jan 26, 2011 ·

Jérôme de Beauvoir shared a merged idea: white label publications · Jan 13, 2011 ·

Eva shared a merged idea: via hootsuite · Dec 13, 2010 ·

Briana shared a merged idea: Hootsuite Advertising on Facebook Page · Dec 6, 2010 ·

Shelley shared a merged idea: Give us the option to get rid of the sent via hootsuite when we are sending out messages. · Dec 2, 2010 ·

eventidigitali srl shared a merged idea: Add the ability to remove "via hootsuite" from facebook messages · Nov 29, 2010 ·

ChrisMuething shared a merged idea: In hootsuite i miss a branding-option like in marketmesuite, will you programm that ? · Oct 22, 2010 ·

Anonymous shared a merged idea: as · Oct 13, 2010 ·

Neil Roberts shared a merged idea: Allow a user to enter custom OAuth key/secret for an account so they can use a custom "via" · Sep 17, 2010 ·

elecray7k shared a merged idea: have a way to turn off the owl icon on facebook posts -- it's cute, but unprofessional! · Mar 17, 2010 ·

completed ·

AdminSarah (Admin, HootSuite) responded · Apr 8, 2013

We’re happy to update this feedback request with new information from Facebook. Facebook has recently removed the 3rd party ‘via’ tags from status updates to Facebook Pages. Status updates, links and posts from HootSuite will now appear as they do through Facebook natively.

Thank you for your continued feedback and support!

Show previous admin responses (6)

completed ·

AdminSarah (Admin, HootSuite) responded · Jan 10, 2013

We’re happy to update this feedback request with new information from Facebook. Facebook has recently removed the 3rd party ‘via’ tags from status updates to Facebook Pages. Status updates will now appear as they do through Facebook natively.

Links and photos will still show as shared via HootSuite as Facebook recognizes this as an application action.

HootSuite has developed a branded via publisher solution for HootSuite Enterprise users for Facebook photo and link posts. If you’d like more information on HootSuite Enterprise, please email sales@hootsuite.com.

Thank you for your continued feedback and support!

declined ·

AdminSarah (Admin, HootSuite) responded · Oct 19, 2012

It is against Facebook current terms of service to make or attempt to make posts look as if they came from Facebook.com: Facebook’s Terms of Service state that applications cannot brand messages as being sent via Facebook.
REFERENCE: https://www.facebook.com/brandpermissions/logos.php

HootSuite is in the process of developing a branded via publisher solutions in the future for HootSuite Enterprise users for Facebook only. We have created a new request for this feature and we encourage you to vote it up here: http://feedback.hootsuite.com/forums/40182-hootsuite-com-web-dashboard/suggestions/2625284-custom-via-solutions-for-posts-to-facebook

Thank you for your continued feedback!

declined ·

AdminSarah (Admin, HootSuite) responded · Sep 13, 2012

This feature request initially encompassed two different requests. What we are doing here is stating what is not possible at this time under this request, and creating a new feedback item which potentially could be possible in the future in regards to custom via for Facebook.

This is against Facebook current terms of service: Facebook’s Terms of Service state that applications cannot brand messages as being sent via Facebook.
REFERENCE: https://www.facebook.com/brandpermissions/logos.php

HootSuite will, however, be exploring the option of branded via publisher solutions in the future for Facebook only. We have created a new request for this feature and we encourage you to vote it up here: http://feedback.hootsuite.com/forums/40182-hootsuite-com-web-dashboard/suggestions/2625284-custom-via-solutions-for-posts-to-facebook

Twitter has recently removed all 3rd party ‘via’ tags, and this will be reflected in future versions of the API as well.

declined ·

Chris from HootSuite responded · Feb 24, 2012

What’s is being declined here are two things that are against the terms of service of the networks under discussion.

1. ‘Tweet-branding’ on Twitter – Twitter’s Terms of Service states in section II.3.C: "You[Developers] should not solicit another developer’s consumer keys or consumer secrets especially if they will be stored or used for actions outside of that developer’s control. Keys and secrets that are compromised will be reset by Twitter. For example, online services that ask for these values in order to provide a “tweet-branding” service are not allowed." For this reason and after discussions with Twitter.com HootSuite will not be supporting a branded ‘via’ solution for Twitter as it is currently in contravention to Twitter’s TOS.
REFERENCE: https://dev.twitter.com/terms/api-terms/diff

2. Facebook messages appearing as if sent via Facebook – Facebook’s Terms of Service state that applications cannot brand messages as being sent via Facebook.
REFERENCE: https://www.facebook.com/brandpermissions/logos.php

declined ·

Chris from HootSuite responded · Feb 23, 2012

After review, we must decline this feature request. As a Facebook Preferred Developer, HootSuite must take special care to not violate Facebook’s Platform’s Policies, specifically Article II-4 (http://developers.facebook.com/policy/); as well as Facebook’s Usage Guidelines, specifically Articles 1 and 7 (https://www.facebook.com/brandpermissions/logos.php)

Please note that while some apps have this feature, none are Facebook Preferred Developers. Obviously, Facebook can deny API access for TOS violations at any time.

Because we are committed to our users, we must take especial care to ensure Facebook API access to everyone who uses our service.

under review ·

Danielle responded · Dec 8, 2010

This is an interesting suggestion.

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Joel commented · May 6, 2013 6:19 p.m. · Flag as inappropriate · Delete

Has this been fixed? I just installed and set up hootsuite and noticed this on my first post(which I removed).

The admin comment at the top of this thread says it was removed, but it definitely just showed up when I posted to Facebook.

Is this a bug? Can I remove it? I'll keep messing with it, and I guess I will also explore other tools like this because I'm not going to use something that says "via hootsuite". I don't want my users to know what I'm using or whether or not I'm scheduling posts.
Holly commented · April 22, 2013 7:48 a.m. · Flag as inappropriate · Delete

Mine are still showing....how do you turn this off?
John commented · April 7, 2013 8:45 p.m. · Flag as inappropriate · Delete

I for one would be happy to pay for it, not $1500 for the enterprise as I don't think the value is that high but there is definitely a cost that would be worth it... maybe $50 a month? The influx in business should more than make up for the loss in cross advertisement and brand recognition. It would easily give that boost over competition. As is I may not be able to continue with hootsuite as I definitely see a dramatic drop in likes we're usually in the thousands and its dropped to the hundreds so I would think Ebenlo@ iReco8o.com is correct with a 67% decrease in overall engagement. Please hurry.
Karrie commented · April 3, 2013 11:17 a.m. · Flag as inappropriate · Delete

We are still seeing "via Hootsuite" on one page, but not on another. The page we still see it on is an older page that used HS with another SMM in the past, and the one that it isn't showing up on is a new page that was just set up a few weeks ago. Not sure if that's relevant but FYI.
Ebenlo@ iReco8o.com commented · March 19, 2013 6:44 p.m. · Flag as inappropriate · Delete

Empirical data on the damage this is causing: "Facebook Content Published Via Third-Party Tools Suffers 67% Fewer Likes" http://bit.ly/ZYTeJ0

Thanks for the post Sarah, but no, the 'via' tags are still posting as of 19MAR2013.
Ebenlo@ iReco8o.com commented · March 19, 2013 6:01 p.m. · Flag as inappropriate · Delete

Yeah, this is ridiculous. Why should I share my hard-searched marketing secrets with ANYONE I don't REALLY want to?
Anonymous commented · February 21, 2013 5:59 p.m. · Flag as inappropriate · Delete

Guys.. This is a multi million $ VC backed company. They know the value of the via branding give them. Do you really think they will listen to you. Their calculation is simple. Pro (use branding because the return is great for them in term of adversisement). Entreprise (don(t use it bcause they pay more). Dont waste your time. They know what they are doing to have viral marketing for free.
Anonymous commented · February 14, 2013 12:28 p.m. · Flag as inappropriate · Delete

I have tried everything out there. And the best seem's to be sendible .. I was gonna leave them to go to hootsuite only because of the auto schedule .. thanks hootsuite for being dumb. I find out you only remove it for enterprise users ? @ $1500 a month .. BYE BYE HOOTSUITE .. it was a hoot !
Todd Palmieri commented · January 10, 2013 11:30 a.m. · Flag as inappropriate · Delete

If this is a Facebook issue, why can we use Sendible for Facebook and the rest with our own branding in the "via". Sure, they charge us an extra $15per month, but at least they are upfront about it.
Anonymous commented · January 7, 2013 6:11 a.m. · Flag as inappropriate · Delete

so ' via' is totally removed?
Aaron Foster commented · January 1, 2013 3:09 a.m. · Flag as inappropriate · Delete

Not sure if this link is true but smell some BS from the previous blatant excuse of using the reference of https://www.facebook.com/brandpermissions/logos.php which has nothing to do with the whole 'via _____' saga.

http://blog.wisemetrics.com/2012/12/breaking-news-no-more-via-hootsuite-or-via-buffer-on-feed-stories/
Anonymous commented · December 27, 2012 7:15 a.m. · Flag as inappropriate · Delete

Sarah, I followed the link you show ^, and there is no language about making posts "look" like they came from FB. Am I missing this? In any case, the post IS coming from FB.com, you are writing it on our behalf, similar to someone using the share button from another website. We do it everyday.

Can't use Hootsuite for posting to FB, sorry.
Anonymous commented · December 27, 2012 7:07 a.m. · Flag as inappropriate · Delete

The HS branding discourages my FB followers from clickign links. I posted a soundcloud link "via Hootsuite" on FB three days ago on a page and my home page. I received 0 comments, 0 likes, and 1 play for both pages. I would normally receive about 10 plays, a few comments, and a bunch of likes. The "via Hootsuite" is a killer, and a deal breaker for me. Even though it's perfect for my application, I can't use it for posting. Plus it looks unprofessional.
Anonymous commented · December 27, 2012 1:11 a.m. · Flag as inappropriate · Delete

The whole point of trying to build our brands through social media is lost if we have a 'via hootsuite' - it is not real time anymore. Is there anyway we can get rid of it?
Anonymous commented · December 18, 2012 9:12 a.m. · Flag as inappropriate · Delete

+1
Jo commented · December 16, 2012 1:39 p.m. · Flag as inappropriate · Delete

We are a not-for-profit which barely receives any funding for our work. We would love to use Hootsuite to manage our Facebook, Twitter, WP blog accounts but we can't because of this "via Hootsuite" issue. We currently cannot afford the $9/mth pro version. We can ill afford for our followers to feel that there is any disconnection with our organisation. Sorry!
Jon Michael Bray commented · December 14, 2012 4:55 p.m. · Flag as inappropriate · Delete

+1 for removing branding.
Lior commented · December 5, 2012 5:23 a.m. · Flag as inappropriate · Delete

HootSuite ,are you really willing to loose all your clients just for that reason (No matter if it's Facebook "rules" or your own desire for branding) ? I will come up with a list of platforms who solved this problem already.
emmanuel commented · November 30, 2012 10:00 a.m. · Flag as inappropriate · Delete

The reference you give is either outdated or incorrect. I don't see the terms of service you are referencing. I will not use this service, either, if the branding of HootSuite cannot be removed. I also looked at the facebook pages for the brands you claim use this and I do not see the HootSuite markings on any of their posts (McDonalds, Lamborgini, Virgin, etc.)

You need a solution for your pro members, not just enterprise members.
Anonymous commented · November 19, 2012 1:11 p.m. · Flag as inappropriate · Delete

Great product - not so great when your branding overtakes mine or my clients. I am a pro user and will discontinue if this is not dealt with swiftly