A Leaked Spreadsheet Exposes the Hidden Cash-Flow of Crypto Promoters

Litecoin’s recent volatility has drawn attention to a broader issue within the cryptocurrency space: the growing influence of social media promotions by crypto influencers, many of which remain undisclosed. The surge in price movements has coincided with a publicized dispute involving a leaked spreadsheet that details payments made to over 200 influencers for promotional content on platforms like X. The dataset, shared by blockchain sleuth ZachXBT, has reignited calls for stricter regulation of paid promotions in crypto and highlighted the need for greater transparency in influencer marketing [1].

The spreadsheet revealed a range of payments, from several hundred to tens of thousands of dollars per post, with some influencers receiving up to $60,000 for a single piece of content. The document includes wallet addresses, transaction hashes, and tier classifications that appear to indicate the perceived value of each influencer’s audience. ZachXBT emphasized that the data represents a single campaign and not the entire industry, but he reiterated that the lack of disclosure remains a major issue. “It’s illegal in most jurisdictions but just is rarely enforced,” he stated, pointing to regulatory gaps [1].

The influencer in question who received the largest payment—@Atitty_—was noted for running “small giveaway” campaigns, a common tactic to boost engagement. This has led to criticism from other X users who questioned the ethics of undisclosed promotions in a space already known for its speculative nature. Erick (@EB7) commented, “It’s wild people in crypto don’t see the need to alert their following with a ad at the end of the post.” Others pointed out that the lack of transparency undermines investor trust and creates a skewed perception of market sentiment [1].

ZachXBT defended the practice of paid promotion when it is both genuine and disclosed. He clarified that his main issue is not with influencers earning money for their content but with the failure to inform followers. “There’s nothing wrong with influencers doing paid promotion as long as you genuinely believe in the project and disclose to your followers,” he wrote. The controversy has also exposed the industrialized nature of the crypto influencer economy, with rows in the spreadsheet listing per-post fees, package deals, and on-chain payment verification links, indicating a well-organized and data-driven industry [1].

The broader implications of the leak could extend beyond public sentiment. Legal experts have long emphasized the importance of clear disclosure practices, particularly as the FTC and other regulatory bodies increase their scrutiny of digital marketing. In a related development, LegalMatch noted that influencers and brands are facing more legal obligations as the influencer economy expands. The firm advised influencers to familiarize themselves with FTC guidelines and contract terms, while brands must ensure their partners comply with disclosure policies to avoid potential legal risks [2].

As the debate over transparency in the crypto space intensifies, regulators may face mounting pressure to enforce existing laws more rigorously. With Litecoin and other cryptocurrencies continuing to react to market sentiment and external influences, the need for greater oversight of social media-driven market activity becomes more pressing. The case of unreported crypto influencer campaigns serves as a cautionary example of how digital marketing, when left unchecked, can contribute to market volatility and erode trust in the asset class.

Source:

[1] Crypto Influencers' Insane Hidden Payouts Exposed By ... (https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-1088164-20250902)

[2] Sponsored Content Crackdown: LegalMatch Explains ... (https://www.barchart.com/story/news/34571026/sponsored-content-crackdown-legalmatch-explains-disclosure-requirements-for-influencers-and-brands)