FTC Affiliate Disclosure Guide: How to Disclose Affiliate Links

Updated 2026-11-07 · AffiliateMarketer.io editors

If you earn money when readers click or buy, the US Federal Trade Commission expects you to tell them. The FTC's Endorsement Guides (16 CFR Part 255) say material connections, such as affiliate commissions, must be disclosed clearly and conspicuously. This guide summarizes common practice. It is not legal advice.

The core rules

• Disclose close to the link or recommendation, not only in a footer or a separate "disclosure" page.
• Use plain words people understand, such as "I earn a commission if you buy through these links."
• Make it hard to miss. Readers shouldn't have to click "more" or scroll to find it.
• Disclose on every platform, including video (say it out loud and show it on screen) and social posts.

Wording examples

• "This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you."
• "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases." Amazon requires this statement for its program.
• On social: "#ad" or "#affiliate" at the start of the caption, not buried among other hashtags.

Program rules on top of the FTC

Many programs add their own rules. For example, Semrush requires FTC-compliant disclosure and bans bidding on its brand keywords, and Bluehost requires disclosure and approval for paid search campaigns. Always read the terms of each program you join.

Further reading

The FTC publishes free guidance for creators and publishers, including "Disclosures 101 for Social Media Influencers" and the Endorsement Guides FAQ, at ftc.gov.