Affiliate link disclosure replies: 15 templates for creators

Someone in your comments or DMs asks, is that an affiliate link, and do you get paid if I buy? A clear answer builds trust, and it is also what the FTC expects: a plain statement near the link. These messages give you honest replies for followers and for affiliate managers. They cover the link question, discount codes, gifted and paid posts, cheaper alternatives, applying to a program and chasing a missing sale. None of them promises results or talks about what you earn. Copy any of them, or add all 15 to your keyboard and send them from Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp or any other app in one tap.

Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.

Words in {{double braces}} are blanks. In the textcuts keyboard you fill them with one tap, and the names you used recently come back.

When followers ask

Yes, it is an affiliate link

Essential
Good question, {{name}}. Yes, it is an affiliate link, which means I earn a small commission if you buy through it. It does not cost you anything extra.

When to send: When someone asks about a link.

Why it works: A direct yes builds more trust than any hint.

Do you get paid

I do, {{name}}. I get a commission on sales through my link, and I only share things I actually use. If you would rather buy without my link, that is completely fine.

When to send: When a follower asks about your motives.

Why it works: It gives them an easy way out, which makes the answer believable.

Does it change your opinion

Fair to ask, {{name}}. The commission does not change what I say. If I did not like something, I would not share it.

When to send: When someone doubts an honest review.

Why it works: Short, calm and first person.

Where is the link

It is in my bio, {{name}}, under the first link. When I use an affiliate link, I say so near it. Tell me if you cannot find it.

When to send: When someone cannot find a product.

Why it works: It shows where the link is and repeats the label.

Not sponsored

No, {{name}}, this one is not sponsored. I bought it myself. I do have an affiliate link for it, and I will put it in my bio if you want to use it.

When to send: When people assume a paid post.

Why it works: It separates a purchase from a partnership.

Sent for free

Essential
This one was sent to me for free, {{name}}, and I said so in the post. My opinion is my own.

When to send: When asked about a gifted item.

Why it works: It names the connection in plain words.

Paid partnership

Essential
That post was a paid partnership, {{name}}, and it is marked as an ad. I only agree to projects where I would say the same thing unpaid.

When to send: When asked about a sponsored post.

Why it works: It confirms the label and states your standard.

Sending links and codes

Sending a link

Essential
Here is the link: {{link}}. Just so you know, it is an affiliate link, so I may earn a commission if you buy.

When to send: Each time you send a link in a chat.

Why it works: The label sits right next to the link, where it is hard to miss.

A cheaper option

Looking for something cheaper, {{name}}? Yes, and I am happy to tell you. A similar product costs less, and I will not earn anything if you pick it.

When to send: When a follower wants a lower price.

Why it works: Honest alternatives are why people trust you.

Your results will differ

I can only tell you what happened for me, {{name}}. Your results will differ, so please read the details before you buy.

When to send: When someone asks if it will work for them.

Why it works: It avoids promises you cannot keep.

Affiliate programs

Applying to a program

Hello {{name}}, I would like to join your affiliate program. I make short videos and product lists, and I always disclose links. Where do I apply?

When to send: When you want to promote a brand's products.

Why it works: It states how you work, including disclosure.

Ask for the terms

Essential
Before I join, {{name}}, could you share the commission terms, the cookie window and the payout schedule? I like to know how it works before I promote anything.

When to send: Before you accept a program.

Why it works: Terms decide whether the work is worth doing.

Disclosure wording

Essential
Does your program have preferred wording for disclosures, {{name}}? I want mine to be clear and to match your rules.

When to send: When you join a program.

Why it works: It shows you take disclosure seriously.

A sale is missing

A sale from {{date}} is not showing in my dashboard. Could you check my account? I can send a screenshot of the order.

When to send: When tracking looks wrong.

Why it works: It names the date and offers proof.

Payout not received

My payout for {{date}} has not arrived yet. Could you tell me the status? I am happy to resend my payment details if needed.

When to send: When a payout is late.

Why it works: Polite and specific, so it gets a real answer.

When to send each message

WhenMessageNote
When a link is asked forSending a linkLabel it every time.
When asked "is it an ad"Yes, it is an affiliate linkAnswer plainly.
On a gifted postSent for freeName the gift.
On a paid postPaid partnershipConfirm it is marked.
Before joining a programAsk for the termsAsk for the terms.
After joiningDisclosure wordingAsk about disclosure wording.
When tracking looks offA sale is missingSend the date.

Do not say

  • Using "affiliate link" or "buy now" as the only label. The FTC says those labels are not adequate next to a link.

    Instead: Say "I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post" or "paid link" right next to the link.

    Source

  • Putting the disclosure only in your bio, at the end of a post, or hidden among hashtags.

    Instead: Put it next to the link or at the start of the post.

    Source

  • Using only "#sp", "#collab" or "#ambassador".

    Instead: Use plain words such as "ad" or "I earn a commission".

    Source

  • Telling followers a product worked for everyone.

    Instead: Say what happened for you and that results differ.

    Source

  • Posting an income screenshot or a figure to push people to buy.

    Instead: Leave out earnings talk and share only what you use.

  • Pretending a paid post is your own idea.

    Instead: Say it was a paid partnership and mark it as an ad.

    Source

  • Relying only on the platform label.

    Instead: Add your own words too. The FTC says platform tools do not replace your own disclosure.

    Source

Works in WhatsApp, iMessage, Instagram, Messenger and every other app.

Frequently asked questions

How do I reply when someone asks if a link is an affiliate link?

Say yes, in one sentence, and say you may earn a commission. Add that the price stays the same for them. The first template does exactly that.

Where should the disclosure go?

Next to the link or the endorsement, early and in the same language as the post. In a video, say it out loud and show it on screen. The FTC says disclosures behind a more link or buried in hashtags are easy to miss.

Do I need to disclose a product I bought myself?

Not if you bought it and have no relationship with the brand. If you also use an affiliate link for it, say that near the link.

Do these templates work on the free plan?

Yes. Every one uses a single blank, which fills in on the free plan. Free holds 8 textcuts and 1 folder, so the six essentials fit comfortably. Importing all fifteen also works, because imports are never blocked and nothing is deleted.

Can I send these in DMs on any app?

Yes. textcuts is a keyboard, so the templates work in every app where you type, including Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp and iMessage.