An affiliate link is not just a technical detail. If a purchase or sign-up can reward you, that relationship may affect how a reader understands your recommendation. The practical answer is to disclose it before the person acts, using ordinary language.
If a recommendation can earn you money, a benefit, a free product or a reward, make that commercial connection immediately recognizable. A general legal page does not replace a visible notice close to the relevant content.
When is disclosure needed?
Belgium’s FPS Economy says advertising must be clearly recognizable. The European Commission expressly includes affiliate marketing among commercial activities that must be disclosed.
The principle is broader than cash payments: free products, discounts, trips, services and referral rewards can also be relevant benefits. When uncertain, transparency is generally safer than silence.
| Situation | Visible notice? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| You earn commission on a sale | Yes | Readers need to know about your financial interest. |
| The brand provides a free product or service | Yes | The benefit may influence the recommendation. |
| A referral rewards both people | Yes | Explain both benefits clearly. |
| No payment, gift or brand relationship | Not necessarily | Do not claim first-hand experience you do not have. |
Which words should you use?
A useful notice says concretely what happens. It does not expect the reader to understand marketing jargon.
“This content contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, AffiliaThor may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.”
“This is a referral link: you may receive the displayed benefit and the referrer may also earn a reward if the conditions are met.”
“Advertisement — I may earn commission if you purchase through this link.”
“This video contains a paid partnership and links that may earn me commission.”
“Some links in this email are affiliate links: an eligible action may compensate the publisher.”
Vague wording such as “partner”, “collab”, “thanks to the brand” or a lone symbol may not explain that payment is possible. Do not bury the notice after several screens of text.
Where should the notice appear?
Visibility depends on the medium. The notice should be noticed before or with the recommendation, not discovered after the click.
Article
Add a clear notice near the beginning and, when needed, beside distant buttons or recommendations.
Social media
Show “advertisement” or equally explicit wording at the start of the caption or directly on the content.
Video
Disclose orally and visually. Repeat the notice in the description near the links.
Disclose before the first commercial block or inside that block.
The four-step method
Transparency becomes simple when it is part of editorial production rather than an afterthought.
- Identify the connectionRecord commission, gifts, referrals or any other possible benefit.
- Write a normal sentenceSay who may gain what without ambiguous shorthand.
- Place it before actionThe notice must appear before the decisive link, button or recommendation.
- Check the renderingReview mobile, desktop, video, truncated captions and dark mode before publishing.
Five common mistakes
It is too far from the actual recommendation.
Some readers may not understand that commission is paid.
Readers may act without opening the full caption.
It may disappear or follow the button on mobile.
Disclosure cannot fix an invented commission, bonus or condition.
Pre-publish checklist
- The commercial connection is explained in understandable words.
- The notice appears before or near the first commercial link.
- Referrer and referred user are distinguished when their benefits differ.
- Terms, countries and deadlines are not guaranteed without official proof.
- The notice stays visible on mobile and in social previews.
- Old offers are rechecked before republication.
This article provides general editorial information, not legal advice. Applicable rules depend on the country, medium, activity and relationship with the brand.
Frequently asked questions
Is a notice in the terms and conditions enough?
Not to inform readers clearly at the point of recommendation. The notice should be easily visible in the relevant content.
Should I disclose a simple referral link?
If you can earn a reward, say so. Also explain any benefit for the referred user and the main conditions.
Can I only write “#ad”?
Use wording your audience understands immediately. A full local-language term for advertisement is often clearer than isolated English shorthand.
Should the notice be repeated?
When links are far apart or content is consumed in fragments, a short repeated notice near important actions improves understanding.
Does rel="sponsored" replace visible disclosure?
No. It helps search engines qualify a paid link but does not clearly inform the reader. Use it in addition to a visible notice.
Official sources
Principles checked on September 8, 2026. Authorities and platforms may update their guidance.