What are affiliate links?
Affiliate links are special tracking URLs that allow publishers to earn a commission when someone makes a purchase after clicking their link. When a person clicks an affiliate link and completes a target action, like making a purchase or signing up for a service, the affiliate earns a percentage of that transaction as a reward.
Affiliate links work by using a unique tracking code that identifies the publisher who referred the sale. When someone clicks an affiliate link, a cookie is usually placed on their browser that stores the affiliate ID. If that person goes on to complete a sale or other convertible action on the advertiser’s website within the cookie expiration period, the affiliate will receive credit for directing that traffic.
There are a few main types of affiliate programs:
– Pay per sale – Affiliates earn a commission when users purchase after clicking their link.
– Pay per lead – Affiliates are paid when their link generates a lead or sign-up for the advertiser.
– Pay per click – Affiliates earn a small amount each time their link is clicked.
By providing a way for publishers to monetize their platforms by promoting others’ products, affiliate marketing creates a win-win between advertisers and content creators.
TikTok’s Affiliate Link Policy
TikTok has specific rules around including affiliate links on the platform. Their policy has evolved over time as the app has grown. Currently, creators are allowed to include affiliate links in their bios and posts, but there are restrictions.
As of July 2021, TikTok started allowing creators to include affiliate links in their bios (Facebook, 2021). This change made it easier for influencers to monetize their content. Previously, external links of any kind were banned across the platform.
However, affiliate links still have limitations. They can only be included in bios, not directly in posts or videos. TikTok reviews each request to add an affiliate link, and may reject links to certain products or services. There are also restrictions around promoting adult content, vaping, gambling sites, and more.
Overall, TikTok’s affiliate policy aims to balance creator monetization with safety for users. As they continue to develop their platform, the rules may be updated. But for now, affiliate links are permitted within the boundaries they have established.
How to add affiliate links on TikTok
There are a few different methods you can use to add affiliate links to your TikTok profile and videos:
Linktree – Linktree is a popular redirect service that allows you to create a profile with multiple links. You can add your affiliate links there and then put the Linktree URL in your TikTok bio.
TikTok’s link features – You can add one affiliate link directly in your TikTok profile bio. Just tap “Edit profile” and add your affiliate link next to the website field. TikTok also allows you to add links to your videos using pins, captions, stickers and more. These direct viewers to your affiliate links.
Redirect services – Besides Linktree, redirect services like Linkfire and Shorby let you create a landing page with your affiliate links to share on TikTok.
Disclosures – Make sure to clearly disclose affiliate relationships as required by the FTC. You can do this in your bio, video captions or verbally in videos.
TikTok Affiliate Marketing Best Practices
Here are some top tips for succeeding with affiliate marketing on TikTok:
Choose products that are a natural fit for your audience and niche. Look for products that are trending or frequently talked about on TikTok already. You want to promote relevant products that your followers will be genuinely interested in and likely to purchase through your link (Source: https://www.hashtag.expert/growth/affiliate-marketing-on-tiktok).
Create engaging and useful content around the products. Give your honest opinion, demonstrate how it works, share user-generated content, and provide tips for getting the most out of the product. Don’t just post direct links. Build excitement and intrigue leading people to click your affiliate link organically (Source: https://www.pipiads.com/blog/mastering-tiktok-affiliate-marketing-tips-tricks-and-earnings/).
Disclose affiliate relationships openly and transparently. This builds trust with your audience. The FTC requires disclosure when content contains affiliate links. Make it clear in your captions, bios, and videos when content contains affiliate links and you may earn commission on purchases (Source: https://www.pipiads.com/blog/boost-your-tiktok-affiliate-sales-with-the-yellow-shopping-cart/).
Top affiliate programs for TikTok
Some of the best affiliate programs for TikTok creators to join include:
Amazon Associates – One of the largest and most popular affiliate programs. Offers up to 10% commission on various Amazon products. They provide text and image links for promoting products. Useful for TikTok product recommendations. Read more on the Amazon Associates website.
RewardStyle – Focused on fashion and lifestyle brands. Provides exclusive deals and influencer collaborations. Customizable links and creative assets available. Commission rates up to 20%. Learn more on the RewardStyle website.
Shopify – Affiliates can earn commissions by referring users to create Shopify stores. Provides coaching and marketing materials. Up to $2,000 per referral. Get details on Shopify Partners program.
ShareASale – Network with over 4,000 merchant affiliate programs. Offers analytics and tracking. Average commission rates 8-15%. Browse programs on the ShareASale marketplace.
Affiliate marketing strategy for TikTok
When it comes to affiliate marketing on TikTok, having the right strategy is key to success. Here are some tips for developing an effective affiliate marketing approach on TikTok:
Research your audience. Take the time to understand who is using TikTok and what types of products or services would appeal to them. Analyze popular content and hashtags to identify affiliate programs that align with audience interests [1].
Set clear goals. Define what you want to achieve through TikTok affiliate marketing such as number of sales or commissions earned. Track your progress to evaluate what’s working [2].
Optimize your affiliate links. Use link shorteners and UTM parameters to track traffic sources and customize landing pages. This helps gauge performance of different posts and partnerships.
Monitor and iterate. Continuously test new posts, CTAs, and partnerships to improve results. Adapt your approach based on performance data and audience feedback.
With strategic planning tailored to the TikTok platform, affiliate marketing can be an effective method for monetizing your audience and content.
TikTok Advertising Alternatives
While affiliate links may not be directly supported on TikTok, there are other advertising options to consider:
TikTok Paid Ads
TikTok offers a variety of paid advertising formats like In-Feed Video Ads, Brand Takeovers, and TopView ads that appear when the app is first opened. These can help promote products, brands, and offers. According to Influencer Marketing Hub, TikTok’s advertising platform lets brands target users by demographics, behaviors, and interests [1].
Sponsorships
Partnering with influential creators and paying them to promote products in their content is a proven way to reach engaged audiences on TikTok. Negotiating TikTok sponsorships on an individual basis can enable tailored brand integrations.
Branded Content
Creating fun branded videos and challenges that organically spread on TikTok can generate significant exposure. Hashtag challenges, effect filters, and other interactive branded content can entertain viewers while promoting a business.
While affiliate marketing directly on TikTok has limitations, these alternatives allow businesses to creatively advertise on the platform within its guidelines.
Risks and Common Mistakes
While affiliate marketing can provide an attractive source of revenue for content creators, there are some risks and common mistakes to be aware of when using affiliate links on TikTok:
Account bans – TikTok has strict rules against spammy affiliate marketing tactics. Overuse of affiliate links or focusing solely on monetization can get your account suspended or banned. Post high-quality, original content first.
Low conversion rates – Affiliate links need to be incorporated naturally into engaging content that resonates with your audience. Forcing affiliate links on disinterested viewers will lead to low conversion rates.
Spamming links – Flooding your captions with multiple affiliate links looks spammy. Carefully choose one relevant affiliate link per video to avoid turning off your audience.
TikTok affiliate success stories
Affiliate marketing has taken off on TikTok, with influencers finding great success promoting products. Here are some top success stories on TikTok:
@hausofblaq is a fashion and beauty influencer who frequently shares affiliate links to clothing, makeup, and accessories. She provides honest reviews and great styling tips while seamlessly incorporating affiliate links. Her relatable videos have led to big profits from her TikTok affiliate promotions.
Lifestyle influencer @talkingwithivy shares affiliate links to home goods, kitchen gadgets, self-care items, and more. She creatively stages videos to highlight products’ features and test them out for her audience. @talkingwithivy has built a strong following that looks to her for the latest product recommendations thanks to her engaging affiliate content.
@inthepink.co promotes affiliate links to brands selling feminine care, reproductive health, and wellness products. Her informative, empathetic videos aim to break stigmas while providing access to helpful products. @inthepink.co’s mission-driven content connects with viewers who have turned into loyal customers for her affiliate partners.
These TikTok creators demonstrate how showcasing brands authentically within entertaining videos can drive conversions and commissions. Their affiliate marketing success on TikTok comes from finding a niche, connecting with their audience, and seamlessly incorporating affiliate links into engaging content.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about using affiliate links on TikTok:
Can I use affiliate links in my TikTok bio?
Yes, you can add affiliate links to your TikTok bio. This is a common way for creators to promote affiliate offers unobtrusively in their content. Just make sure your links comply with TikTok’s affiliate policy.
Do I need to disclose affiliate links?
TikTok requires you to disclose any affiliate links visibly in your content or bio, such as by saying “affiliate link” or using #ad. Not properly disclosing affiliate links could result in your account being banned.
What affiliate programs work best on TikTok?
Affiliate programs with popular consumer products that appeal to TikTok’s young audience tend to perform well, like fashion, beauty, gaming, and streaming services. Check affiliate networks like Amazon Associates and Rakuten for options.
Can I use affiliate links in TikTok videos?
Yes, you can mention or display affiliate links in your videos. A best practice is to post the link visibly in your caption or comment it during the video so viewers can access it.
Will I get banned for using affiliate links?
As long as you properly disclose your affiliate links and follow the rest of TikTok’s policy, you should not get banned solely for using affiliate marketing. Avoid spammy practices that could get your account suspended.
