Trust & disclosure · Beginner guide
How to talk about affiliate links clearly
A simple rule: if a recommendation may earn you a commission or another benefit, tell people clearly, close to the recommendation.
Put the disclosure where people see it
Do not make a person hunt through a profile, a list of hashtags, a separate policies page or a collapsed caption to find out that you may earn a commission. Put a clear sentence near the recommendation or link, before or alongside it. Use plain wording your audience understands.
Sample wording to adapt
“Affiliate link: I may earn a commission if you buy through this link, at no extra cost to you.”
Only use “at no extra cost” if that is accurate for the program and offer. Adjust the wording to describe the actual relationship, including free products, sponsorships or other benefits when relevant.
Make each format understandable
- Posts and captions: place the disclosure near the beginning, before a reader must expand the caption or follow a link.
- Stories and short videos: show text long enough to read; where practical, say it out loud as well.
- Video descriptions: put it before the affiliate links. Do not rely on the description alone if viewers may miss it in the video.
- Web pages: place it near the recommendation, button or link, not only in the footer.
- Comments and replies: disclose again if you recommend a product or share your affiliate link there.
Be honest about what you know
A disclosure does not make an unsupported claim acceptable. Describe product features accurately, do not claim personal experience you do not have, and do not promise a specific income or outcome. If you share an experience, make sure it is genuine and explain relationships that could affect how people interpret it.
AI can help draft a disclosure or caption, but review it yourself. Confirm the text is clear, accurate and in the right place for the format.
Before you publish
- Does the disclosure describe the real relationship?
- Is it next to the endorsement or link, easy to notice and understand?
- Does the format make it readable or audible on the platform?
- Have you checked the current affiliate-program and platform rules?
This is general education, not legal advice. Requirements vary by country, platform and campaign; review current official guidance or speak with a qualified professional about your situation.