KDP AI Disclosure Rules in 2026: What to Disclose and How
Amazon KDP's AI rules are simpler than they look once you understand one distinction: AI-generated content must be disclosed, while AI-assisted content does not. This plain-English guide explains exactly what to disclose, how the process works, and how to stay on the right side of the policy in 2026.
This is general guidance, not legal advice. Always confirm the current policy in the official KDP Help Center before publishing.
What You Must Disclose
- •AI-generated text — even if you edited it substantially
- •AI-generated images, illustrations, or cover art
- •AI-generated translations of your text
What You Don't Need to Disclose
- Brainstorming ideas, titles, and outlines with AI
- Using AI to edit, refine, or fact-check your own writing
- Grammar, spelling, and style suggestions on text you wrote
How the Disclosure Works
- When: You answer the AI-content question during the KDP publishing flow for each book.
- Where it goes: The disclosure is internal to Amazon — it is not shown on your product page.
- Impact: Amazon has stated it does not affect royalties or ranking.
- Your responsibility: Regardless of how content was created, you own quality, accuracy, and intellectual-property compliance.
Why Honesty Is the Safe Play
Because the disclosure is internal and penalty-free, there's no upside to hiding AI use — and real downside if you do. Undisclosed AI-generated content violates KDP's terms and can lead to blocked books or account suspension, with enforcement tightening through 2025 and 2026. When in doubt, disclose. For the complete workflow, see our AI book publishing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Amazon KDP require me to disclose about AI?
You must disclose AI-generated content — text, images, or translations created by an AI tool based on your prompts — when you publish, even if you edited it substantially. AI-assisted content, where AI only helped refine your own work, does not need to be disclosed.
Is the AI disclosure shown to readers?
No. The disclosure you provide during publishing is for Amazon's internal use. It is not displayed on your product page, and Amazon has stated it does not affect royalties or search ranking.
What's the difference between AI-generated and AI-assisted?
AI-generated means the AI created the content (text, images, or translations) from your prompts. AI-assisted means you created the work and AI only helped — brainstorming, outlining, editing, or grammar checks. Only AI-generated content requires disclosure.
What happens if I don't disclose AI-generated content?
Failing to disclose violates KDP's terms and can result in your book being blocked or removed, and repeated violations can lead to account termination. Enforcement has tightened through 2025 and 2026, so always answer the AI question honestly.
Does disclosing AI hurt my rankings or royalties?
No. Amazon has stated the disclosure is informational and not shown to customers. Your rankings and royalties depend on quality, relevance, reviews, and keywords — the same factors as any other book.
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