How to Disclose Affiliate Partnerships on YouTube Legally
affiliate marketing is a fantastic way to monetize your YouTube channel, but there’s one crucial step many creators overlook: properly disclosing affiliate partnerships.
Failing to disclose these relationships can lead to FTC fines, loss of audience trust, and even demonetization. The good news? Compliance isn’t complicated—once you know the rules.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
✅ FTC disclosure rules for YouTube
✅ Where & how to place disclosures (in video, description, and verbally)
✅ Common mistakes that could get you in trouble
✅ How to turn compliance into a trust-building tool
Plus, we’ll explore how you can leverage affiliate marketing as a side hustle while staying on the right side of the law.
Let’s dive in!
Why Affiliate Disclosures Matter on YouTube
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires influencers and content creators to disclose any financial relationships with brands. This includes:
– Affiliate links (Amazon Associates, ShareASale, etc.)
– Sponsored product placements
– Free products in exchange for promotion
Why? Because viewers deserve to know when you’re earning money from a recommendation. Transparency builds trust—and trust keeps your audience coming back.
What Happens If You Don’t Disclose?
- FTC fines (up to $50,000 per violation!)
- YouTube penalties (strikes, demonetization)
- Loss of credibility (audiences hate feeling tricked)
Bottom line: Disclosures aren’t optional. But done right, they don’t have to be awkward or salesy.
How to Disclose Affiliate Links on YouTube (FTC-Compliant)
The FTC doesn’t specify exact wording, but they do require disclosures to be:
✔ Clear & conspicuous (no fine print!)
✔ Easy to understand (avoid vague language)
✔ Placed where viewers will see it (not buried in the description)
Here’s how to do it right:
1. Verbal Disclosure in Your Video
The most effective way to disclose is by mentioning it in your video.
Examples:
– “Just a heads up—this video includes affiliate links, so if you buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.”
– “Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning I get a small kickback if you purchase through them.”
Best practices:
– Say it early (within the first 30 seconds).
– Keep it natural—no robotic legal jargon.
– Repeat it if you’re doing a long review.
2. On-Screen Text (For Extra Clarity)
Adding a quick text overlay reinforces your verbal disclosure.
Example:
📌 “Affiliate links included—see description for details.”
3. YouTube Description Disclosure
Your video description must include a disclosure, even if you mentioned it in the video.
Where to place it:
– At the top (before the “Show More” fold)
– Near any affiliate links
Good example:
“Disclosure: This video contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the channel!”
Bad example (non-compliant):
❌ “Links below 👇” (No mention of affiliate relationship)
❌ “Some links may earn me a commission.” (Too vague)
4. Social Media & Other Platforms
If you share your YouTube video on Instagram, TikTok, or Twitter, you must disclose there too.
Examples:
– “#ad” or “#affiliate” in captions
– “Paid partnership with [Brand]” (if applicable)
Common Affiliate Disclosure Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-meaning creators slip up. Here’s what not to do:
❌ Burying the Disclosure in the Description
If viewers have to click “Show More” to see it, the FTC considers that non-compliant.
❌ Using Ambiguous Language
Phrases like “Check out my favorite products below!” don’t cut it. Be direct about the financial relationship.
❌ Only Disclosing Once in a Long Video
If someone skips the intro, they might miss it. Reiterate disclosures before affiliate links are shown.
❌ Assuming “Affiliate Link in Bio” is Enough
The FTC requires disclosures where the recommendation happens—so if you’re talking about a product in a video, the disclosure should be there too.
How to Make Affiliate Marketing a Profitable Side Hustle
Now that you know how to disclose properly, let’s talk about how to make real money with affiliate marketing on YouTube.
1. Choose the Right Affiliate Programs
Not all programs are equal. Look for:
– High commission rates (10%+ is ideal)
– Trusted brands (Amazon, Best Buy, Target, etc.)
– recurring commissions (for subscriptions like VPNs or software)
Top affiliate networks:
– Amazon Associates
– ShareASale
– CJ Affiliate
– Rakuten Advertising
2. Create Content That Converts
affiliate marketing works best when you solve a problem.
Best video ideas:
– “Best [Product] for [Use Case]” (e.g., “Best Budget Laptops for Students”)
– “[Product] Review – Worth It?”
– “How I Make $X/Month with [Affiliate Program]”
3. Track & Optimize Performance
Use UTM parameters to track clicks and see which links convert best.
Tools to help:
– Bitly (for link shortening)
– Google Analytics (for traffic insights)
– TubeBuddy (for YouTube SEO)
4. Scale with Multiple Income Streams
Affiliate marketing works even better when combined with:
– Ad revenue (YouTube Partner Program)
– Sponsorships (brand deals)
– Digital products (e-books, courses)
Final Thoughts: Compliance = Long-Term Success
Disclosing affiliate links isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about building trust with your audience.
Recap of best practices:
✔ Disclose verbally in your videos.
✔ Add text overlays for extra clarity.
✔ Place disclosures prominently in descriptions.
✔ Avoid vague language—be upfront.
When done right, affiliate marketing can be a lucrative side hustle without the legal headaches.
Your turn: Do you currently use affiliate links on YouTube? How do you disclose them? Drop a comment below!
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Happy creating—and disclosing! 🚀
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