Digital Ocean Affiliate

DIGITALOCEAN MARKETING AFFILIATE TERMS

Last Updated: Dec 11, 2025

Introduction. Welcome to the DigitalOcean Marketing Affiliate Program. These Marketing Affiliate Terms (the “Affiliate Terms”) govern your participation in the Program and explain how affiliate links, disclosures, commissions, and related rules operate. Certain DigitalOcean policies and Program Rules may apply to your participation in the Program when specifically referenced.

Capitalized terms used in these Affiliate Terms have the meanings given to them in this document unless stated otherwise. Certain DigitalOcean policies, such as our Acceptable Use Policy or Privacy Policy, may apply to your participation in the Program. When they do, we will clearly identify them and incorporate them by reference. By participating in the Program, you confirm that you have read, understand, and agree to be bound by these Affiliate Terms.

1. Definitions
2. Affiliate or You: The individual or entity approved by DigitalOcean to participate in the Program.
3. Affiliate Platform. The network or portal designated by DigitalOcean for Program administration, including tracking, reporting, communication, and commission management.
4. Customer: An end user who signs up for a DigitalOcean account and becomes an active user of DigitalOcean Services as a direct result of interacting with your Link (defined below). “Customer” does not include signups created for fraudulent, non-compliant, or self-referral purposes.
5. DigitalOcean Marks: DigitalOcean’s names, logos, trademarks, service marks, trade dress, and other brand identifiers.
6. DigitalOcean Services: DigitalOcean’s cloud infrastructure, platform, tools, and related products and services made available to Customers.
7. DigitalOcean Websites: DigitalOcean’s websites, including www.digitalocean.com and any other websites we operate.
8. Link: A tracking URL generated within the DigitalOcean-approved Affiliate Platform. Affiliates may use either the Link(s) DigitalOcean configures in the Affiliate Platform or the Link(s) they generate within the Affiliate Platform, but all Links must originate from the Affiliate Platform to be valid for attribution. All Links must direct end users to the DigitalOcean Website.
9. Program: The DigitalOcean Marketing Affiliate Program.
10. Program Assets: The Links, banners, copy, and other promotional materials DigitalOcean provides or approves for use in the Program.
11. Program Rules: Any additional policies, payout terms, guidelines, or rules DigitalOcean provides for the Program, including those presented in the Affiliate Platform or on DigitalOcean websites, as updated from time to time.
12. Trademark Guidelines: Any trademark or brand usage requirements DigitalOcean provides for Program participants, as updated from time to time.

1. Joining the Program. To participate, you must submit a complete application through the Affiliate Platform. We evaluate applications based on channel quality, compliance history, and alignment with DigitalOcean’s brand and values. We may approve or reject an application at our sole discretion. You may reapply unless we tell you otherwise.
2. Prohibited Sites and Promotional Methods. To maintain a safe and compliant ecosystem, the following are not permitted:

1. Sites promoting illegal activity, hate, violence, discrimination, or sexually explicit content.
2. Medical claims regarding DigitalOcean products or services.
3. Coupon, deal, and discount affiliates.
4. Browser extensions, toolbars, shopping helpers, or software that injects links, intercepts traffic, or alter user flows.
5. Opaque monetization platforms or sub-affiliate networks where link placement or publisher identity is unclear.
6. Pages or metadata designed to target branded coupon-intent traffic such as “DigitalOcean coupons,” “DigitalOcean discount codes,” or similar terms.
7. SEO behavior or AI-generated output designed to capture DigitalOcean’s branded traffic.
8. Cloaking links or hiding the referring URL.

If your content includes reviews or comparisons, commissions may be reduced where traffic is mid-funnel or branded-intent rather than net-new.

4.                      Anti-Spam Requirements. You must comply with all applicable anti-spam, marketing, and communications laws and regulations. Sending unsolicited commercial communications (including by email, SMS, messaging apps, or similar channels) to individuals who have not requested or reasonably expect such communication is prohibited. You may only send Program-related content to appropriately sourced opt-in lists or individuals who have directly engaged with you. Promoting DigitalOcean in chat rooms, newsgroups, or similar channels without authorization is prohibited. We may suspend or terminate your participation and revoke commissions if we determine that you engaged in spam or caused service interruption or reputational harm. You must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards governing marketing, communications, and outreach activities.

5.                      Use of Affiliate Links and Creative Assets. We will provide you with Links and promotional materials through the Affiliate Platform. You may display these assets solely to promote DigitalOcean in accordance with these Affiliate Terms. You must not modify Links. If we update creative assets, you must adopt the updated versions within a reasonable time. Links must not change or interfere with the look, feel, or function of DigitalOcean’s Websites.  

6.                      Confidentiality. You may receive or have access to information that is confidential or proprietary to DigitalOcean, including non-public business information, Program details, commission structures, promotional plans, and technical information (“Confidential Information”). You must keep all Confidential Information confidential and use it only as necessary to participate in the Program. You may not disclose Confidential Information to any third party without DigitalOcean’s prior written consent. Your confidentiality obligations continue during your participation in the Program and for two years after it ends. These obligations do not apply to information that you can demonstrate is publicly available through no fault of your own, already known to you without restriction, independently developed without use of Confidential Information, or rightfully received from a third party without a duty of confidentiality. DigitalOcean may seek injunctive relief for any actual or threatened breach of this section.

7.                      Termination. Either you or DigitalOcean may terminate participation at any time by providing notice. Upon termination, you must immediately remove all Program Assets, DigitalOcean Marks, and any references to the Program from your websites, emails, and promotional channels. Sections that naturally survive termination will remain in effect.

8.                      Paid Search and Trademark Restrictions. You may not bid on DigitalOcean trademarks or variations, including combinations with “review,” “coupon,” “promo,” “discount,” or similar terms, unless we provide prior written approval.

9.                      Our Responsibilities. Commission structures, payout rules, and eligibility criteria are described in the Program Rules made available within the Affiliate Platform. We are responsible for processing Customer sign-ups, tracking eligible conversions, and administering commission payments. We will make reasonable efforts to provide accurate reporting through the Affiliate Platform. DigitalOcean may withhold or reverse commissions associated with fraudulent activity, prohibited or non-compliant conduct, including fake accounts, VPN-generated signups, self-referrals, or other behavior intended to manipulate attribution or violate these Affiliate Terms.

10.                 Affiliate Responsibilities

1. FTC and Legal Compliance. You must comply with all applicable laws and platform rules, including advertising and consumer protection laws, endorsement and testimonial guidelines (such as FTC endorsement rules in the United States and similar regimes elsewhere), copyright laws, and privacy and data protection requirements. 

Examples:

a.                      Blog posts: “We earn commissions when you use the links below.” should appear at the top of the page and in a clear and conspicuous place.

b.                     Video: Verbal disclosure within the first 30 seconds for branded videos like reviews or comparisons between two companies.

c.                      Social media: Must begin with “(ad)” or “#ad.”

d.                     Emails, chats: Disclosures must appear before any affiliate link.

e.                      Ebooks, guides: Disclosures must be in a clear and conspicuous place like on the table of contents and/or before a link on a page.  

These examples are for illustration only and do not limit your obligation to tailor disclosures to your channels, jurisdictions, and audience. If you claim to have used DigitalOcean Services, you must be able to demonstrate actual use. Failure to comply may result in commission reversal or removal from the Program.

2.                      Content Standards and Brand Integrity. Your content must not:

a.                      Mislead users.

b.                     Present DigitalOcean as “cheap” or “free.”

c.                      Misrepresent your relationship with DigitalOcean.

We may request revisions if your content mischaracterizes our brand or Services. If DigitalOcean notifies you of misleading, infringing, or non-compliant content, you must promptly correct or remove it. DigitalOcean may suspend or terminate your participation for continued or material violations.

3.                      Orders on Behalf of Clients. Consultants may set up accounts for clients if:

a.                      The client is the true end user.

b.                     You disclose your affiliate relationship to the client.

c.                      You do not earn both referral credits and affiliate commissions for the same client.

11.                 Policies and Pricing. Customers referred through the Program contract directly with DigitalOcean, and their use of DigitalOcean Services is governed by the terms and policies applicable to DigitalOcean customers, which may include the DigitalOcean Terms of Service and other posted policies. Customers must accept the DigitalOcean Terms of Service during account creation, and their continued access to DigitalOcean Services is contingent on ongoing compliance with those terms. These terms apply to the customer directly and do not expand or modify your obligations under these Affiliate Terms. Pricing and availability may change without notice. Affiliates should avoid publishing static price information.

12.                 Publicity. You may not publish written statements referencing DigitalOcean except as permitted through approved Links and promotional assets, unless we provide prior written consent.

13.                 Intellectual Property and Trademark Use. 

1. Limited License. Subject to your ongoing compliance with these Affiliate Terms and any applicable Program Rules, DigitalOcean grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license without the right to sublicense, to use the DigitalOcean Marks and Program Assets solely to identify yourself as a participant in the Program and to promote DigitalOcean Services in accordance with these Affiliate Terms. 
2. Trademark Guidelines. DigitalOcean may provide written trademark or brand usage guidelines from time to time (the “Trademark Guidelines”). When provided, you must comply with the Trademark Guidelines in all uses of the DigitalOcean Marks and Program Assets. If there is a conflict between these Affiliate Terms and the Trademark Guidelines regarding how the DigitalOcean Marks may appear (for example, format, color, spacing, or placement), the Trademark Guidelines control.
3. Quality Control and Misuse. You must not:

a.                      Modify, distort, or alter any DigitalOcean Marks or Program Assets, including changing colors, proportions, or design elements.

b.                     Use DigitalOcean Marks in a way that is confusingly similar to, or combined with, any other brand, logo, or mark.

c.                      Use DigitalOcean Marks in any company name, product name, domain name, social handle, paid search keyword, or other identifier without prior written consent.

d.                     Use DigitalOcean Marks in a way that is misleading, implies sponsorship or endorsement beyond the Program, or is inconsistent with DigitalOcean’s brand or publicly stated values.

1. If DigitalOcean notifies you that any use of the DigitalOcean Marks or Program Assets is non-compliant, you must promptly (and in any event within the time period specified in our notice, or if none is specified, without undue delay) correct or remove the non-compliant use. DigitalOcean may suspend or terminate your participation in the Program, disable Links, or withhold commissions for continued or material misuse.
2. Termination and Expiration. Upon termination or expiration of your participation in the Program, you must immediately discontinue all use of the DigitalOcean Marks and Program Assets, and remove all references to the Program and DigitalOcean as an affiliate from your websites, emails, and other promotional channels, except for historical references that cannot reasonably be removed from archived materials. You receive no rights in the DigitalOcean Marks or Program Assets after termination, and any goodwill arising from your use of the DigitalOcean Marks inures solely to the benefit of DigitalOcean.
3. Ownership. As between you and DigitalOcean, all right, title, and interest in and to the DigitalOcean Marks, Program Assets, and DigitalOcean Websites and Services remain with DigitalOcean and its licensors. Nothing in these Affiliate Terms transfers ownership of any intellectual property rights to you. All goodwill arising from your use of the DigitalOcean Marks accrues solely to DigitalOcean.

14.                 Google Shopping and Product Listing Ads. Promotion through Google Shopping or Product Listing Ads is not allowed without prior written approval.

15.                 Coupons, Cashback, and Loyalty Affiliates. Coupons may be promoted only if provided directly by DigitalOcean within the affiliate tool. The following are prohibited:

1. Click-to-reveal features.
2. Expired, user-submitted, or unauthorized codes.
3. Pages or SEO designed to capture branded coupon traffic.  Examples include URLs such as “yourdomain.com/digitalocean-coupons” or H1/title tags with phrases like “DigitalOcean Promo Codes.”
4. Browser extensions or software that display or inject discounts.
5. Any method that intercepts customers already searching for DigitalOcean directly.

16.                 Referral Program Conflict. The referral credit program and the affiliate commission program are mutually exclusive. You may not earn both credits and commissions for the same activity. Commissions may be voided if both are used.

17.                 Relationship of the Parties. You participate as an independent contractor. These Affiliate Terms do not create a partnership, employment, joint venture, agency, or fiduciary relationship. You may not bind DigitalOcean or represent yourself as our agent.

18.                 Disclaimer. Program participation and all related materials are provided “as is.” DigitalOcean does not guarantee traffic, conversions, or commission levels. We may change or discontinue the Program at any time.

19.                 Limitation of Liability. To the fullest extent permitted by law, DigitalOcean’s aggregate liability arising out of or relating to these Affiliate Terms is limited to the total commissions paid to you in the twelve months prior to the event. DigitalOcean is not liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages.

20.                 Indemnification. You will defend, indemnify, and hold harmless DigitalOcean from all claims, damages, losses, costs, liabilities, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or relating to:

1. Your promotional activities or marketing practices.
2. Your content, including claims of infringement, misrepresentation, or deception.
3. Any failure to comply with applicable laws or regulatory requirements globally, including, but not limited to, consumer protection, advertising, data protection, disclosure, and marketing laws.
4. Unauthorized, improper, or non-compliant use of the DigitalOcean Marks or Program Assets.
5. Your breach of these Affiliate Terms or any applicable Program Rules.

21.                 Governing Law and Dispute Resolution. These Affiliate Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Colorado without regard to conflict of law principles. Except for claims eligible for small claims court, all disputes arising under these Affiliate Terms will be resolved through binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA). The arbitration will take place in Denver, Colorado. You and DigitalOcean agree that each may bring claims only in an individual capacity and not as a class or representative action.

22.                 Updates to These Affiliate Terms. DigitalOcean may update these Affiliate Terms from time to time. Updates take effect as stated in the notice provided. Continued participation in the Program after updates constitutes acceptance.

23.                 Notices. DigitalOcean may provide notices to you through the Affiliate Platform or the email address associated with your Program account. You must keep your contact information current.

24.                 Entire Agreement. These Affiliate Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and DigitalOcean regarding your participation in the Program and supersede any prior or contemporaneous understandings relating to the Program. No other terms apply unless expressly incorporated in these Affiliate Terms.