← All guides

How to Disclose Affiliate Links: FTC Rules in Plain English

If you earn money from a link, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) expects you to tell your audience clearly, every time. Here is what its own guidance says, with wording you can copy for each platform. The beginner-friendly programs below all need this, like any program you join.

Not legal advice. Green Gator Affiliator isn't a law firm. This summarizes the FTC's page "FTC's Endorsement Guides: What People Are Asking" (last updated July 15, 2025), checked October 25, 2026. Rules in other countries differ.

1. When you need to disclose

Any time you share a link that can earn you money. The FTC says the responsibility is yours, not the company's or the platform's, and you can't assume your followers already know.

2. Use words people understand

The FTC gives this as an example for a blog post: "I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post." It also says:

• "Paid link" right next to an affiliate link should be adequate.
• "Affiliate link" alone may not be understood by everyone.
• "Commissionable link" is probably not clear, and a "buy now" button isn't a disclosure.
• Starting a post with "Ad:", "#ad" or "Advertisement" would likely work.
• "#ambassador" and "partner" are ambiguous, and so is "Gifted" without the brand's name.

3. Put it where people will see it

• Close to the recommendation and the link, before people click. "The closer the disclosure is to your recommendation, the better."
• At the start of a post rather than the middle or end.
• Not only on your home page, About page or terms, not only in the comments, and not hidden behind a link that says "Disclosure".
• In the same language as the post.

4. Videos and live streams

• Put the disclosure in the video itself, not only in the description.
• If the recommendation is on screen, show the disclosure on screen. Saying it out loud alone misses people who watch with the sound off, so do both when you can.
• In a live stream, keep a disclosure on screen or repeat it, because people join partway through.

5. Don't rely on the platform's label alone

Built-in "paid partnership" tools may not be enough on their own. The FTC suggests adding your own disclosure as well.

6. Wording you can copy

• Blog or website: "I earn a commission if you buy through links in this post, at no extra cost to you." Put it at the top, above the first link.
• YouTube: say "Some links in the description are paid links, so I earn a commission if you buy through them," and show the same words on screen when you mention the product. Repeat the line at the top of the description.
• Instagram, TikTok or X: start the caption with "Ad:" or "#ad", or with "Paid link:" before the link.
• Email newsletter: "This email has paid links. I earn a commission if you buy through them," near the top and next to each link.
• Podcast: say it out loud before you mention the product, at a normal pace.

7. Check your program's own rules too

Some programs require their own exact wording or ban certain places for links. Each listing on Green Gator Affiliator links to the official terms. For the basics of commissions and payouts, see Affiliate marketing basics.

Every program below was checked on its official page, most recently on October 26, 2026. Sorted by name, never by what pays us. Terms change, so confirm with the company before you apply.

Who pays: each company sets and pays its own commissions. Green Gator Affiliator does not pay, hold or guarantee any earnings. Most affiliates earn little at first.

Keep track of the programs you join

Green Gator Affiliator is a free organizer for your applications, affiliate links, promo codes and QR codes. Create a free account.

More guides

• Beginner-Friendly Affiliate Programs
• Affiliate Programs With Recurring Commissions
• Affiliate Programs for YouTubers
• Affiliate Programs for Podcasters
• Affiliate Programs for Newsletter Writers
• Email Marketing Affiliate Programs
• Web Hosting and Website Builder Affiliate Programs
• AI Tool Affiliate Programs
• Online Course Platform Affiliate Programs
• Affiliate Programs for Bloggers
• Affiliate Programs for Social Media Creators
• Creator Tool Affiliate Programs
• Video and Podcast Tool Affiliate Programs
• Marketing and SEO Tool Affiliate Programs
• Design Tool Affiliate Programs
• Productivity Software Affiliate Programs
• Ecommerce Affiliate Programs
• Social Media Tool Affiliate Programs
• Affiliate Programs With a Payout Minimum of $50 or Less
• Affiliate Programs With Cookies of 90 Days or More
• Affiliate Programs You Can Join Without a Website
• Amazon Associates Alternatives
• How to Check if an Affiliate Program Is Legit
• Affiliate Network Rules, Explained in Plain English
• Rejected From an Affiliate Program? What to Do Next
• Affiliate Programs That Pay a Flat Amount