FTC Affiliate Disclosure Requirements: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how to stay compliant with advertising rules when promoting products for commission to avoid fines for deceptive practices.
These requirements are rules you must follow if you promote products or services in exchange for a commission. Following these guidelines ensures your advertisements are transparent and legal.
Who it's for
This applies to anyone who promotes products or services to earn a commission, such as affiliate marketers.
What you get
By following these rules, you achieve legal compliance. This helps you avoid fines or legal trouble resulting from deceptive advertising practices.
What it costs you
To comply, you must clearly place a disclosure on all your affiliate links. You cannot simply mention it once; it must be visible where the promotion happens.
The catch to know
The most common mistake is hiding your disclosure. Simply placing a notice in your website's footer or on a separate "Terms and Conditions" page is not enough. The disclosure must be placed near the link so it is easy for a consumer to see.
How to apply
- Review the official guidance on endorsements and disclosures.
- Identify every link or post where you earn a commission.
- Place a clear, easy-to-read disclosure directly next to those links.
- Check the official portal for more detailed guidance: https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/ftcs-endorsement-guides-what-people-are-asking