Compliance checklists — Do It Right

Creators & influencers

Pre-Publish Post Check

Run this before any post, video, Story, or email that mentions a product, service, or brand.

0/8

I have a material connection to the brand (money, free product, commission, discount code, employment, family, or equity).My disclosure is in plain language a stranger would understand.The disclosure appears before any link, swipe-up, or call to action.On video/Stories, the disclosure is visible on screen and/or spoken early enough to catch.I did not use #sp, #spon, or vague phrases like 'thanks brand' as the only disclosure.If the post includes an affiliate link or discount code, I explained that I may earn something.I have permission to use any photos, music, or testimonials shown.The caption and image together do not hide or contradict the disclosure.

Affiliates & creators

Affiliate Link & Code Check

Use this whenever you share a tracking link, discount code, or referral URL.

0/7

The link or code is clearly labeled as an affiliate/referral link near the link itself.The disclosure is on the same platform where the link is shared.I did not bury the disclosure in a long list of hashtags or behind a 'more' button.I understand the commission structure and any minimums or clawbacks.The merchant's terms allow the type of content I am publishing.I keep a dated screenshot or archive of the published post with the disclosure.I will monitor the link for changes in merchant terms or product claims.

Brands, sellers & agencies

Landing Page & Claim Check

Use this before launching a sales page, ad landing page, or product detail page.

0/8

Every objective claim has competent and reliable evidence on file before publication.Earnings or results claims show the typical result, not just the best case.Testimonials and before/after images are genuine and representative or clearly labeled.Urgency claims (limited stock, countdown timers, flash sales) reflect real facts.The full price, including all mandatory fees, is shown before checkout.Subscription terms, billing frequency, and cancel method are clear before payment.The page does not use dark patterns to hide opt-outs or add surprise charges.Privacy policy and terms match what the page actually does.

Brands & sellers

Review Solicitation Check

Use this before asking customers for reviews or managing review platforms.

0/8

All customers are asked for reviews the same way, regardless of expected sentiment.Negative feedback is not routed to a private survey while positive feedback goes public.Any incentive for reviews is small, disclosed, and not tied to a star rating.Employees, family, or friends who review disclose their relationship.We do not write, buy, generate, or commission fake reviews.We do not remove truthful negative reviews solely to protect our rating.We respond to reviews professionally and document any disputes.We monitor review platforms and agencies for suspicious activity.

Brands & agencies

Affiliate & Partner Onboarding Check

Use this when signing up creators, affiliates, or marketing partners.

0/8

Partners sign a written agreement that includes FTC compliance obligations.We provide plain-language disclosure examples for each platform they use.Partners understand that free products and discount codes trigger disclosure duties.We train partners on claims substantiation and prohibited health/earnings claims.We prohibit fake reviews, fake engagement, and review gating.We require partners to keep dated records of their posts and disclosures.We audit partner content quarterly and address violations in writing.We have an escalation path for repeated or serious compliance failures.

Educational, not legal advice. This course explains common FTC compliance issues, but it is not a substitute for advice from a lawyer who knows your situation. Always check the latest FTC guidance at ftc.gov.