The best examples of general legal disclaimer examples for influencers

Real‑world examples of general legal disclaimer examples for influencers

Let’s start where influencers actually live: captions, bios, video descriptions, and link pages. Below are realistic, ready‑to‑edit examples of general legal disclaimer examples for influencers across different niches.

Sponsored post and brand‑deal disclaimer example

Influencers working with brands need clear, front‑loaded disclosure. The FTC has said repeatedly that disclosures must be hard to miss, not buried in a sea of hashtags. Here’s an example of a general legal disclaimer you might use on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube:

“Paid partnership / Ad: This content includes a paid collaboration with [Brand]. I received compensation and/or free products to create this post. All opinions are my own, and I only share products I genuinely use or recommend. Nothing here is intended as professional advice.”

You can shorten or expand this depending on the platform, but notice what this example of a legal disclaimer does:

• Uses plain words like “Ad” and “Paid partnership”
• States there was compensation or free product
• Makes clear the content is opinion, not professional advice

This sits well at the top of a caption or in the first lines of a video description so viewers see it before clicking “More.”

Affiliate link disclaimer example for influencers

Affiliate links are a recurring pain point for regulators. The FTC’s updated Endorsement Guides and 2023–2024 guidance emphasize that “#affiliate” at the end of 20 hashtags is not enough. Here’s one of the best examples of general legal disclaimer examples for influencers who earn through affiliate links:

“Affiliate disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely like and use. This content is for informational purposes only and is not professional advice.”

If you run a blog or YouTube channel, repeat a version of this near the top of every post or description that includes affiliate links, and consider a site‑wide affiliate disclaimer on a dedicated legal page.

Health, wellness, and fitness disclaimer example

If you post workouts, supplements, or wellness tips, your risk profile is higher. Agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) watch health claims closely, and platforms are tightening rules around misinformation.

Here’s a practical example of a general legal disclaimer for health or fitness influencers:

“Health disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, registered dietitian, or licensed healthcare provider. The information shared here is based on my personal experience and research and is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always talk with your doctor or another qualified health professional before starting any new workout, supplement, or nutrition plan.”

For longer‑form content (blogs, YouTube descriptions, email newsletters), you can add a short note that emergency situations require immediate medical care and link to reputable sources like Mayo Clinic or MedlinePlus.

Financial and investing disclaimer example

In 2024–2025, regulators have been paying close attention to creators pushing crypto, day‑trading, and “get rich quick” strategies. If you talk about money, you need one of the strongest examples of general legal disclaimer examples for influencers in your toolkit.

Here’s a realistic version:

“Not financial advice: I’m not a financial advisor, broker, or tax professional. The content I share is for educational and entertainment purposes only and reflects my personal opinions and experience. It should not be considered financial, investment, or tax advice. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Do your own research and consult a licensed financial professional before making any financial decisions.”

If you discuss specific securities or crypto assets, be especially clear that you’re not recommending that anyone buy, sell, or hold a particular investment.

General “opinions only” disclaimer for commentary influencers

Commentary, reaction, and pop‑culture channels often face defamation and privacy concerns. A straightforward example of a general legal disclaimer can help signal that your content is opinion, not fact reporting:

“Opinions only: The views expressed in this content are my personal opinions, based on publicly available information and my own commentary. They are not statements of fact about any individual or organization. Everyone is presumed innocent unless proven otherwise in a court of law. Do not harass or threaten anyone mentioned in this content.”

This is one of the best examples of general legal disclaimer examples for influencers who cover drama, news, or public figures, because it does three things at once: labels the content as opinion, acknowledges limits on your knowledge, and discourages harassment.

Giveaways, contests, and sweepstakes disclaimer example

If you run a giveaway, you’re bumping into advertising law and, in some cases, lottery rules. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube also require that you make it clear your promotion is not sponsored by them.

Here’s a giveaway‑focused example of a general legal disclaimer:

“Giveaway terms: This giveaway is hosted by [Your Name/@Handle] and is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or any other platform. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. Void where prohibited by law. Open to legal residents of [eligible locations] who are [age] or older. By entering, you confirm you meet the eligibility requirements and agree to be bound by these rules. Winners will be selected at random and contacted via [method].”

For higher‑value prizes or international audiences, talk with a lawyer about more detailed rules and local law issues.

Email newsletter and website footer disclaimer example

As influencers move into newsletters and long‑form websites, it’s smart to have a standing disclaimer. Here is an example of a general legal disclaimer that works well in a footer or “Legal” page:

“General information only: The content on this website and in my emails is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. I do not provide professional advice in law, medicine, finance, or any other licensed field. Nothing here creates a professional‑client relationship. You should always consult a qualified professional about your specific situation before acting on any information you see here.”

You can then add niche‑specific language (health, finance, parenting, etc.) depending on your content.

How to adapt these examples of general legal disclaimer examples for influencers

The best examples of general legal disclaimer examples for influencers have a few things in common:

• They use plain, direct language instead of vague buzzwords.
• They say who you are not (not a doctor, not a financial advisor, not a lawyer).
• They explain what the content is for (information, education, entertainment).
• They warn that viewers should get professional advice for personal decisions.

From there, you adapt the wording to your platform and audience.

Platform‑specific placement tips

Instagram & TikTok
Use short versions in:

• The first line of a caption for sponsored or affiliate posts
• Your bio (for ongoing affiliate or general information disclaimers)
• On a link‑in‑bio page that hosts your shop or recommendations

YouTube & podcasts
Include longer examples of general legal disclaimer language in:

• The video description or show notes
• A brief spoken disclaimer at the beginning or end of episodes
• Your channel or show “About” section

Blogs and long‑form sites
Use a combination of:

• A dedicated “Disclaimer” or “Legal” page
• Short disclaimers near the top of individual posts
• A footer disclaimer that appears on every page

The actual examples of general legal disclaimer examples for influencers you use can be longer on blogs and shorter on short‑form video, as long as the meaning stays clear.

Staying aligned with 2024–2025 regulatory guidance

Regulators keep updating their expectations for influencer disclosures. A few trends worth noting:

• FTC Endorsement Guides: The FTC updated its guidance in 2023 and has continued enforcement into 2024–2025, stressing that disclosures must be clear, conspicuous, and understandable to ordinary people, including kids. You can review the FTC’s guidance on endorsements and testimonials at ftc.gov.
• Health content: Health‑related influencers are under more scrutiny for unsupported claims. Reputable sources like NIH and Mayo Clinic are good benchmarks when you’re checking whether your claims are grounded in evidence.
• Financial promotions: In the U.S., agencies like the SEC and FINRA keep an eye on investment promotion. Even if you’re not a registered advisor, using a clear “not financial advice” disclaimer is now standard practice for money‑focused creators.

None of these rules say that a disclaimer will save you from misleading content—if the content is deceptive, the disclaimer won’t fix it. But consistent, clear use of the kinds of examples of general legal disclaimer examples for influencers we’re discussing can show that you’re trying to communicate honestly.

Common mistakes influencers make with legal disclaimers

Even influencers who copy good examples sometimes undercut themselves with sloppy execution. Watch out for these patterns:

Hiding the disclaimer
If your disclosure is only at the very end of a long caption or in a tiny font color that blends into your background, regulators may treat it as if it doesn’t exist. Put the key parts of your disclaimer where a reasonable viewer will actually see them.

Using vague or confusing language
Phrases like “may contain ads” or “for fun only” don’t clearly tell people you were paid or might earn a commission. The best examples of general legal disclaimer examples for influencers use blunt words: ad, sponsored, paid partnership, affiliate, commission.

Copying a disclaimer that doesn’t match your niche
A fitness influencer copying a generic software‑as‑a‑service disclaimer looks lazy and untrustworthy. Start with examples that fit your content type, then adjust the wording so it accurately describes what you do and don’t do.

Relying on disclaimers instead of good judgment
A disclaimer doesn’t give you permission to make false claims, leak private information, or encourage dangerous behavior. Think of these examples of general legal disclaimer examples for influencers as a safety belt, not a license to drive recklessly.

When to get a lawyer involved

Most small creators can start with the kinds of general legal disclaimer examples you see in this article and adjust them. But consider speaking with a licensed attorney if:

• You’re signing large brand contracts or exclusivity deals.
• You’re promoting investments, complex financial products, or regulated health treatments.
• You’re running frequent contests, giveaways, or sweepstakes with high‑value prizes.
• You’ve received a complaint, takedown notice, or regulatory inquiry.

A lawyer can review your specific content, audience, and business structure and turn these generic examples of general legal disclaimer examples for influencers into tailored language that fits your risk level.

FAQ about legal disclaimers for influencers

Do influencers legally need a disclaimer for every sponsored post?
If you’re in the United States and you have a material connection to a brand—payment, free product, affiliate commission, or other benefit—the FTC expects you to clearly disclose that connection. A short sponsored‑post disclaimer like the examples above, combined with platform tools (like Instagram’s “Paid Partnership” label), is usually the safest approach.

Can you give an example of a short disclaimer for TikTok or Instagram Stories?
Yes. For very short‑form content, you might use:

“Ad / Paid partnership with [Brand]. Opinions are my own. Not professional advice.”
It’s brief, uses the word “Ad,” and still signals that you’re sharing personal views, not expert guidance.

Are these examples of general legal disclaimer examples for influencers enough to protect me from lawsuits?
No disclaimer can guarantee you’ll never face a complaint or lawsuit. These examples of general legal disclaimer examples for influencers reduce risk by clarifying what your content is—and isn’t—but they don’t override laws against false advertising, defamation, privacy violations, or securities fraud.

Do I need different disclaimers for health and finance content?
Yes. Regulators treat health and finance as higher‑risk areas. That’s why the best examples of general legal disclaimer examples for influencers in those niches explicitly say you’re not a doctor or financial advisor and urge viewers to consult a qualified professional.

Where can I learn more about official guidance on influencer disclosures?
In the U.S., start with the FTC’s business guidance on endorsements and testimonials at ftc.gov. For health topics, check resources from NIH and Mayo Clinic. For broader media‑law topics, many law schools and legal clinics publish free guides on influencer and creator law.