When you need to disclose
The FTC's influencer guidance says to disclose any "material connection" to a brand: being paid, getting free or discounted products, earning commission on sales, or a personal or family relationship. Affiliate commissions count. You need the disclosure even when you would have recommended the product anyway.
Where to put it
- In the post or video itself, where people see the recommendation, not only in your bio or on a separate page
- Before a "more" cutoff in captions, so it isn't hidden
- Said out loud in videos and shown on screen in Stories
- On your storefront, near the products
Wording that works
Simple and plain beats clever. Examples:
- "I earn a commission when you buy through the links in my bio."
- "Affiliate links. I may earn from purchases at no cost to you."
- "#ad" or "Ad:" at the start of a caption, for paid posts
- Amazon Associates: "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases."
What doesn't count
The FTC warns against disclosures that are easy to miss: a hashtag buried among others, "#sp", "#collab", a note only in your profile, or a disclosure that requires clicking "more". If a follower could reasonably miss it, assume it doesn't work.
How InfluShop helps
Every InfluShop product page carries a commission notice next to the shop button. Add your own disclosure to your store bio too, and add one to any caption InfluShop drafts for you before you post it.