FTC Disclosure Generator
Generate FTC-compliant disclosures for your YouTube videos, descriptions, and product pages. Select your options, copy the text, and you're covered.
DISCLOSURE: Some links in this description are affiliate links. If you buy something through them, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only link to stuff I actually use and recommend. Thanks for supporting the channel!
FTC Best Practices
- Place disclosures where viewers will actually see them, not buried at the bottom
- Use plain language ("I earn a commission") not jargon ("affiliate link")
- If you endorse a product in the video, disclose in the video too, not just the description
- Every video with affiliate links needs its own disclosure
When Do You Actually Need a Disclosure?
You recommend a product and have an affiliate link
Yes, always. If you say "go buy this" and there's a link that earns you money, that needs a clear disclosure. Ideally both verbally in the video and in the description near the link.
Products appear in your video but you don't explicitly endorse them
If your affiliate links live on a separate product page (like a linktree) that viewers choose to visit, a disclosure on that page is generally sufficient. The viewer sees the disclosure right before clicking any affiliate link.
A brand sent you a product for free
Yes. Free products are a material connection even if no money changed hands. Disclose that the product was provided for free. You don't need to be dramatic about it, just honest.
You bought the product yourself but have an affiliate link
Yes. You still earn a commission if someone buys through your link. That financial relationship needs to be disclosed regardless of how you got the product.
Common Questions
Do I legally need an affiliate disclosure on YouTube?
Yes. The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) requires that you disclose any material connection between you and a brand or product you promote. If you earn a commission when someone buys through your link, that's a material connection and must be disclosed. This applies to YouTube videos, Shorts, descriptions, and any platform where you share affiliate links.
Is putting the disclosure only in my video description enough?
It depends on whether you actively endorse the product in your video. If you explicitly recommend or promote a product, the FTC wants the disclosure where the endorsement happens (in the video itself). If the affiliate links are simply available on a separate product page that viewers choose to visit, a disclosure on that page is generally sufficient since there's no endorsement in the video itself.
What happens if I don't include an affiliate disclosure?
The FTC can take enforcement action, which may include fines. More practically, platforms like YouTube may remove content that doesn't comply with their terms of service around paid promotions. Beyond legal risk, being transparent about affiliate relationships builds trust with your audience.
Can I just say 'affiliate link' next to my links?
The FTC has specifically said that just writing 'affiliate link' is not sufficient because many consumers don't know what that means. Your disclosure needs to be in plain language that a regular viewer would understand. Something like 'I may earn a commission if you buy through these links' is clear and meets the standard.
Do I need a disclosure for every video with affiliate links?
Yes. Every piece of content that includes affiliate links or endorses products you have a financial relationship with needs its own disclosure. You can't just put one disclosure on your channel page and assume it covers all videos.
Does YouTube's 'includes paid promotion' checkbox count?
YouTube's built-in paid promotion disclosure adds a small overlay to your video, which is helpful but the FTC hasn't officially confirmed it's sufficient on its own. To be safe, include your own clear disclosure either verbally in the video or in the description near your affiliate links.
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