Affiliate disclosure
Also called: disclosure, affiliation disclosure, ftc disclosure, disclosing affiliation, i work here disclosure
Definition
An affiliate disclosure is a clear statement that you have a connection to a product you mention: you built it, work there, are paid, or earn a commission. Many subreddits expect it, and US FTC guidance requires it.
On Reddit, the fastest way to lose a thread is to be found out. The fastest way to keep it is to say who you are before anyone asks. An affiliate disclosure is that sentence.
What counts as a connection
Disclose whenever a reader would weigh your recommendation differently if they knew:
- You founded or work for the company.
- You are paid, sponsored or were given the product.
- You earn a commission through an affiliate link.
- You are an agency or contractor working for the brand.
What the FTC says
The US Federal Trade Commission's Endorsement Guides (revised in 2023) apply to endorsements online, and the FTC's FAQ on them is specific:
- Paid or gifted endorsements must be disclosed. If you were paid, "you should disclose the payment."
- "Affiliate link" alone may not be enough. The FTC notes that consumers might not understand the term means the poster gets paid. It suggests plain wording like "I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post."
- Put it close to the recommendation. "The closer the disclosure is to your recommendation, the better." It should be hard to miss.
- Profiles are not enough. For employees, the FTC says listing your employer on your profile page "isn't enough."
On Reddit, that means the disclosure goes in the comment itself, not in your username, bio or a post from last month.
What Reddit and subreddits say
Reddit Rule 5 asks users not to "intentionally mislead others," and Reddit's impersonation policy says you may not misrepresent your identity or affiliation to deceive others. Many subreddit rules go further, requiring affiliated users to disclose or banning affiliate links entirely. Reddit lists removing affiliate links among AutoModerator's standard uses, so in some communities a comment with an affiliate link is removed automatically.
How to write one
Keep it short and put it where the product is mentioned:
- "Disclosure: I'm the founder of X."
- "I work at X, so I'm biased, but here's how I'd compare them."
- "I earn a commission if you buy through this link."
Avoid vague phrasing like "full disclosure, I'm involved" that leaves readers guessing.
Why it matters for marketers
Disclosure protects you legally and on Reddit. Undisclosed promotion is the core of astroturfing, and Redditors routinely check post histories. A disclosed recommendation that answers the question well is ordinary participation; the same comment undisclosed is a liability waiting to be found.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to disclose that I work for a company on Reddit?
Many subreddits require it, Reddit's rules prohibit misleading others about your affiliation, and the FTC says employees should disclose their connection when endorsing their employer's products. Put the disclosure in the comment itself.
Is "affiliate link" a good enough disclosure?
The FTC says consumers might not understand that "affiliate link" means you are paid. Plain wording such as "I earn a commission if you buy through this link" is clearer.