Want to cash in on TikTok’s booming e-commerce scene? Here’s how to get started as a TikTok Shop affiliate:
- Eligibility: 18+ years old, 5000+ TikTok followers
- Potential earnings: Some creators make $1000s per video
- How it works: Promote products, earn commissions on sales
Key steps to succeed:
- Set up a TikTok business account
- Join the affiliate program
- Choose popular products to promote
- Create engaging product videos
- Disclose affiliate links clearly
- Track performance and optimize
Remember: Follow TikTok’s rules, be transparent about affiliations, and focus on products your audience will love.
Ready to dive in? Let’s break down exactly how to start making money as a TikTok Shop affiliate.
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Commission rate | 1.4% standard |
Min. requirements | 5000 followers, 18+ years old |
Best products | Under $50, visually appealing, solve problems |
Content tips | Show product in use, be authentic, use trending sounds |
Rules to follow | Disclose affiliate links, use real products in videos |
Related video from YouTube
What is TikTok Shop‘s Affiliate Program
TikTok Shop’s Affiliate Program lets content creators make money by promoting products in their videos. It’s a simple way to turn your TikTok presence into cash.
Basics of Affiliate Marketing
Here’s how it works:
- You make a video showing off a product
- Viewers can buy that product through your special link
- You get a cut of the sale
It’s that easy. You get to talk about stuff you like, and you might make some money doing it.
"I started this adventure somewhat blindly, picking products I loved, like a chic mirror, trendy jeans, and a fun makeup palette. These items resonated with my audience, boosting my follower count and sales, netting me around $60,000 in just a few months." – Lori Ballen, affiliate marketer
How Much You Can Earn
Right now, TikTok Shop pays a 1.4% commission on sales. That might not sound like much, but it can add up fast.
Check out these real examples:
- Lori Ballen made $8,304.12 in one month just by casually browsing and sharing products she liked.
- Another creator earned $18,667 from ONE video about a snail mucin product. That video drove $124,000 in sales with a 15% commission.
But don’t expect to make this much right away. These are top-end examples, and your earnings will depend on things like how many followers you have and what products you promote.
How to Join the Program
Want in? Here’s what you need:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have 5,000 or more TikTok followers
- Post TikTok shop content regularly
If you tick those boxes, here’s how to sign up:
- Set up a TikTok business account (or switch your personal one)
- Create a seller TikTok account
- Link your TikTok account to the Shop backend (you’ll scan a QR code)
- Add your bank info for payments
Then you’re good to go! Start showing off products and watch those commissions roll in.
Getting Started with Your Account
Let’s walk through setting up your TikTok Shop affiliate account. It’s simpler than you might think.
Setting Up a TikTok Business Account
First, you need a TikTok Business Account. Here’s how to get one:
- Open TikTok and go to your profile
- Tap the menu icon (three lines) in the top right
- Go to "Settings and privacy" > "Manage account"
- Pick "Switch to Business Account" and follow the steps
Quick tip: Think about making a separate business account instead of changing your personal one. It keeps your work and fun stuff separate.
Setting Up Payments and Taxes
Now, let’s connect your bank account:
- In TikTok, go to your profile and tap the menu
- Hit "Settings and Privacy" > "Payment Setup"
- Choose "TikTok Store Payouts" and tap "Connect"
- Follow the steps to link your bank account
Have your tax info ready. TikTok will probably ask you to verify your bank account and might need some tax documents.
Using Your Affiliate Tools
TikTok gives you tools to help you succeed. Here’s where to find them:
- Go to your TikTok Shop dashboard
- Look for the "Affiliate" section
- You’ll see stuff like product catalogs, analytics, and commission tracking
Pro tip: Keep an eye on the analytics. They show you which products are doing well, so you can focus on what works.
Brian Brewer, who knows his stuff about affiliate marketing, says:
"Opting for a TikTok creator account, while initially delaying monetization, might offer a more robust foundation for affiliate marketing success by fostering organic growth and engagement."
So, while a business account lets you start right away, building a following as a creator might pay off more in the long run.
Remember, you’ve got to keep posting shop content to stay an affiliate. One TikTok user put it this way:
"If you are serious about being a TikTok shop affiliate, you need to post some videos to show the shops that you should get free samples."
Keep at it, and you’ll be on your way to TikTok affiliate success.
Choosing Products to Promote
Picking the right products for TikTok Shop can make or break your affiliate success. Here’s how to spot winners and create a solid marketing plan.
Finding Popular Products
To find products TikTok users want to buy:
- Check out #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt to see what’s hot.
- Use TikTok’s Top Products Database for real-time sales insights.
- Follow top creators to see what they’re pushing.
"TikTok is not just a platform for entertainment; it’s a powerhouse for businesses too." – Joe Niehaus, Ecommerce Specialist at Whop
Checking Product Sales Potential
Before promoting, make sure the product has potential:
-
Use Shoplus for product rankings:
- Breakout Products: Explosive sales potential
- Top Sales Products: Stable, high-volume sellers
- Hot Products: Soaring popularity
- New Products: High initial sales
- On Shoplus, go to "Products" > "Top Sales" and filter by country, category, price, and commission.
- Check Google Trends to see if interest is growing over time.
Product Marketing Plan
Good TikTok products often:
- Are impulse buys
- Solve a problem
- Look great on camera
- Are hard to find elsewhere
Here’s a quick comparison:
Characteristic | Good for TikTok | Not Ideal |
---|---|---|
Price | Under $50 | Over $100 |
Uniqueness | Hard to find | Common |
Visual Impact | Eye-catching | Boring |
Problem-solving | Clear benefit | Vague use |
To promote effectively:
- Show the product in action. Be real about its benefits.
- Use popular TikTok sounds in your videos.
- Team up with other creators.
- Run special offers during key events.
Fashion Nova‘s 4 million TikTok followers didn’t happen overnight. They consistently worked with popular creators and showed products their audience loved.
"Knowing how to find trending products on TikTok is vital in moderating sales and a fundamental skill that supports you a lot in doing other TikTok Marketing activities." – Mega Digital
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Making Videos That Sell
Want to create TikTok videos that turn viewers into buyers? Let’s break down the key elements that make affiliate content pop on this platform.
What Makes Good Affiliate Content
Good affiliate content on TikTok boils down to being real and keeping people hooked. Here’s what to focus on:
- Tackle a problem: Kick off your video by addressing an issue your audience faces. This grabs attention and makes your product relevant.
- Keep it simple: Ditch the complexity. Stick to easy-to-follow content.
- Get real: Use everyday situations that click with your audience. It builds trust and makes your recommendations more believable.
- Show your personality: Don’t hide who you are. TikTok users prefer genuine content over polished perfection.
- Use TikTok’s tools: Play with filters, stickers, and trending sounds. They make your videos more engaging and easier to find.
Brandon Oney, Senior Product Manager at Sovrn, nails it:
"Success on TikTok is all about engagement, so make sure your content delivers what your audience expects."
How to Show Products
Showing products the right way is key to driving sales. Try these tips:
- Unbox and demo: Take the product out and show it in action. People want to see how it works in real life.
- Mix up your shots: Use different angles to keep things interesting. Close-ups can really show off the details.
- Tell it like it is: Give honest reviews. Talk about the good and the not-so-good to build trust.
- Show it in context: Demonstrate how the product fits into everyday life or solves common problems.
Take Smashbox, for example. They teamed up with TikTok creator Champagne Becca to show off their Always On liquid lipstick. Becca proved it stays put even after eating a burger – addressing a common lipstick worry.
Writing Good Video Descriptions
Your video description is prime real estate. Here’s how to make it work:
- Keep it short: Aim for under 140 characters. It leaves room for last-minute tweaks and keeps your message clear.
- Use hashtags wisely: Include up to five relevant hashtags. Any more can look spammy.
- Ask questions: Get viewers talking by posing questions about your product or content.
- Tell them what to do: Guide viewers on the next step, whether it’s checking out a product link or following you.
- Tap into influencer know-how: If you’re working with influencers, ask for their help with descriptions. They often know just how to engage their followers.
Christine Rowe, a Social Media Marketing Expert, suggests:
"Absolutely ask your influencer if they could help you with writing descriptions."
Growing Your Income
Want to make more money as a TikTok Shop affiliate? Let’s dive into tracking your progress, creating killer content, and teaming up with brands to boost your earnings.
Checking Your Results
You can’t improve what you don’t measure. TikTok’s analytics tools are your best friend here:
- Commission earnings: Keep an eye on your total commission. It’s your bottom line.
- Engagement rates: Likes, comments, shares – the whole shebang. More engagement often means more sales.
- Conversion rates: How many viewers actually buy stuff through your links?
- Top-performing products: Which items are flying off the virtual shelves?
Brandon Oney from Sovrn puts it simply:
"Success on TikTok is all about engagement, so make sure your content delivers what your audience expects."
Making More Videos That Work
Found something that clicks with your audience? Time to double down:
- Copy your wins: If a video style works, make more like it.
- Ride the trends: Jump on trending sounds and hashtags for more eyeballs.
- Post regularly: Keep your audience hooked with a consistent schedule.
- Mix it up: Try different video styles to see what sticks.
Take Tarte Cosmetics, for example. They’ve racked up over 300,000 purchases on TikTok, with products selling out during Black Friday. That’s the power of nailing your TikTok game.
Working with Brands
Team up with brands to take your earnings to the next level:
- Show off your best work: Use your top-performing videos to attract brand deals.
- Don’t wait around: Reach out to brands that fit your content.
- Ask for more: As you grow, you can negotiate better rates.
- Create sponsored content: Work with brands on videos that showcase their products naturally.
Here’s a quick look at how different collaborations could boost your earnings:
Collaboration Type | Typical Commission Rate | Potential Monthly Earnings* |
---|---|---|
Standard Affiliate | 1.4% – 6% | $500 – $2,000 |
Brand Partnership | 10% – 20% | $2,000 – $5,000 |
Exclusive Deal | 20% – 30% | $5,000 – $10,000+ |
*Based on $100,000 monthly sales volume. Your actual earnings may be different.
Following Rules and Laws
Making money as a TikTok Shop affiliate? Great! But you’ve got to play by the rules. Let’s dive into the key guidelines you need to follow to keep your account in good standing and stay out of legal hot water.
Telling Viewers About Affiliate Links
Here’s the deal: You MUST be upfront about your affiliate links. It’s not just good practice – it’s the law. The FTC says so. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make it obvious: Your disclosure should stick out like a sore thumb. Don’t hide it in a hashtag jungle.
- Keep it simple: "Ad", "Sponsored", or "Affiliate link" work great. Try something like: "Heads up! This video has affiliate links. I get a cut if you buy through them."
- Say it every time: Even if you’ve mentioned it before, include a disclosure in EVERY video with affiliate products.
Jon Torres, an affiliate marketing guru, nails it:
"The more transparent you are with your readers, the more trust you build. The more trust you build, the more conversions you make."
TikTok’s Rules
TikTok has its own playbook for affiliates. Break these rules, and you might find your account in timeout – or worse, kicked off the platform. Here’s what you need to know:
- Show the real deal: Got a product to promote? You need the actual item in your video or live stream. No fake-outs with green screens or stock photos.
- Stick to commercial tunes: Use sounds from TikTok’s commercial library only.
- Don’t oversell it: No wild claims about products. TikTok says no to before-and-after pics and certain buzzwords.
- Keep it in the family: When you’re pushing TikTok Marketplace items, don’t bring up other brands, stores, or celebs.
- Watch your words: Steer clear of terms like "dupe", "weight loss", "heal", or "boost" in your content.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Go for it | Steer clear |
---|---|
Real products | Stock photos or green screens |
TikTok’s commercial tunes | Non-commercial audio |
Honest product talk | Over-the-top claims |
TikTok Marketplace focus | Mentioning other brands |
Clear affiliate shout-outs | Sneaky or vague disclosures |
These rules aren’t just TikTok being fussy. They’re all about creating a fair, open playing field for creators and viewers alike. Follow them, and you’re not just dodging trouble – you’re building a loyal fanbase.
As you navigate the TikTok Shop affiliate world, keep these guidelines front and center. They’re your roadmap to success without the speed bumps of policy no-nos or legal headaches.
Tips and Next Steps
Want to level up your TikTok Shop affiliate game? Here’s how:
Master Your Niche
Pick a topic you love and become an expert. Your passion will shine through and help you build a loyal following. Brandon Oney, Senior Product Manager at Sovrn, says:
"Success on TikTok is all about engagement, so make sure your content delivers what your audience expects."
Be Consistent
Post regularly to keep your audience hooked. MacKenna Stang, Account Manager at Sovrn, advises:
"The best way to grow your audience is by posting on a set schedule, so people know when to look for your videos."
Aim for at least one video a day to boost your visibility.
Use TikTok’s Tools
Make the most of what TikTok offers:
- Play with filters and stickers to spice up your videos
- Check your analytics to see what content clicks with your audience
- Use TikTok’s approved sounds to avoid copyright headaches
Optimize Your Profile
Set yourself up for success:
Create an Amazon Storefront for your product picks. Use Linktree to organize your affiliate links. Make your bio clear about your niche and what viewers can expect.
Learn from the Pros
Don’t reinvent the wheel. TikTok creator sarahtheaffiliate says:
"Learn from my mistakes as a beginner with tiktok shop affiliate!"
Join groups like the Creators Corner to network and learn affiliate tricks.
Play by the Rules
Always disclose your affiliate relationships. Be upfront about sponsored content and affiliate links in your videos and descriptions. It builds trust and keeps you on the right side of regulations.
Track and Tweak
Keep an eye on your results:
Check your commission earnings. Look at how your videos are performing. See which products are selling best.
Use this info to fine-tune your approach and do more of what works.
Team Up with Brands
As you grow, reach out to brands for partnerships. You could score higher commission rates and exclusive deals. Here’s a quick look at potential earnings:
Collaboration Type | Typical Commission Rate | Potential Monthly Earnings* |
---|---|---|
Standard Affiliate | 1.4% – 6% | $500 – $2,000 |
Brand Partnership | 10% – 20% | $2,000 – $5,000 |
Exclusive Deal | 20% – 30% | $5,000 – $10,000+ |
*Based on $100,000 monthly sales. Your actual earnings may differ.
Stay the Course
Remember, TikTok success doesn’t happen overnight. Keep creating, keep learning, and stick to your goals. With over 1.7 billion monthly active users, there’s plenty of room to grow.
FAQs
Does TikTok affiliate give you money?
Yes, TikTok’s affiliate program can put cash in your pocket. It’s a low-risk way to boost your income as a creator. Here’s the deal:
- You earn commissions from clicks and purchases through your affiliate links
- Your links can generate passive income as long as they’re active
- Your earnings depend on your audience size and how engaged they are
One TikTok user claimed: "I made $15,000 last month on TikTok Shop!" Keep in mind, results can vary a lot, but this shows there’s serious money-making potential.
How to promote affiliate products on TikTok?
Want to effectively promote affiliate products on TikTok? Try these tactics:
1. Strategic link placement
Put your affiliate links where they count: video descriptions, first comments, and your TikTok profile bio.
2. Use a link-in-bio tool
Tools like Linktree can help you organize multiple affiliate links in one spot.
3. Share promo codes
Offer exclusive discount codes to encourage purchases through your links.
4. Create a multi-platform funnel
Drive traffic from other social platforms to your TikTok affiliate content.
5. Focus on trending products
Align your promotions with what’s hot on TikTok right now.