Short affiliate disclosure example
Use this concise version when space is limited. Replace the bracketed text and make sure it accurately describes your situation.
This page contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Full affiliate disclosure template
This longer version provides additional context. Review every sentence before publishing and remove language that does not apply.
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE [Website Name] participates in affiliate marketing programs. Some links on this website are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click a link and make a qualifying purchase. This does not increase the price you pay. We only recommend products and services that we believe may provide value to our readers. However, you should evaluate each product or service independently before making a purchase. Amazon disclosure (use only if applicable): [Website Name] is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Questions about our affiliate relationships may be sent to [Contact Email].
Important: This general template is educational information, not legal advice. Requirements vary by jurisdiction, industry and platform. Have a qualified professional review high-risk or regulated uses.
When to use an affiliate disclosure
An affiliate link disclaimer is useful whenever a recommendation, review, comparison, email or social post may earn you a commission or other compensation. Place a short disclosure near the recommendation, not only in the footer.
Where affiliate disclosures usually appear
- Blogs that include affiliate links
- Product reviews and comparison pages
- Email newsletters with tracked links
- Social posts containing sponsored or affiliate recommendations
How to write the disclosure
- Place a short disclosure before or close to the first affiliate link.
- Use plain language readers can understand immediately.
- Name Amazon Associates or another network when its rules require specific wording.
- Repeat the disclosure on individual posts instead of relying only on a footer.
In the United States the baseline is the FTC’s Endorsement Guides, which expect a disclosure to be “clear and conspicuous” — close to the recommendation, in plain words, and not hidden behind a link or buried in a footer. The FTC’s own Disclosures 101 for social media influencers is the shortest official summary of what that looks like in practice.
Affiliate disclosure FAQ
Where should an affiliate disclosure appear?
Place it where readers will notice it before interacting with an affiliate link. A site-wide disclosure page can provide detail, but it should not replace a clear disclosure on the relevant content.
Do Amazon affiliate links need a disclosure?
Amazon Associates requires participants to identify themselves as associates. Check the current program agreement for the exact wording and placement that applies to your account.
Can an affiliate disclosure just say “affiliate link”?
A short explanation that you may earn a commission is clearer than a label alone. Your disclosure should be difficult to miss and easy for an ordinary reader to understand.
What should an affiliate link disclaimer say?
It should clearly say that you may earn a commission or receive compensation when readers buy through your links. Avoid vague phrases like “support the site” without explaining the relationship.
Do Amazon Associates need special disclosure wording?
If you participate in Amazon Associates, include the program identity statement required by your current agreement, and keep the disclosure close to affiliate recommendations.