Introduction

If you're promoting products on YouTube, it's crucial to stay on the right side of the law. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly where and how to add an affiliate disclaimer to protect your YouTube channel from potential fines and ensure transparency with your audience.

Affiliate disclaimers are more than just a formality—they are a requirement by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and help maintain trust with your viewers. Let's dive into the essentials of what you need to do to avoid getting into trouble.



1. Be Clear and Conspicuous

The first and most important thing is to make sure your disclosure is clear and easy to notice. It shouldn’t be hidden or buried in your description where viewers may miss it. Your disclaimer should be placed close to the affiliate link or mention of the product. For example, if your affiliate link is at the top of your video description, place your disclaimer right next to it.

One common mistake is placing the affiliate link at the top of the description while tucking the disclosure far below. This is incorrect according to FTC guidelines. Ensure your disclaimer is right where your audience can see it.


2. Timing of the Disclosure


Another essential factor is when and how often you include your disclosure. Some people try to get it out of the way at the very start of the video, but what many don't realize is that you should repeat the disclosure each time you mention the affiliate product, especially when you include a call to action (CTA).

For instance, if you mention a product early in your video and later bring it up again with a CTA, you need to restate your disclosure at both points. This repetition ensures that your audience knows you may earn a commission from the product mentioned at various stages throughout the video.


3. Use Simple and Clear Language


You need to use straightforward language that your audience will understand. The FTC recommends phrases like:

- “I get commissions for purchases made through links in this video.”
- “I’m partnered with [Brand], and I may earn a commission if you purchase through my link.”

Avoid using vague terms like “affiliate link” since not everyone is familiar with what that means. Be transparent and specific, especially for viewers who may not understand affiliate marketing terminology.

Here's an example of a clear disclaimer:  
*"Some of the links in this video are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you."*

This language meets FTC requirements, keeping things transparent and maintaining trust with your audience.


4. Use the “Paid Link” Method


One of the simplest ways to meet FTC guidelines is by adding “paid link” next to your affiliate links. According to the FTC, this is a sufficient disclosure. For example, in your video description, you can put:

- [Product Name](#) (paid link)

Additionally, you could further clarify by adding something like, *“This paid link supports the channel,”* to make your relationship with the product even clearer.


5. Only Promote Products You’ve Tried


When promoting products as an affiliate, you must represent your actual experience with the product. The FTC is strict about this. If you haven’t tried a product, you can’t talk about your experience with it, and you shouldn’t suggest that you use it regularly if you don’t.

This is critical for maintaining credibility. Misrepresenting your experience to earn a commission is not only unethical, but it also violates FTC regulations.


6. Include Disclaimers in Your Video


Beyond your description, you can also include your disclaimer within the video itself. For example, you could display a text disclaimer on-screen during your call to action, ensuring that viewers clearly understand your financial relationship with the product you’re endorsing.

Conclusion


Adding an affiliate disclaimer to your YouTube videos isn't just about compliance—it's about maintaining transparency and trust with your audience. Remember to be clear, repeat your disclaimers when needed, and only promote products you genuinely believe in.

If you found this information helpful, consider giving this post a thumbs-up or leaving a comment with any questions you may have. And don’t forget to check out the linked FTC article to dive deeper into the rules and ensure you’re fully compliant.

Stay transparent, stay compliant, and keep growing your YouTube channel.