Affiliate marketing can be a great way to earn passive income, but it also comes with responsibilities. One of the most important is staying compliant with affiliate disclosure guidelines. Whether you’re a blogger, influencer, or YouTuber, transparency about your affiliate relationships is not just ethical — it’s legally required.
In this article, we’ll break down what affiliate disclosure means, why it matters, and how to ensure you’re fully compliant with the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) and other international regulations.
What Is an Affiliate Disclosure?
An affiliate disclosure is a statement that informs your audience that you earn a commission if they make a purchase through your links. The purpose is to ensure transparency and honesty in advertising, so your readers know when content may be influenced by a commercial relationship.
Example:
“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
This simple sentence fulfills the FTC’s requirement — clear, visible, and easy to understand.
Why Affiliate Disclosures Are Important
Affiliate disclosures aren’t just about compliance — they also build trust. When your audience knows you’re transparent, they’re more likely to value your recommendations.
Here’s why disclosures matter:
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Legal compliance: The FTC and similar bodies (like the ASA in the UK or GDPR regulators in the EU) require disclosure of paid partnerships.
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Trust and credibility: Honest communication strengthens your brand reputation.
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Audience clarity: Your readers can make informed decisions without feeling misled.
FTC Guidelines for Affiliate Disclosures
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States sets clear rules for affiliate marketers. Here’s a quick summary:
1. Make It Clear and Conspicuous
Your disclosure must be easy to see and read, not hidden in small print or at the bottom of the page.
Good example:
“This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click and buy.”
2. Place It Early
The disclosure should appear before or near any affiliate links — not buried at the end of the article.
3. Use Simple Language
Avoid jargon. Phrases like “affiliate link”, “sponsored”, or “commission earned” are clear and understandable.
4. Apply It Across All Platforms
If you promote affiliate links on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok, include your disclosure in:
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The video description
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On-screen captions
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Verbal mentions during the video
Best Practices to Stay Compliant
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Use a Standard Disclosure Template
Create a short, consistent disclosure statement to use across your website or social media. -
Add a Dedicated Disclosure Page
In addition to inline mentions, add a full Affiliate Disclosure Policy Page linked from your footer. -
Review Program Requirements
Some affiliate programs, like Amazon Associates, have their own specific disclosure wording — always follow their rules. -
Keep It Up to Date
Regulations evolve. Regularly review FTC updates and adjust your disclosures accordingly. -
Use Tools and Plugins
If you’re on WordPress, plugins like Pretty Links or Affiliate Disclosure WP can automate the process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Hiding disclosures at the bottom of your post
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Using vague phrases like “thanks to our partners”
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Only including disclosures on one page
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Forgetting to disclose on social media posts or videos
Transparency should always be immediate and unambiguous.
Conclusion
Staying compliant with affiliate disclosure guidelines is not just about following rules — it’s about respecting your audience. Clear and honest disclosures build trust, protect your business, and enhance your credibility as a content creator.
By following FTC guidelines, using consistent statements, and placing disclosures prominently, you’ll ensure your affiliate marketing strategy is both ethical and compliant.