If you recommend products and earn money when readers buy, you have a relationship with the seller that your readers cannot see. That is what an affiliate disclosure is for. It tells readers about the relationship so they can decide how much weight to give your recommendation. It also keeps you on the right side of advertising rules and affiliate program terms.
This guide covers affiliate disclosure for bloggers: why it matters, what the FTC expects, what Amazon requires, sample wording you can adapt, and where to place it. This is general information, not legal advice. If you have complex arrangements, speak with a qualified attorney.
What Is an Affiliate Disclosure?
An affiliate disclosure is a short statement that tells readers you may earn a commission, free product, or other benefit if they buy something through your links or recommendations. It can appear on individual posts, in videos and social captions, and on a dedicated disclosure page that you link from your site.
Why Disclosure Matters
- It is expected by regulators. In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says people who endorse products must disclose “material connections,” which include financial relationships such as commissions or free products.
- It is a requirement of many programs. Affiliate programs often require specific disclosure language, and violating the terms can get your account closed.
- It builds trust. Readers are more comfortable with a blogger who is open about how they earn money.
What the FTC Says
The FTC publishes plain-language guidance, including a resource called “Disclosures 101 for Social Media Influencers” and a Q&A on its Endorsement Guides (revised in 2023). The key principles for bloggers are:
- Disclose clearly and conspicuously. Readers should notice the disclosure and understand it. They should not have to hunt for it.
- Put it near the recommendation. The FTC says that when a review and its disclosure are visible to the reader together with the link, a single clear disclosure may be adequate. If the disclosure and the link are separated, readers may not connect them.
- Use simple, direct language. The FTC gives examples such as “I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.” It also says “paid link” placed right next to an affiliate link should be an adequate disclosure of the link’s nature.
- Do not rely on vague terms. The FTC advises against confusing wording. In the same guidance it says the plain term “affiliate link” on its own may not be enough for readers who do not understand it.
- Do not hide it. Disclosures on an About page, in a footer only, or buried at the end of a long page are likely to be missed.
- Disclose in videos and descriptions. For video, the FTC says to disclose both in the video and near the links in the description.
- The responsibility is yours. You cannot assume a platform’s built-in tool or the brand will take care of it.
What Amazon Requires
If you are an Amazon Associate, Amazon’s Operating Agreement requires you to clearly state that you earn from qualifying purchases using this statement: “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.” Amazon also states that you should identify yourself as an Associate in the manner provided. Amazon’s materials for influencers add that link-level disclosures should be clear and conspicuous, such as “(paid link),” “#ad,” or “#CommissionsEarned,” placed near the link where customers will see it easily.
So for Amazon links you effectively do two things: include Amazon’s required Associates statement somewhere clear on your site, and use plain-language disclosure near your links consistent with FTC guidance. Because Amazon updates program language over time, check the current Operating Agreement before you finalize your wording. If you are comparing programs, see Amazon Influencer vs. Amazon Associates.
Disclosure Wording Examples
Adapt these to your voice and situation. Keep them short and direct.
For a blog post with affiliate links
Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
For an Amazon-specific post
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means if you click a link and buy, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
For a sponsored or gifted product
This product was provided to me for free by the brand. All opinions are my own, and I only recommend products I believe are useful.
Only write “all opinions are my own” if it is true. If a brand required approval of your content or specific talking points, say so honestly or skip that phrase.
For a short link-level label
(paid link) or (affiliate link, I earn a commission)
For a video description
Disclosure: Some links below are affiliate links, so I earn a commission if you buy through them.
And mention it out loud in the video itself.
Where to Place Your Disclosure
| Location | What to do |
|---|---|
| Top of a post | Add a short note before the first affiliate link, ideally above the fold. |
| Near the links | For longer posts, repeat a brief note or add “(paid link)” next to links. |
| Sidebar or footer | Fine as an extra layer, but never as your only disclosure. |
| Disclosure page | Create a dedicated page and link to it from your menu or footer. It supports your posts but does not replace them. |
| Add a short line near affiliate links in newsletters. | |
| Social posts | Put the disclosure in the visible part of the caption, not hidden behind a “more” cut-off. |
| Video | Say it on camera or show it on screen, and add it near links in the description. |
| Make disclosure clear on the pin or in the description, and on your destination page. |
How to Create a Disclosure Page
A dedicated page gives you space to explain how you earn money. Include:
- A plain statement that your site contains affiliate links and that you may earn commissions.
- The programs you participate in, including the Amazon Associates statement if applicable.
- A note on how you choose what to recommend.
- A statement that product recommendations are based on your honest opinion.
- How readers can contact you with questions.
Link to it from your site menu or footer, and mention it in your post-level notes. Also check that your privacy policy covers cookies, tracking, and third-party links.
Things You Must Not Do
- Do not fake reviews or experiences. Only write about products you have actually used or researched, and say which is which. The FTC has rules against fake reviews and testimonials.
- Do not hide links. Disguising affiliate links as normal links without disclosure is a problem.
- Do not make claims you cannot support. Avoid promises about guaranteed results or income.
- Do not incentivize clicks improperly. Amazon, for example, says you cannot offer rewards for using your links or ask people to use your links to support you.
- Do not skip disclosure on older posts. If your archive has affiliate links, review it. Our guide to refreshing old blog posts includes a link and disclosure check.
A Quick Audit You Can Do Today
- List every affiliate program you belong to.
- Check each program’s terms for required disclosure language.
- Open your five most-visited posts and look for affiliate links.
- Make sure a clear disclosure sits above or near the first link.
- Create or update a disclosure page and link it in your menu.
- Review your social and email templates for disclosure language.
- Set a reminder to revisit your wording twice a year.
Does Disclosure Hurt Your Income?
Many bloggers worry that telling readers about commissions will scare them off. Readers are generally used to seeing affiliate disclosures, and honest recommendations are what keep them coming back. Trust is the long-term asset. A short, friendly note is rarely a deal-breaker, while an undisclosed relationship that comes to light later can damage your reputation and your accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “affiliate link” enough as a disclosure?
FTC guidance suggests it is better to use plain language that explains the relationship, such as “I earn a commission if you buy through my links.” The FTC says “paid link” next to the link can be adequate. A disclosure that most readers would not understand is risky.
Do I need a disclosure if I only get free products?
Yes. Free or discounted products are a material connection under FTC guidance, so you should disclose them.
Do I need a disclosure on every page?
You need a clear disclosure on any content that contains affiliate links or sponsored recommendations, near those recommendations. A site-wide page is a helpful addition but is not a substitute.
Are the rules the same outside the United States?
No. Other countries have their own advertising rules. If your audience or business is outside the US, check local guidance.
Can I use the same disclosure for every program?
You can use a general statement, but follow any program-specific wording requirements, such as Amazon’s statement.
Wrap-Up
Good disclosure is simple: say it plainly, put it where readers will see it, and be consistent. It protects you, respects your readers, and keeps your affiliate accounts in good standing. If you are building a blog and want a clear path to adding affiliate income the right way, the Blogging for Beginners membership covers the basics. Learn more about Blogging for Beginners.
This article is general information and not legal advice.