Affiliate marketing is a method where affiliates promote and sell products or services of another company for a commission. This allows affiliates to earn money without the need to create a product or establish a full-scale retailer.
Product creators or merchants create an affiliate program where affiliate marketers encourage their readers to buy products. Each affiliate marketer has a unique link, allowing them to distinguish who sends buying consumers to their site. In return, affiliate marketers receive a percentage of the money spent on the site. Successful affiliate marketers have a large audience of followers, often on social networks, blogs, podcasts, or video-streaming channels.
TikTok influencers are particularly effective for younger generations, making them an excellent choice for affiliate marketing on TikTok . In this blog, we will help you learn all you need to know about the affiliate market on TikTok and become a TikTok affiliate.
How Does Affiliate Marketing on TikTok Work?
Affiliate market on TikTok functions similarly to other social media sites. TikTok is just the affiliate marketer’s preferred platform for sales.
In any affiliate transaction, there are three (or occasionally four) parties:
- The Brand (Product Creator or Merchant): This is the company offering the product and utilizing affiliate marketing for sales. It could be the product’s manufacturer or a retailer employing this strategy to move their inventory.
- The Intermediary (Affiliate Network – Optional): Instead of directly engaging with affiliates, some brands opt to work through an affiliate network. This network acts as a middleman, managing a product catalog from various brands and handling interactions with affiliate marketers.
- The Promoter (Affiliate Marketer): This individual partners directly with a brand or affiliate network to promote their products to their online audience. On TikTok, the affiliate marketer showcases these products within their videos.
- The Buyer (Consumer): This is the ultimate purchaser of the promoted product. In this context, the consumer is likely someone viewing the affiliate marketer’s TikTok content.
Each affiliate marketer receives a unique code from the brand or affiliate network (if used). They then incorporate this code within their TikTok videos (or include a link containing it in their profile bio).
How to Put Affiliate Links in TikTok?
While directly adding clickable affiliate links within TikTok videos or captions is not currently allowed, there are alternative methods to promote affiliate products and services on the platform:
1- Utilize a link in your bio
Upgrading to a TikTok business account unlocks the ability to include a clickable link in your profile bio. This link can direct viewers to a website or landing page containing your affiliate links. Consider using link-in-bio tools to streamline the process and manage multiple affiliate links.
Check out our blog post on withdrawing TikTok affiliate commission for helpful guidance and instructions.
2- Promote discount codes
Partner with brands to obtain unique discount codes you can share within your videos. Encourage viewers to use the code upon purchase to incentivize clicks and potential sales through your affiliate link.
3- Redirect traffic to other platforms
Although clickable links within videos are restricted, you can verbally direct viewers to your other social media profiles or website, where you can have readily available affiliate links.
4- Partner with the TikTok Affiliate Program (limited scope)
While currently in early stages, TikTok offers a limited affiliate program focused on promoting TikTok for Business. If accepted, you can earn commissions by driving new users to the platform through your affiliate link.
How to Become a TikTok Affiliate in 2024?
Brands and affiliate marketers can unlock the full potential of TikTok by consistently engaging their audience and mastering the platform’s unique brand marketing strategies. Understanding the algorithm that personalizes the user feed is crucial for boosting promotions.
Here’s a breakdown of how creators can effectively monetize their content on TikTok:
1. Building a Loyal Following
The more content you create, the more TikTok’s algorithm will show it to users, leading to higher engagement and follower growth. As an affiliate marketer, regularly post content relevant to your chosen niche and actively interact with similar content.
2. Choosing the Right Affiliate Program
Select a niche you’re genuinely interested in and research available affiliate programs. You can choose to collaborate directly with advertisers or join an affiliate network like Commission Junction that offers access to multiple offers and allows you to track your performance.
3. Capturing Leads Without Links
Since TikTok doesn’t allow affiliate links in content, use captivating landing pages with forms to capture user information and generate leads. If your budget is limited, leverage TikTok’s new feature that lets users visit brand websites through links in video descriptions (similar to Instagram’s Swipe Up).
4- Optimizing Your Strategy
Create engaging and informative content to attract a larger audience. Experiment with different approaches to see what resonates best with your audience and drives optimal ad performance.
Explore platforms like Commission Junction to discover successful strategies for your niche and help advertisers reach new audiences.
By following these steps and understanding the platform’s dynamics, content creators and affiliate marketers can effectively monetize their presence on TikTok.
Discover ways to maximize your TikTok affiliate earnings on our blog.
How to Become a TikTok Affiliate Even Without 1,000 Followers?
TikTok, with its massive billion-strong user base, offers a unique platform to unleash your creativity and potentially turn it into profit through its Affiliate Program. But what if you haven’t reached the coveted 1,000 follower mark yet? Worry not! This guide unveils the path to becoming a TikTok affiliate even with a smaller audience.
Meeting the Requirements
Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria:
- Switch to a Pro Account: This unlocks valuable analytics and tools.
- Be 18 or Over: This is a standard requirement for most affiliate programs.
- Gather Your Followers: Aim for at least 100 to demonstrate initial engagement.
- Showcase Your Content: Generate at least 10,000 video views within 30 days.
- Stay Original and Compliant: Ensure your content is unique and adheres to community guidelines.
The Application Process
Ready to apply? Here’s how:
- Head to the TikTok Creator Fund website.
- Navigate to the Monetization section.
- Click on Join the TikTok Affiliate Program.
- Complete the application form with accurate details.
- Submit your application and wait for their response.
Building a strong and engaged audience takes time and effort. While the follower count might seem daunting initially, focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your viewers. This will not only attract a loyal following but also increase your chances of program acceptance.
Does TikTok Allow Affiliate Links?
TikTok itself does not directly allow affiliate links to be placed within videos or comments. However, there are workarounds you can use to promote affiliate products on TikTok:
- Use a Business Account: Upgrading to a TikTok Business Account allows you to add a single clickable link to your profile bio. You can use this link to direct users to a landing page containing your affiliate links or your website, which can then house your affiliate links.
- Create Engaging Content: While you can’t directly embed affiliate links, you can still create engaging content that promotes products you’re affiliated with. Be transparent about your affiliations and use clear calls to action, encouraging viewers to visit your profile bio or website to learn more.
- Leverage Text Overlays: Briefly displaying the brand name or website of the product you’re promoting within your video can also be an effective strategy.
- Partner with the TikTok Affiliate Program: This program allows you to earn commissions by promoting TikTok For Business to others. You can find more information and apply for the program through their official website.
Understanding TikTok Affiliate Commission Rates
Earning potential on Affiliate TikTok varies, but the possibilities are exciting! As mentioned before, commission rates depend on brands and products. Generally, expect rates between 5% and 30% of the sale price:
- Physical products (fashion, gadgets): 5% to 15% commission.
- Digital products (courses, subscriptions): 20% to 30% commission.
Remember, these are just averages, and some programs offer even higher rates! Let’s see how this translates to real-world scenarios:
Imagine promoting a trendy clothing brand with a 10% commission rate. You create a video featuring their £50 dress, and it convinces 100 viewers to buy it through your unique link. This translates to £500 in sales, and with a 10% commission, you earn £50! Not bad for a single video, right?
Success depends on various factors like audience size, engagement, and content quality. However, affiliate marketing on TikTok holds potential for significant earnings, making it an attractive option for creators.
Explore our blog post on TikTok affiliate commission rates for valuable insights and tips.
What We Review in Affiliate Marketing on TikTok
So, you’ve ventured into the vibrant world of TikTok affiliate marketing, armed with the knowledge you gleaned from this comprehensive guide. Remember, while the path to success is paved with engaging content, strategic partnerships, and audience insights, don’t forget the power of authenticity and transparency.
By staying true to your voice, building genuine connections, and prioritizing value over fleeting trends, you’ll not only navigate the ever-evolving TikTok landscape but also cultivate a loyal following eager to embark on the journey you curate. Embrace the creative spirit of the platform, experiment fearlessly, and watch your affiliate marketing endeavors flourish on TikTok.