I’ve been in digital marketing for years, and I’ve seen lots of affiliate marketers—including friends and clients—get confused about FTC disclosure rules. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has clear rules, and if you don’t follow them, you could face penalties or legal trouble.
In this guide, I’ll explain what the FTC expects in plain English, give real examples, and share tips to help you stay compliant.
Why FTC Disclosure Rules for Affiliate Marketing Matter
The FTC’s job is to protect people from misleading ads. If you’re making money from recommending products—even as an affiliate—you need to be upfront about that.
I’ve seen marketers get into trouble by hiding disclosures. One of my clients got a warning from the FTC because they used a vague #sponsored tag way down in their Instagram hashtags. That’s not good enough. The FTC wants clear, easy-to-see disclosures.
Why it matters:
- Transparency – People should know if you’re earning money from your recommendations.
- Legal reasons – Not following the rules could get you fined or banned from platforms.
- Trust – Being honest helps build trust with your followers.
What Counts as a Proper Disclosure?
It’s not just about adding any disclosure—the FTC wants it to be obvious and easy to understand. Based on my experience, here’s what works:
1. Placement Matters
- Above the Fold – Put the disclosure before people have to click “read more” or scroll.
- Near the Link – If you’re talking about a product, the disclosure should be close to that mention.
I knew someone who added the disclosure at the end of a 3,000-word blog post. That didn’t work—the FTC flagged it because the links came way before the disclosure.
2. Clear Language
Don’t use fancy words. Keep it simple. Examples:
- “I earn a commission if you buy through my link.”
- “This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may get paid if you make a purchase.”
3. Platform-Specific Rules
- Blogs/Websites – Put the disclosure at the top of your post or near each affiliate link.
- Social Media – Use #ad or #affiliate in the first few lines—not hidden in hashtags.
- YouTube/Videos – Say it out loud and show the text on-screen within the first 30 seconds.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are the most common mistakes I’ve seen over the years that get marketers in trouble:
1. Hidden or Vague Disclaimers
❌ “Some links may be affiliate.” (Too vague.)
✅ “This post contains affiliate links, and I earn a commission at no extra cost to you.”
2. Assuming “Everyone Knows”
One friend with a travel blog told me, “My followers already know I use affiliate links.” That doesn’t matter—the FTC says you still need to disclose it every time.
3. Relying Only on a Disclosures Page
Having a separate “Disclosures” page isn’t enough. You need to include disclosures near each affiliate link or product mention.
Real-Life Examples of Compliant Disclosures
Here are some real examples from marketers I know who do it right:
Blog Post Example:
“Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my work!”
Instagram Caption Example:
“Loving this skincare product! #ad #affiliate (Link in bio)”
YouTube Video Example:
“Before we begin, I want to let you know that some links in the description are affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I might earn a commission.”
How to Stay Updated with FTC Guidelines
The FTC sometimes updates its rules. Here’s how I stay on top of it:
- Check FTC.gov – They have easy-to-understand guides for marketers.
- Follow Experts – Legal and marketing blogs often explain changes.
- Look at Competitors – See how the top people in your niche disclose their links.
One of my clients avoided getting in trouble by updating their disclosures after a new FTC rule in 2023. Keeping up matters!
Final Thoughts: Better Safe Than Sorry
Don’t take chances with affiliate disclosures. Being clear and honest protects you and helps people trust you more.
From what I’ve seen, the affiliate marketers who succeed over the long term are the ones who follow the rules. If you’re not sure about your current disclosures, take a few minutes to check them now. It could save you a lot of trouble later.
Need help? The FTC website has free info, or you can talk to a legal expert who knows digital marketing.
By following these tips, you’ll stay safe and build a brand people trust. Happy (and compliant) affiliate marketing
