TikTok Affiliate Marketing 101: How To Make Money As An Affiliate On Tiktok

tiktok affiliate marketing - author Jen Glantz
TikTok Affiliate Marketing Garinblack/Shutterstock jenglantz/Instagram

As a creator, figuring out how to monetize your work on TikTok can be overwhelming. However, TikTok affiliate marketing offers more opportunities for creators than other social media platforms.

From TikTok’s Creativity Program to their Work With Artists Program, you have many options to choose from. Today, we’ll explore TikTok’s affiliate program and how to become a TikTok Shop Creator

Here’s everything you need to know about joining TikTok’s affiliate program and earning money as a creator in 2024. 

What is The TikTok Affiliate Program?

TikTok Shop, which launched in 2023, added a new element to the platform. Businesses could sell their products directly on TikTok. To help them sell these products, businesses on TikTok Shop can allow creators to serve as affiliates. 

Creators can apply to be part of TikTok’s affiliate program and apply to promote products on the Product Marketplace. Creators earn a pre-set commission whenever their viewers purchase the link displayed on their TikTok video. 

Once accepted to TikTok’s affiliate program, creators can browse the Product Marketplace to find items they can promote and the commission rate. They can request samples of products to feature directly in videos. 

Creators in TikTok’s affiliate program have access to a Collab Invites tab where businesses can reach out directly with flat rate or commission-only opportunities. 

Who Can Become a TikTok Affiliate?

To join TikTok’s affiliate program, a creator must meet several requirements. In addition to being at least 18 years old, the program requires at least 1,000 followers and a video posted on the platform within the last 28 days. 

If you have those qualifications, you can submit an application and once you’ve been accepted, you can begin your work as a TikTok affiliate. 

How Many Followers Do You Need to Be a TikTok Affiliate?

The requirements for becoming a TikTok affiliate are lower than other programs. For example, TikTok’s Creativity Program requires users have 10,000 followers on the platform.

To become a TikTok affiliate, you need just 1,000 followers. However, once you become an affiliate you earn money whenever any viewer on the platform buys using your link.

Because TikTok’s algorithm shows creators videos on the For You Page, viewers can stumble upon your content even if they don’t follow you. This allows you to reach more viewers than just your direct followers. 

Becoming a TikTok Affiliate for Beginners

Joining TikTok’s affiliate program is easy, and the application takes just a few minutes. Open your TikTok app and go to your profile. Tap on the three lines at the top right. Hit Creator Tools and then scroll down to look for the TikTok Shop for Creator tab.

You’ll be presented with the list of requirements to join. TikTok’s list will have green checkmarks next to your completed requirements. Fill out the form and click the apply button. 

After you hit apply, your application will be reviewed, and you’ll receive a notification when you’ve been accepted. 

How Can I Get My Commission on TikTok Affiliates?

As you explore TikTok Shop as an affiliate, you’re able to see hundreds of available products that you can apply to be an affiliate for. Each product will list how much money you will earn per sale and what the set commission rate is. That way, you’ll know in advance what your potential earnings could be based on any sales that you generate through the app.

Once you’ve set up your TikTok Shop affiliate account, you are able to withdraw your commission at anytime. You don’t have to wait a 30-day period or let the money sit still till you hit a minimum earning.

You can simply head to your earnings tab, click on the Withdraw Balance button and input how much of the commission you want withdrawn. It will then get deposited into your bank account in just a matter of days. 

Is Affiliate Marketing on TikTok Worth It?

Becoming a TikTok affiliate can be worth it, especially if your content often showcases product recommendations or items you personally adore.

Once you create a video that features a product from TikTok’s Product Marketplace and you link to the product using your TikTok affiliate link, you’re able to earn a commission anytime someone buys the item using your link. 

This could be a good passive income stream for you as a creator with minimal downside. If you have 1,000 followers, apply to become a TikTok affiliate and see if the program is a good fit for you in 2024.

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