An affiliate link is a tracked link that may earn its publisher compensation when a reader makes a qualifying purchase or takes another qualifying action. Publishers should clearly disclose that financial relationship near the recommendation or link; calling something an “affiliate link” by itself may not explain that the publisher gets paid.
What is an affiliate link?
An affiliate link is a link associated with a publisher or account through a tracking identifier. If a visitor follows it and completes an action covered by the program’s rules, the publisher may receive compensation. The link itself does not mean the product is a good fit for every reader, nor does it guarantee that the publisher will be paid.
How do affiliate programs work?
A publisher joins a program, uses links or other promotional formats permitted by its terms, and may earn compensation when qualifying activity is recorded. The program agreement determines which sites can participate, which actions qualify, how links may be presented, and what promotions are prohibited. For example, Amazon Associates’ Operating Agreement describes tagged links to Amazon sites and possible commission income for qualifying purchases or other qualifying actions. Amazon says the agreement was updated October 15, 2025; check the current agreement and the applicable marketplace terms before relying on it.
Programs are not interchangeable. Outbyte’s affiliate agreement sets its own conditions for HTML links and restricts certain promotional practices. Review a program’s current terms, geographic eligibility, qualifying actions, and content restrictions before participating. Do not assume that a program accepts every applicant or that a particular link will produce income.
Do I have to disclose affiliate links?
In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission says publishers should clearly and conspicuously disclose a material relationship with a seller, including compensation tied to affiliate links. Its guidance, “FTC’s Endorsement Guides: What People Are Asking”, gives this example: “I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.” Disclosure rules can differ by jurisdiction, so publishers serving readers elsewhere should also check the requirements that apply to them.
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Where should I put an affiliate disclosure?
Place it where readers will notice it in context, close to the recommendation or link. The FTC’s guidance puts it plainly: “The closer the disclosure is to your recommendation, the better.” A notice buried in a site footer or behind a separate policy page may not alert readers to a specific recommendation as effectively as a nearby disclosure.
Is “affiliate link” enough as a disclosure?
Not necessarily. The FTC cautions that the phrase may not tell consumers that the publisher receives compensation. Use plain language that states the financial connection, such as “I may earn a commission if you buy through this link.” Keep that disclosure near the relevant link or recommendation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does mentioning a company mean it has an affiliate program?
No. A company may be discussed as an example without operating a referral program or offering a suitable opportunity to every publisher. For instance, StreamNeo describes a cloud service for continuous YouTube streams, and its creator article discusses affiliate links as one potential source of channel revenue. Those pages do not establish that StreamNeo itself offers an affiliate or referral program. Confirm any company’s current first-party program terms before promoting it.
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