Module 3 - Platform-Specific Disclosure Requirements

Introduction

Each content platform has unique characteristics that affect how you should make disclosures. This module provides detailed guidance for the most common platforms used by affiliates.

The 4 Ps framework applies to all platforms, but the execution differs based on format, audience behavior, and technical constraints.

Blog Posts and Websites

Platform Characteristics

• Long-form content with multiple sections
• Readers often skim rather than read completely
• May contain multiple affiliate links
• Readers can scroll past content
• Desktop and mobile viewing differences

Disclosure Requirements

Primary Disclosure Location: Place a clear disclosure at the very top of the post, before any product discussion begins.

Format Options:

Option 1 - Highlighted Box:

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DISCLOSURE
This post contains affiliate links. If you make
a purchase through these links, I earn a commission
at no additional cost to you. I only recommend
products I use and trust.
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Option 2 - Simple Text:

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: This post includes affiliate
links. I earn commission on purchases, which helps
support this blog at no extra cost to you.

Option 3 - Paragraph Format:

Full transparency: This article contains affiliate
links, which means if you make a purchase through
these links, I receive a small commission. This
doesn't affect your price, and I only recommend
products I've personally used or thoroughly researched.

Long Posts with Multiple Links

For posts with many affiliate links spread throughout:

• Include primary disclosure at the top
• Consider marking individual links: [link] (affiliate)
• Optionally repeat disclosure before clusters of links

Example:

[Top of post]
DISCLOSURE: Affiliate links marked with * throughout this post.

[Middle of post]
Here are the tools I use:
- Email software: ConvertKit* (affiliate)
- Hosting: SiteGround* (affiliate)
- Theme: StudioPress (not affiliate)

Product Reviews and Comparisons

When reviewing products where some are affiliate and some are not:

DISCLOSURE: This review includes affiliate links for
Products A and C. Product B is not an affiliate relationship.
My opinions are honest regardless of affiliate status.

[Review content]

Footer Disclosures

A footer disclosure is NOT sufficient on its own. However, you may include a supplementary disclosure in your footer or sidebar:

[Primary disclosure at top of post]

[Post content]

[Footer]
About Affiliate Links: Many posts on this site contain
affiliate links. When you make a purchase through these
links, I earn a commission that helps support this blog.
See my full disclosure policy [link].

Technical Implementation

HTML Example:

<div
  style="background-color: #fff3cd; border: 2px solid #856404; 
padding: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px;"
>
  <strong>Affiliate Disclosure:</strong> This post contains affiliate links. I
  earn commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
</div>

WordPress Block: Use a colored notice block or custom HTML block for prominent disclosure.

Common Mistakes

❌ Disclosure only in footer
❌ Disclosure on separate “Disclosures” page only
❌ Small gray text that blends in
❌ Buried after several paragraphs
❌ Vague language like “this site may contain affiliate links”

✅ Prominent disclosure before any product discussion
✅ Clear, direct language
✅ Visually distinct (box, bold, or contrasting color)
✅ Above the fold (visible without scrolling)

Instagram

Platform Characteristics

• Visual-first platform
• Character limits in captions
• “Read more” hides text after 2-3 lines
• Comments can get buried
• Stories disappear after 24 hours
• Mix of photos, videos, carousels, Reels, Stories

Feed Posts (Photos/Carousels)

Caption Disclosure (Required): Place disclosure in the first 1-2 lines of caption, before the “read more” cutoff.

Format Examples:

Option 1 - Clear Hashtag:

#ad | This post contains affiliate links.
I earn commission if you shop through my link in bio.

[Rest of caption about product]

Option 2 - Prominent Statement:

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: I earn commission through links below.

Here's why I love this product...

Option 3 - Integrated Disclosure:

Obsessed with this new skincare! Full disclosure:
I'm an affiliate partner and earn commission if you
shop through my link.

Hashtag Best Practices:

• #ad or #affiliate should be in first 3 hashtags
• Don’t bury in a list of 20+ hashtags
• Don’t use vague hashtags like #partner or #sp

Link in Bio: When using “link in bio” for affiliate links:

#affiliate - Link in bio! I earn commission on purchases.

[Product description]

Swipe up (or check link in bio) to shop.

Instagram Stories

Text Overlay (Required): Add clear text to the story image or video.

Format Examples:

Option 1 - Banner:

[Top of screen]
#ad - AFFILIATE LINK
I earn commission

Option 2 - Integrated Text:

[On product image]
Loving this!
#affiliate link below
(I earn commission)

Verbal Disclosure (Video Stories): If you’re speaking in a Story:

"Quick heads up - this is an affiliate link.
I earn commission if you buy through my link."

Duration: Keep disclosure visible for the entire Story slide (minimum 3 seconds).

Instagram Reels

Treat like regular Instagram posts:

• Caption disclosure in first 1-2 lines
• Verbal disclosure in video if speaking
• Visual text overlay if appropriate

Example:

Caption:
#ad | Affiliate link in bio - I earn commission!

[Reel showing product]

Audio or text overlay:
"This is an affiliate link - check bio!"

Paid Partnership Tag

Instagram offers a “Paid Partnership” tag:

• Use it if available
• But also include your own disclosure
• The tag alone is not sufficient
• Not all followers see or understand the tag

Combined Approach:

[Enable Paid Partnership tag]

Caption:
#ad - Affiliate disclosure: I earn commission on purchases.

[Rest of caption]

Common Mistakes

❌ #ad or #affiliate buried at end of hashtag list
❌ Disclosure only in comments
❌ Assuming “Paid Partnership” tag is enough
❌ Disclosure hidden after “read more”
❌ Stories without any disclosure text
❌ Using vague terms like “collaboration” or “thanks to Brand”

✅ Clear disclosure in first 1-2 lines of caption
✅ Hashtags like #ad or #affiliate prominently placed
✅ Story text overlays visible for full duration
✅ Combined approach: tag + caption disclosure

YouTube

Platform Characteristics

• Video content (visual and audio)
• Video descriptions (text below video)
• Pinned comments possible
• Viewers may skip around
• Mobile vs desktop viewing
• Chapters and timestamps

Three-Part Disclosure System

For YouTube, use all three methods:

1. Verbal disclosure (audio)
2. Visual disclosure (on-screen text)
3. Description disclosure (text below video)

Verbal Disclosure

Timing: First 30-60 seconds of video, before discussing product

Script Examples:

Option 1 - Direct:

"Before we get started, quick disclosure: This video
contains affiliate links. If you purchase through
these links, I'll earn a commission at no extra cost
to you. Alright, let's dive in!"

Option 2 - Integrated:

"Today I'm reviewing Product X. Full transparency:
I'm an affiliate partner, so I'll earn a commission
if you purchase through my link in the description.
That said, my review is completely honest."

Option 3 - Conversational:

"Hey everyone! Quick heads up before we start -
the links in the description are affiliate links,
which means I make a small commission if you buy.
It doesn't cost you anything extra, and it helps
support the channel. Now, let's talk about this product..."

Visual Disclosure

Timing: Display during the first 30-60 seconds

Duration: At least 3-5 seconds, preferably longer

Format Examples:

Option 1 - Simple Text Overlay:

[Center screen, large font]
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
I earn commission on purchases through my links

Option 2 - Corner Badge:

[Top corner, throughout product discussion]
AFFILIATE LINK | I EARN COMMISSION

Option 3 - Lower Third:

[Bottom of screen]
⚠ This video contains affiliate links (I earn commission)

Description Disclosure

Placement: Top of description, before any links

Format Example:

⚠ AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE ⚠
This video contains affiliate links. When you purchase
through these links, I earn a commission at no additional
cost to you. This helps support the channel and allows me
to continue making free content. Thank you!

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PRODUCT LINKS:
• Product Name: [link] (affiliate)
• Alternative: [link] (affiliate)
• Discount code: SAVE10

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VIDEO CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro
0:45 - Unboxing
2:30 - Features
...

YouTube Shorts

Shorts are under 60 seconds, but still require disclosure:

• Verbal disclosure (first few seconds)
• Text overlay (visible throughout)
• Description disclosure (though many viewers won’t read it)

Example:

[First 3 seconds]
Audio: "Affiliate link below - I earn commission"
Visual: "#ad | Affiliate link in description"

[Product demo]

Description:
#ad Affiliate disclosure: I earn commission through
the link below. [link]

Common Mistakes

❌ Disclosure only in description
❌ Verbal disclosure at the end of video
❌ Visual text too small or too brief
❌ Assuming viewers read descriptions
❌ No disclosure in Shorts
❌ Vague language in verbal disclosure

✅ Verbal + Visual + Description disclosure
✅ Disclosure in first 30 seconds
✅ Clear, prominent visual text
✅ Specific language about earning commission

TikTok

Platform Characteristics

• Short-form video (15-60 seconds)
• Fast-paced content
• Limited caption space
• Link in bio only (for most users)
• Primarily mobile viewing

Video Disclosure

Text Overlay (Required): Display disclosure text on the video itself.

Placement: Beginning of video, visible for at least 3 seconds

Format Examples:

Option 1 - Opening Screen:

[First frame]
#ad
AFFILIATE LINK IN BIO
(I earn commission)

Option 2 - Persistent Badge:

[Top corner, visible throughout]
#affiliate | Link in bio

Option 3 - Integrated:

[Appears naturally in video]
"Check link in bio! #ad"

Verbal Disclosure

If you’re speaking in the video:

"Link in bio - it's an affiliate link so I earn
commission if you buy!"

Caption Disclosure

Format:

#ad Affiliate link in bio! I earn commission if you shop.

[Product description]

TikTok Shop

If you’re using TikTok Shop affiliate features:

• Disclose in caption with #ad or #affiliate
• Disclose verbally in video
• Use text overlay

Common Mistakes

❌ No on-screen disclosure text
❌ Text too small to read on mobile
❌ Disclosure only in caption
❌ Text disappears too quickly
❌ Assuming users will figure it out

✅ Clear text overlay visible for entire video or at least 3-5 seconds
✅ Verbal disclosure if speaking
✅ #ad or #affiliate in caption
✅ Multiple disclosure methods

Twitter/X

Platform Characteristics

• Character limits (280 characters, or more for premium users)
• Fast-moving feed
• Retweets and quote tweets
• Threads (multiple connected tweets)
• Images, videos, and polls

Single Tweet with Affiliate Link

Format:

#ad Quick review of Product X! Really impressed with
the quality. Link below - I earn commission if you
purchase. [link]

Or:

Just found this amazing productivity tool.

DISCLOSURE: This is an affiliate link. I earn commission
on purchases. [link]

Thread with Affiliate Links

First Tweet:

#ad - Thread about my favorite tools. Some links
are affiliate (I earn commission). Let's go! 🧵

Subsequent Tweets:

• Mark affiliate links clearly
• Optionally repeat disclosure

Example:

Tweet 1:
#ad Thread about project management tools.
Affiliate links below (I earn commission). 🧵

Tweet 2:
Tool 1: Asana [link]
Great for teams! (affiliate link)

Tweet 3:
Tool 2: Trello [link]
Perfect for solo users (affiliate link)

Images/Videos

If tweeting an image or video:

• Include disclosure in tweet text
• Can add text to image if appropriate
• For videos, include verbal disclosure

Common Mistakes

❌ Affiliate link with no disclosure
❌ Vague language (“thanks to Brand”)
❌ Disclosure buried in replies
❌ Assuming followers know you’re an affiliate

✅ Clear disclosure in main tweet
✅ #ad or #affiliate hashtag
✅ Specific about earning commission
✅ Disclosure in first tweet of threads

Pinterest

Platform Characteristics

• Visual pins linking to content
• Pins live forever
• Descriptions have character limits
• Users often save and repin
• Primarily discovery platform

Pin Descriptions

Format:

#ad Affiliate link - I earn commission if you purchase.

[Product description]

Click through to learn more!

Image Text

If adding text to pin images:

[On image]
Affiliate Link
I earn commission

Blog Post Pins

When pinning from your blog:

• Ensure blog post has proper disclosure
• Add disclosure to pin description
• Visual cue on pin image helpful

Common Mistakes

❌ No disclosure in pin description
❌ Only relying on blog post disclosure
❌ Vague language
❌ No disclosure when repinning affiliate content

✅ Clear disclosure in every pin description
✅ #ad or #affiliate hashtag
✅ Visual disclosure on pin image if possible

Email Marketing

Platform Characteristics

• Direct communication to subscribers
• Subject line visible first
• Preview text important
• Full control over formatting
• Can include multiple links

Disclosure Placement

Option 1 - Top of Email:

Subject: My favorite productivity tools

Email Body:
Hi everyone!

DISCLOSURE: This email contains affiliate links.
When you purchase through these links, I earn a
commission at no extra cost to you.

Here are my top 3 tools:
1. Tool A [link]
2. Tool B [link]
...

Option 2 - Before First Link:

Subject: Check out this amazing product

Email Body:
Hi friends!

I've been testing a new product and love it.

DISCLOSURE: The link below is an affiliate link.
I earn a commission if you purchase.

Check it out here: [link]

Newsletter Format

For regular newsletters with multiple sections:

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AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links,
marked with *. I earn commission on purchases.
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Section 1: Article of the Week
[content]

Section 2: Tool Recommendations
• Tool A [link]* (affiliate)
• Tool B [link] (not affiliate)

Subject Line

You generally don’t need disclosure in subject line, but:

• Avoid misleading subject lines
• Subject should accurately represent email content
• Don’t hide affiliate nature with deceptive subjects

Common Mistakes

❌ Disclosure only in email footer
❌ Small text that’s easy to miss
❌ Assuming subscribers know from previous emails
❌ No disclosure at all

✅ Clear disclosure before first affiliate link
✅ Mark individual links if multiple products
✅ Prominent placement in email body
✅ Plain, clear language

Podcasts

Platform Characteristics

• Audio-only content
• No visual disclosures possible
• Show notes provide text description
• Listeners may skip around
• Sponsorship segments common

Verbal Disclosure

Before Product Discussion:

"Before we talk about today's sponsor, quick disclosure:
This is a paid partnership. I'm receiving compensation
for this endorsement. That said, I genuinely use and
recommend this product, and I think you'll love it too."

Dynamic Ad Insertion: If using dynamic ad insertion:

"This episode is brought to you by [Brand]. I'm an
affiliate partner, which means I earn a commission
if you use my code. Here's why I think this product
is worth checking out..."

Show Notes Disclosure

Format:

EPISODE SPONSOR & AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

This episode is sponsored by [Brand]. I'm an affiliate
partner and earn commission when you use my code or link.

Sponsor Links:
• [Brand] - Use code PODCAST15 for 15% off [link]
  (affiliate link - I earn commission)

Discount Codes

When providing affiliate discount codes:

"Use code PODCAST15 for 15% off. That's an affiliate
code - I earn a commission when you use it."

Common Mistakes

❌ No verbal disclosure
❌ Only mentioning “brought to you by” (vague)
❌ Disclosure only in show notes (listeners may not read)
❌ Not disclosing for discount codes

✅ Clear verbal disclosure before or during product discussion
✅ Specific about compensation and commission
✅ Disclosure in both audio and show notes
✅ Disclosure for all forms of affiliate compensation

Summary Table

Platform	Primary Disclosure Method	Placement	Key Considerations
Blog	Text at top of post	Before any product mention	Use highlighted box, repeat for long posts
Instagram	Caption (first 1-2 lines)	Before “read more”	Also use #ad, text overlay for Stories
YouTube	Verbal + Visual + Description	First 30 seconds	All three methods required
TikTok	Text overlay on video	Beginning, visible 3+ seconds	Also verbal if speaking, caption disclosure
Twitter	Tweet text with link	In same tweet as link	#ad hashtag, clear language
Pinterest	Pin description	In description text	Also on pin image if possible
Email	Email body text	Before first affiliate link	Prominent, not just footer
Podcast	Verbal disclosure	Before/during product discussion	Also in show notes

Key Takeaways

1. Each platform requires disclosure adapted to its format
2. Visual platforms need visual disclosures
3. Audio platforms need verbal disclosures
4. When in doubt, use multiple disclosure methods
5. “Clear and conspicuous” applies to all platforms
6. Mobile viewing considerations are critical
7. Don’t rely on platform features alone (like “Paid Partnership” tags)

Next Module

Module 4 will cover common mistakes and how to avoid them, plus real-world examples of good and bad disclosures.

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Module 3 Complete

You now know how to make proper disclosures on all major platforms.