Disclosing affiliate links is not optional. In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission requires anyone with a financial connection to a product to disclose it clearly. The good news: a clear disclosure also builds trust with your audience. Here is how to disclose affiliate links the right way in 2026.
Where to put the disclosure
- On a blog post: a short line at the top, before the first affiliate link, plus a fuller disclosure page you can link to.
- On YouTube: say it out loud and show it on screen, and add it near the top of the description. See YouTube affiliate marketing.
- On social media: use clear tags like #ad or #affiliate placed where they are easily seen, not hidden at the end of a wall of hashtags.
Disclosure examples you can use
- "This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you."
- "Some links below are affiliate links (#affiliate). I only recommend tools I actually use."
- Spoken on video: "Just so you know, the links in the description are affiliate links."
Common mistakes that get creators in trouble
- Hiding it in a footer, sidebar, or a separate page readers can miss.
- Vague language like "thanks to my partners" that does not clearly say it is a paid link.
- Disclosing once but not where each endorsement actually appears.
This is general information, not legal advice. When in doubt, check the FTC's current guidance or consult a professional.
Make it easy
Set up a reusable disclosure line and a dedicated disclosure page once, then apply them everywhere. Every program in the AffiliateFinderPro directory works the same way: recommend honestly, disclose clearly, and trust follows.
Commission rates, cookie windows, and program terms in this guide reflect publicly available information at the time of writing and can change. Always confirm the current terms on each program's official affiliate page before you apply.