Glossary
rel="sponsored"
A link attribute that tells search engines a link is paid, sponsored or affiliate. Google asks publishers to add it to affiliate links; rel="nofollow" is still accepted, and both values can be combined.
Also called: rel sponsored, rel=sponsored, sponsored attribute.
Google introduced the value in 2019 for links created as part of ads, sponsorships or other compensation, and in 2021 asked sites in affiliate programs to mark affiliate links with it, whether the links are added by hand or generated by a plugin. Google treats it as a hint rather than a directive. Link plugins such as Pretty Links can set it per link or in bulk.
Leaving affiliate links unmarked can bring a manual action or an algorithmic adjustment; Google has said it may apply both to sites that fail to qualify them. The attribute speaks to search engines only. It does not replace the disclosure readers need under advertising rules, such as the FTC's in the US, and it has no effect on tracking or commissions.
Related terms: Link cloaking, 302 redirect, Publisher, Organic traffic, Affiliate link.