If you promote products or services online and earn commissions through affiliate links, you’re legally required to include an affiliate disclosure. Transparency builds trust, but it also helps you stay compliant with regulations like the FTC guidelines and GDPR.
In this article, you’ll learn what an affiliate disclosure is, why it matters, and exactly what you must include to keep your website or blog both trustworthy and legally compliant.
What Is an Affiliate Disclosure?
An affiliate disclosure is a short statement that informs readers that you earn a commission if they click on an affiliate link and make a purchase. It ensures that your audience knows about your financial relationships with companies or brands mentioned in your content.
Why Is an Affiliate Disclosure Important?
1. Legal Compliance
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires U.S.-based marketers and influencers to clearly disclose affiliate relationships. Non-compliance can lead to warnings, penalties, or legal action.
2. Transparency Builds Trust
Modern consumers appreciate honesty. A well-placed affiliate disclosure tells your readers that you’re not hiding anything, which increases credibility.
3. Protects Your Brand
Having proper disclosures helps protect your brand from legal and reputational risks, especially if your audience spans multiple countries with strict data and advertising laws.
What You Must Include in an Affiliate Disclosure
Here are the key elements every affiliate disclosure should include:
Clear Language
Use straightforward language your readers can understand. Avoid legal jargon or vague phrasing.
“Some links may be affiliated.”
“I may earn a commission if you purchase through the links on this page—at no extra cost to you.”
Visibility
The disclosure should be placed before or near any affiliate link—not hidden in the footer or Terms & Conditions. Ideal spots include:
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Top of blog posts
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Before the first affiliate link
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In product descriptions or reviews
Honesty and Accuracy
Be honest about your relationship with the brand. If you’ve received free products, say so. If you only get paid for sales (not clicks), make that clear.
Compliance with Local Laws
If your audience includes users in the EU, UK, or Canada, your disclosure may also need to comply with GDPR, ePrivacy, and local marketing laws. Include:
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A privacy notice
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Cookie tracking disclosures
Affiliate Disclosure Examples
Simple Blog Disclosure
“This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.”
YouTube or Podcast Disclosure
“Some of the links or mentions in this episode are affiliate links, which means I earn a commission if you buy through them.”
Social Media Disclosure (e.g., Instagram)
“#ad #affiliate”
Where to Place Your Affiliate Disclosure
To be compliant, place your disclosure:
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Before the first affiliate link
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On every page that contains affiliate content
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In your Privacy Policy and Terms of Service
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In your email newsletters if they contain affiliate links
SEO Tips for Affiliate Disclosure
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Use keywords like affiliate disclosure, sponsored links, earn a commission, and affiliate marketing disclaimer.
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Include the disclosure on your affiliate landing pages and product reviews.
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Use schema markup (
RevieworProduct) if you publish review content.
Final Thoughts
Affiliate disclosures are not just a legal requirement—they’re a best practice for ethical affiliate marketing. By making your relationships transparent, you build trust with your audience and protect your brand from penalties.
Make sure your affiliate disclosure is clear, visible, and honest—and keep it consistent across all your channels.