Affiliate marketing can be a great method to make money online. However, with no proper disclosure, you’re a steps away from losing the customers’ confidence, or even facing legal issues.
No matter if you’re a blogger creator of content, or an influential person, disclosing affiliate marketing links is legal as well as a chance to build trust. In this article we’ll teach you how to create your affiliate disclosure in a way that will keep you in compliance and engaged to your followers.
Who This Is For (User Persona)
Primary Audience:
Digital entrepreneurs, bloggers, YouTubers, influencers, and affiliate marketers–especially those newer to the industry–who use affiliate links and want to comply with regulations while maintaining transparency with their audience.
Pain Points:
- Confused about the best way and place to share affiliate marketing links
- Are you worried about violating FTC guidelines or losing trust?
- Wanting simple copy-paste samples of clearly stated disclosures
- Are you interested in learning more about the ways AI tools can assist in automatizing compliance
Why Affiliate Link Disclosure Matters
Affiliate marketing disclosures don’t just constitute legal red tape, they’re also a mark of respect.
Legal Compliance
The U.S., the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires content creators to prominently and clearly reveal the existence of affiliate marketing partnerships. Failure to comply could lead to sanctions or removals.
FTC changed its rules in 2023 and emphasized:
- Disclosures must be required (not hidden in footers)
- The use of a vague language such as “may contain affiliate links” is not sufficient.
- Simple, clear English is needed.
Real-life example: In 2023, fashion influencer Brittany Dawn was fined for false endorsements and not revealing the facts. Don’t allow that to happen to you.
Build Trust
82% of customers say that trust in a brand or a creator directly influences their purchasing purchase (Edelman Trust Barometer 2023). Honesty can help build the habit of repeat business, clicks and referrals.
How to Write an Affiliate Disclosure (With Examples)
Here’s how you can create a disclosure that’s legally legal and friendly to the audience.
Placement: Where Should It Go?
- above The Fold (before affiliate links are displayed)
- Within every blog article page, page, or video, affiliate links are included.
- In social media posts (e.g. Use hashtags such as
#ad,#affiliate) - Include an designated page on disclosure policies located in your footer
Language: What Should It Say?
Make it clear, simple and personable.
Short Form Example:
This article includes affiliate marketing hyperlinks. If you purchase through them, I might receive a fee at no cost to you.
YouTube/Vlog Example:
A few of the links included that are in the video may be affiliate hyperlinks. This means that if you click them and then make an purchase, I could make a small percentage. This helps to support the channel. Thanks for your help!
Long Form Example (For Footer or About Page):
I’m a participant in affiliate programs like Amazon Associates. This means that I earn commissions if you click on my links or purchase items. This allows me to create more useful content for you.
Affiliate Link Disclosure Checklist
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Clear & understandable | No legalese, jargon or lingo |
| Prominent location | Over the fold prior to any affiliate links |
| Every page has affiliate links | Not only once on your website |
| Platform-specific conformity | YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, etc. Each has its own rules |
| Mobile-optimized disclosure | It is easy to read and can be seen on smaller screens. |
| Updated on a regular basis | Make sure you are in compliance with the most current FTC or local laws |
AI & Affiliate Disclosure: What’s Changing?
New AI tools are changing the way we organize and manage disclosures.
AI Tools to Watch:
- Jasper, Koala, or Write sonic: Can generate compliant affiliate text blocks quickly
- Searcher SEO and outranking help optimize your site’s positioning for SEO and ensure visibility
- WordPress Plugins such as Thirsty Affiliates automatically add disclosures to affiliate links prior to the affiliate links
- Artificial Intelligence-driven Compliance Monitoring Tools Look over the pages for any missing or weak disclosures
But Watch Out:
Generative AI could mistakenly conceal or obscure disclosures particularly in long-form content. Always check your pages manually to ensure that disclosures are prominently displayed.
What Happens If You Don’t Disclose?
| Risk | Example |
|---|---|
| FTC Fines | As high as $43,792 for a violation across the U.S. |
| Platform Bans | YouTube/Instagram could halt monetization for false advertisements |
| Loss of Audience Trust | The readers may see unidentified links as shady or deceitful |
| Affiliate Program Rejection | Amazon Associates can ban users for breaking their disclosure and linking rules |
Examples of Real Creators
Example 1: Wirecutter (NYTimes Affiliate Site)
Disclosure of affiliate relationships at the end of each review and includes links to a complete section on affiliate policies.
Example 2: Pat Flynn – Smart Passive Income
Makes use of a warm, reader-first dialect such as:
“Some in the hyperlinks featured in this article are affiliate links. This means that I receive a fee if you purchase something at no additional charge to you. Thank you for helping me support my work. !”
These strategies are legally secure and well-informed.
FAQs About Affiliate Link Disclosure
1. Do I have to mention affiliate links in every video or blog post?
Yes. every piece of content that contains affiliate links should include an obvious disclosure.
2. Does a site-wide announcement enough?
No. The FTC demands explicit, on a page basis disclosures for affiliate links when they are displayed.
3. Do I have to conceal my affiliate disclosure inside the footer and in the sidebar?
No. Disclosures should be in expansible and easily visible prior to users click on a link.
4. What hashtags could I make use of on social media to reveal?
Use clear tags such as #ad, #affiliate as well as sponsored. Avoid obscure tags such as #partner by themselves.
5. Does Amazon have specific guidelines for affiliates’ disclosure?
Yes. You have to include this exact wording:
In my capacity as An Amazon Associate, I earn from eligible purchases.
