If you’re sharing affiliate links, posting sponsored content, or getting gifted items from brands — this post is for you. At Mavely, we believe that your authenticity is your superpower. And being honest with your audience isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about FTC disclosures: when to do it, how to do it right on every platform, and how staying compliant actually builds trust (and boosts your income over time).

Whether you’re a seasoned Mavely creator or just getting started, understanding these guidelines will help you create confident, transparent content that converts.

Want to keep earning (and keep it legal)? Watch the full video now:

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What Even Is Disclosure?

Let’s start with the basics. If you’re earning commission, got a free product, or have any kind of relationship with a brand, you’ve got a “material connection.” That means you need to let your audience know.

Why? Because your influence is built on trust. Your followers need to know when you’re recommending something because you love it and because you’re earning from it. Transparency = credibility.

How to Disclose Like a Pro (Without Killing the Vibe)

Great news — you don’t need to overthink it. A clear, simple disclosure keeps you covered and makes your audience more likely to engage.

Here’s how it looks across platforms:

Instagram and Facebook

• Use #ad, #sponsored, or a clear line like “Affiliate link – I may earn a commission” before the “See More” cutoff in your caption.
• Don’t rely on the paid partnership tag — it’s not enough on its own.
• Keep FTC disclosures out of the comment section and away from blocks of hashtags.

Instagram Stories, TikTok, Reels

• State your FTC disclosure verbally and use a text overlay in the first 15 seconds.
• Add #ad in the caption, too.

Facebook Groups and Pages

• Add a disclosure to your bio, like “I earn commission through affiliate links at no additional cost to you.”

Pinterest, YouTube, Snapchat, etc.

• Same rule: be upfront. Let people know if you’re benefiting from a brand relationship — no matter the platform.

What Not To Do

Want to stay compliant and trustworthy? Avoid these common slip-ups:

• Don’t say you bought it if it was gifted.
• Don’t say it’s your favorite if you haven’t tried it.
• Don’t assume people “just know” — spell it out every time.
• Don’t hide disclosures in a sea of hashtags or in the comments.

Easy Ways to Make FTC Disclosures a Habit

Let’s be real: FTC disclosures doesn’t have to be a hassle. Here’s how to bake it into your content routine:

• Save go-to lines in your phone’s Notes app for quick copy/paste action.
• Create a reusable caption template that includes your disclosure.
• Review your past posts to make sure your FTC disclosures are clear and visible.

Pro tip: Content that’s compliant still converts. Your audience appreciates the honesty — and they’re more likely to click when they trust you.

Next Steps: Your Compliance Checklist

Staying FTC-compliant is more than just a legal checkbox — it’s a way to grow a business based on trust, transparency, and genuine influence.

So take a few minutes to check your latest posts, update those bios, and make sure your disclosures are front and center. Need more help? We’ve got you covered.

• Bookmark the official FTC guidelines
• Check out other Mavely University resources for examples and tools
• And as always, reach out if you have questions — we’re here to help!