Affiliate disclosures tell an audience that a publisher may receive compensation when someone clicks a link or completes a purchase or other action. A disclosure is part of transparent communication, not a substitute for honest content.
What US FTC guidance says
The US Federal Trade Commission's Endorsement Guides explain that material connections should be disclosed clearly and conspicuously. Its affiliate-marketing FAQ says readers should not have to search for the disclosure: it should be close to the recommendation and link. A phrase such as “I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post” is an example of plain-language disclosure.
This is US guidance. Publishers and advertisers must also check the laws, regulator guidance and platform rules that apply to their audience and location.
Placement matters
For a product review, put the disclosure near the recommendation and affiliate link. A disclosure hidden in a general About page, terms page or footer may not give the reader the context at the moment it matters.
For video, disclose the relationship in the video itself and near affiliate links in the description when appropriate. For social posts, use wording that the audience can understand and see without expanding a long caption or searching through profile links.
Use plain language
Avoid relying only on shorthand such as “affiliate link” if the audience may not understand that the publisher earns a commission. Explain the material connection directly. Do not use a disclosure that is visually hidden, low contrast, buried after a long block of text or obscured by platform truncation.
Advertiser and network controls
Advertisers should define disclosure expectations in publisher terms and provide approved examples. Networks should make relevant rules accessible before promotion and have a process for reviewing complaints or non-compliant placements. Publishers remain responsible for the content and placements they control.
A practical checklist
- Explain that compensation may be earned.
- Place the disclosure near the recommendation or link.
- Use wording suitable for the platform and audience.
- Make video disclosures visible and audible where appropriate.
- Do not imply independent testing or personal experience that did not occur.
- Review local law and platform policy for each market.
- Re-check disclosures when creatives or placements change.
The aim is not to add legal jargon. It is to give a reader enough information to understand the commercial relationship before acting.
Sources and further reading
Primary sources and further reading
Editorial note: This article is general educational information, not legal, financial or campaign-specific advice. Verify current rules and the actual campaign terms before acting.
