Affiliate Disclosure Template
How it works
Affiliate disclosures notify readers and viewers that the content creator receives a commission if they purchase through affiliate links. The Affiliate Disclosure Template generates FTC-compliant disclosure language for websites, blogs, YouTube descriptions, and social media.
**FTC requirement** The FTC requires clear and conspicuous disclosure of any material connection between an endorser (content creator) and the brand being promoted — including affiliate relationships. This applies to bloggers, YouTubers, podcasters, Instagram influencers, and email newsletters. "Material connection" includes: affiliate commissions, free products, sponsored content payments, employee status, and personal relationships that could bias the review.
**"Clear and conspicuous" standard** The disclosure must be: placed where consumers will see it before they encounter the endorsement; in readable font and contrast; not buried in footnotes, far below the content, or hidden in a link. For video content: verbal disclosure at the beginning of the video, or on-screen text near the beginning — not just in the description.
**Platform-specific requirements** YouTube: verbal disclosure in the video and in the description. Instagram: use #ad, #sponsored, or the platform's paid partnership tag at the beginning of the caption. Twitter/X: #ad at the beginning of the tweet. Blogs: disclosure visible before the first affiliate link, not just at the bottom of the page. Amazon Associates: specific required language ("As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases").
**FTC enforcement** The FTC has sent warning letters and brought enforcement actions against influencers and brands. Penalties can reach $50,120 per violation for ongoing violations. The FTC specifically targets health, finance, and consumer product niches.
This tool generates template disclosure language. Review the FTC's current Endorsement Guides for any updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Yes. The FTC requires clear and conspicuous disclosure of material connections between endorsers and advertisers. An affiliate relationship (earning commission on sales) is a material connection that must be disclosed. The disclosure must be placed so readers see it before reading the recommendation — not buried at the bottom of a page. Failure to disclose can result in FTC enforcement action, with potential fines up to $50,120 per violation. This applies to blogs, social media posts, YouTube videos, podcasts, and email newsletters.
- The FTC's standard: a disclosure is clear and conspicuous when it's hard to miss and easily understood. For blog posts: disclosure at the top of the post (not just in a footer policy page). For social media: in the post itself using #ad or #sponsored (not in a hashtag cloud). For YouTube: verbal mention at the start of the video plus in the description above the fold. The disclosure must use plain language — 'this post contains affiliate links and I may earn a commission' is clearer than 'compensated partnership.'
- #ad and #sponsored signal a paid relationship where a brand paid for the post or product placement. #affiliate signals you earn commission if viewers buy through your links but weren't necessarily paid for the post itself. FTC guidance: #affiliate is acceptable but #ad or 'contains affiliate links' is clearer. When in doubt, err toward more explicit language. Instagram and TikTok have built-in paid partnership labels that satisfy disclosure requirements for direct brand deals but not for standard affiliate links.
- No — a general disclosure page is not sufficient. FTC guidance requires disclosure at the point of recommendation, in the specific piece of content containing affiliate links. A footer disclaimer or a separate 'disclosures' page that readers may never visit doesn't satisfy the requirement. Each post, video, or social media post with affiliate links needs its own disclosure. Email newsletters with affiliate links need disclosure in each email.