What Is Disclosure, and Why Should I Care?

Before you share any recommendation online - paid, linked, or gifted - there's something worth knowing. It's simpler than you think, and it's more important than you might realize. — Before you share any recommendation online – paid, linked, or gifted – there’s something worth knowing. It’s simpler than you think, and it’s more important than you might realize.

Your audience trusts you. Disclosure protects that trust. When you share an affiliate link, receive a gift from a brand, or get paid to post, your audience deserves to know. They trust your recommendations and being upfront about any compensation is what keeps that trust real.

Disclosure is actually required by law. In the US, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires creators to be upfront whenever a brand is involved in their content. If you earned a commission, received something for free, or were paid to post – the rules say your audience needs to know.

What's the legal requirement? FTC rules apply to every creator, regardless of their following size. There are no set phrases that must be used, but any disclosure should be clear and easy to understand, placed where people will see it, and included in every relevant post - whether that's a Reel, feed post, or Story. The rules are the same across all formats. — What’s the legal requirement? FTC rules apply to every creator, regardless of their following size. There are no set phrases that must be used, but any disclosure should be clear and easy to understand, placed where people will see it, and included in every relevant post – whether that’s a Reel, feed post, or Story. The rules are the same across all formats.

Some examples of disclosure you could use… “This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you buy – at no extra cost to you.” “This product was gifted by [brand]. All opinions are my own.” “Thanks to [brand] for sending this over!” “This is a paid partnership with [brand].”

When in doubt, disclose. Clear, upfront, every time. It takes seconds, and your audience will trust you more for it. Save this as a handy reminder. 💡

Did you know that as soon as a brand is involved in your content, whether that’s an affiliate link, a gift, or a paid post, you’re required to disclose it?

It’s not as complicated as it sounds. The FTC rules are straightforward: your disclosure just needs to be clear, visible, and included every time. No set phrases, no legal jargon. Just a simple, honest note to your audience.

The good news? Most of your audience will appreciate it. Disclosure isn’t a warning label, it’s a trust signal. And the creators people keep coming back to are almost always the ones who are upfront.

Slide through for everything you need to know, including some examples you can copy and use straight away. 💡

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