Canonical URL: https://chargezen.com/affiliate-disclosure Spark! Compliance # FTC Affiliate Disclosure Guidelines ## Required disclosure guidelines for affiliates and influencers using Chargezen's Spark! affiliate marketing platform, in compliance with FTC Endorsement Guides. Effective: January 4, 2026FTC CompliantRequired Reading ### Why Disclosure Matters The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that endorsers disclose any "material connection" they have with brands they promote. A material connection is any relationship that might affect the weight or credibility a consumer gives to an endorsement, including: * Receiving payment or commission * Receiving free products or services * Business or family relationships * Employment relationships * Any other financial incentive **Both merchants AND affiliates can be held liable** for failure to disclose material connections. The FTC can take action against both parties. ### The Three Core Principles of FTC Disclosure 1 #### Clear Use plain language that average consumers understand. Avoid vague terms like "sp" or "collab." 2 #### Conspicuous Place the disclosure where it's hard to miss. It should be seen BEFORE the consumer acts on the endorsement. 3 #### Close The disclosure must be near the endorsement claim. A single disclosure on an "about" page is not enough. ## Platform-Specific Requirements Different platforms have different requirements for disclosure placement and format. ### Social Media Posts * Disclosure must be within the first three lines of the caption * Use clear language: #ad, #sponsored, or "Paid partnership" * Cannot be hidden behind "More" or "See more" links * Must be visible without clicking or tapping * Platform built-in disclosure tools should be used when available ✓ Good Example: "#ad I love this product from @Brand! It's amazing because..." ✗ Bad Example: "I love this product from @Brand! #ad (buried at end after many lines)" ### Video Content (YouTube, TikTok) * Verbal disclosure at the beginning of the video * Written disclosure in video thumbnail or overlay * Disclosure in video description is NOT sufficient alone * Must be in both audio AND visual format * Cannot be only in small text that's hard to read ✓ Good Example: ""This video is sponsored by \[Brand\]" stated clearly at the start" ✗ Bad Example: "Only mentioning sponsorship in the description box below" ### Blog Posts & Articles * Clear disclosure at the top of the content * Before any affiliate links are encountered * In the same font size and style as body text * Not hidden in sidebars or footers * Each post with affiliate links needs disclosure ✓ Good Example: ""Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you purchase."" ✗ Bad Example: "Small disclaimer only in website footer or about page" ### Email Marketing * Disclosure near the top of the email * Before any affiliate links or product mentions * Clear and conspicuous language * Not buried in fine print at the bottom ✓ Good Example: ""This email contains affiliate links" stated prominently at top" ✗ Bad Example: "Affiliate disclosure only in email footer in small text" ### Podcasts & Audio * Verbal disclosure at the start of the episode * When discussing sponsored products, remind listeners * Cannot be only in show notes * Must be clear and easy to understand ✓ Good Example: ""This episode is brought to you by \[Brand\]. I'm an affiliate and may earn..."" ✗ Bad Example: "Only mentioning affiliate relationship in show notes" ## Sample Disclosure Language Use these templates as a starting point. Customize as needed for your specific situation. #### Short Social Media Post #ad | Paid partnership with \[Brand\] Use at the very beginning of your post #### Longer Social Media Post Disclosure: I received this product for free from \[Brand\] to review. All opinions are my own. Place in first three lines, before "See more" #### Blog Post Header Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe in. Place at the very top of the article #### Video Introduction "Before we start, I want to let you know that this video is sponsored by \[Brand\], and I'll earn a commission if you purchase through my link." State verbally in the first 30 seconds AND show on screen #### Product Review Note: \[Brand\] sent me this product for free to review. However, all opinions expressed here are my own and were not influenced by \[Brand\]. Disclose free products even if no money changed hands #### Email Newsletter 📧 This email contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Include near the top of the email ## Prohibited Practices The following practices are strictly prohibited and may result in account termination and legal action. | Practice | Description | Potential Consequence | | --- | --- | --- | | Fake Reviews | Writing or soliciting reviews that don't reflect genuine opinions or experiences | FTC enforcement action, up to $50,000 per violation | | Undisclosed Material Connections | Failing to disclose affiliate relationships, free products, or payment | Warning letters, fines, and potential legal action | | Unsubstantiated Claims | Making health, safety, or performance claims without scientific evidence | FTC enforcement, civil penalties, required corrective advertising | | Deceptive Testimonials | Using testimonials that don't represent typical results without disclosure | Liability for both advertiser and endorser | | Fake Social Proof | Buying followers, likes, or engagement to appear more influential | Platform bans, FTC scrutiny, reputational damage | | Hidden Affiliate Links | Using link shorteners or cloaking to hide affiliate relationships | Violation of FTC disclosure requirements | ### Shared Responsibilities #### Merchant Responsibilities * Provide clear affiliate disclosure guidelines to all affiliates * Monitor affiliate content for compliance * Require affiliates to agree to disclosure requirements * Take action when affiliates violate guidelines * Keep records of affiliate communications and agreements * Ensure promotional claims are truthful and substantiated * Remove or correct non-compliant affiliate content * Train affiliates on FTC requirements #### Affiliate Responsibilities * Disclose material connections clearly and conspicuously * Only make truthful claims about products * Use products before endorsing them when possible * Keep disclosures up to date * Understand and follow FTC guidelines * Use each platform's built-in disclosure tools * Respond promptly to merchant compliance requests * Document and retain disclosure practices #### Enforcement Policy Chargezen actively monitors affiliate content for FTC compliance. Non-compliant content may result in: * **First Offense:** Warning and required correction within 48 hours * **Second Offense:** Commission hold and mandatory compliance training * **Third Offense:** Permanent removal from the Spark! affiliate program * **Egregious Violations:** Immediate termination and reporting to the FTC ### Additional Resources [ FTC Endorsement Guides FAQ Official FTC guidance document ](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/ftcs-endorsement-guides-what-people-are-asking)[ Disclosures 101 for Influencers Simplified guide for content creators ](https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/disclosures-101-social-media-influencers) ## Questions About Compliance? Our compliance team can help you understand disclosure requirements and ensure your affiliate content meets FTC guidelines. [Contact Compliance Team](mailto:compliance@chargezen.com)[View Acceptable Use Policy](https://chargezen.com/aup)