Thinking about making some cash on TikTok? Back in the day, the go-to strategy for creators was landing brand deals or signing up for affiliate programs outside the app, using their TikTok content as the ultimate sales pitch. But now, with TikTok Shop in the mix, you don’t even have to leave the platform to find these money-making opportunities.
Wondering how to jump on the TikTok Shop affiliate bandwagon? Let’s dig into how it works and what kind of earnings you can look forward to.
What Is A TikTok Shop affiliate?
Basically, it’s a creator like me (or you!) who earns commissions by helping brands sell their products through TikTok content. It’s just another version of affiliate marketing.
If you’re not familiar with affiliate marketing, it’s when someone earns a cut of the profit for every sale they generate. Back in the day (and even now), I’d write product reviews on blogs and include affiliate links to sites like Amazon. Whenever someone clicked on one and made a purchase, I’d get a small commission.
These days, affiliate marketing has moved beyond blogs. Creators now push products on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, but it usually involves third-party marketplaces or working out deals with brands directly.
The cool thing about TikTok Shop affiliates is that you don’t need to mess with any of that. I can just stick a clickable link to a TikTok Shop product right into a video. If people buy, I earn. No coupon codes, no outside platforms. It’s not completely hands-off, since I still have to make content, but it’s definitely one of my favorite ways to bring in extra income.
Why I Think the TikTok Shop Affiliate Program Is Worth It
There are tons of perks that come with being a TikTok Shop affiliate, all designed to help you grow as a creator while boosting your income. Here’s why it’s worth it:
You Get to Make Money From Your Audience
Every time someone buys something through your videos or livestreams, you get a cut. Whether you’re showing off beauty routines, sharing workout hacks, or reviewing gadgets, your followers can grab the products you recommend—and you get paid for it.
New Brand Partnerships? Yes, Please!
When you collaborate with TikTok Shop sellers, it not only helps you work with more companies but also boosts your visibility as a creator. More deals mean more exposure, and who knows? They might lead to even bigger gigs in the future.
You Can Promote Stuff You Actually Love
You can choose products that you actually like. If it's something you use all the time or just can't get enough of, your followers can totally sense when you're being real—and that makes them trust your recommendations even more.
Free Products? Yes, That’s a Thing
A lot of brands send free products for you to promote. This means you get to try out cool new items without spending a dime. Plus, as you grow your presence and commissions on TikTok Shop, you’ll have even more chances to snag free products regularly.
So Many Products to Choose From
No matter what your niche is—fashion, beauty, tech, or fitness—you’ll find a massive selection of products to choose from. This makes it easy to find items that match your vibe and keep your audience engaged.
It’s a Great Way to Connect With Your Followers
When you’re demonstrating how to use something or sharing your honest thoughts, this type of content really helps build trust and keeps your followers wanting more.
How to Get Started as a TikTok Shop Affiliate
Ready to start earning commissions on TikTok Shop? It’s a pretty straightforward process. Follow these steps, and you’ll be partnering with brands and making money in no time:
Step#1. Head to Your TikTok Profile
First things first, open up the TikTok app and head over to your profile.
Step#2. Find the Creator Tools
Tap the menu icon in the top-right corner of your profile, then select "Creator Tools." This is where all the monetization process happens.
Step#3. Look for 'TikTok Shop for Creator'
Scroll through the Creator Tools section until you see "TikTok Shop for Creator." This is your gateway to joining the affiliate program.
Step#4. Submit Your Application
Hit “Apply” to kick off the application process. TikTok will check out your profile to make sure you meet their requirements. Approval usually takes between 1 and 3 business days, so keep an eye out.
Step#5. Browse and Apply for Products
Once you’re in, you can start browsing the TikTok Shop for products that match your vibe and audience. Apply to promote the ones you like, and after the seller approves your request, you’re good to go.
Step#6. Create Content and Share Links
Make videos that highlight the product in a way that fits your style. Add shoppable links to your videos or live streams so your followers can buy directly, and you’ll earn a commission for every sale.
What You Need to Know Before Joining the TikTok Shop Affiliate Program
Thinking about becoming a TikTok Shop affiliate? There are a few requirements you’ll need to meet first. These vary depending on where you live, but here’s the gist:
You’ve Got to Be 18 or Older
First up, you need to be at least 18. This makes sure everyone in the program is legally good to go.
Live in a TikTok Shop-Approved Country
Unfortunately, TikTok Shop isn’t available everywhere, and it’s not just about where the feature is active—some countries have banned TikTok entirely. If you’re in a region where TikTok is up and running, like the US, UK, or parts of Southeast Asia, you’re good to go.
But if you live in one of the countries where TikTok is banned, joining the TikTok Shop affiliate program isn’t an option. Here’s the list of places where TikTok is either banned or heavily restricted:
- Afghanistan
- Canada
- India
- United States
- European Union
- Taiwan
- Australia
- Denmark
- Pakistan
- United Kingdom
- Belgium
- New Zealand
- France
- Netherlands
- Indonesia
- Somalia
- Nepal
- Norway
- Latvia
- Bangladesh
- China
- Estonia
- Iran
- Austria
If you’re lucky enough to be in a TikTok Shop-supported country, you can dive in and start earning commissions.
Hit the Follower Minimum
Depending on your region, you’ll need between 1,000 and 5,000 followers. For example, in the US or UK, the bar is set at 5,000. But if you’re in Southeast Asia, 1,000 followers will do the trick.
Keep Your Content Relevant
TikTok loves creators who stick to their niche. If you want to stand out, you should regularly post original, interesting content, no matter what you're into (beauty, exercise, games, or food).
Follow TikTok’s Rules
Lastly, you’ve got to stick to TikTok’s community guidelines and terms of service. It’s all about keeping the platform safe and enjoyable for everyone.
How Much Can You Make as a TikTok Shop Affiliate?
How much can you really earn as a TikTok Shop affiliate? Well, it depends on what you’re promoting, how engaged your audience is, and the commission rates brands are offering. Let’s break it down:
Typical Commission Rates
Product Type | Commission Rate |
|---|---|
High-Value Products (e.g., Fashion, Electronics) | 15% to 25% |
General TikTok Shop Products | 10% to 20% |
Flat-Rate Commission | $5 to $20 per sale |
If you’re promoting higher-priced items, like fashion or gadgets, commissions can hit 25%, which is where the real earning potential kicks in.
What You Could Earn Based on Your Followers
Your earnings will depend on how big (and engaged!) your audience is. Here’s a ballpark estimate:
Follower Range | Estimated Earnings Per Post |
|---|---|
1,000 - 10,000 | $20 - $150 |
10,000 - 50,000 | $30 - $400 |
50,000 - 500,000 | $80 - $1,650 |
500,000 - 1,000,000 | $150 - $3,500 |
1,000,000+ | $1,200 and up |
Even if you’ve got a smaller audience, you can still make decent money if your content is on point. And if one of your videos goes viral? That’s when the big bucks roll in.
What Affects Your Earnings?
What You Can Earn Based on Your Niche
Niche | Typical Commission Rate |
|---|---|
Beauty and Skincare | 10% to 20% |
Fashion and Apparel | 5% to 15% |
Health and Fitness | 7% to 15% |
Electronics and Gadgets | 3% to 8% |
Home and Kitchen | 5% to 12% |
Toys and Games | 5% to 10% |
Pet Products | 5% to 15% |
Affiliate Marketing Vs. Selling Products on TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop gives creators two main ways to earn: promoting products as an affiliate or selling your own products directly. You can do both if you’re approved, but not every option suits every creator. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each approach:
Selling Products on TikTok Shop
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
You can create and sell almost any product you want. | Requires a lot of time and resources to design, refine, and launch your product. |
Provides an income stream you have full control over. | You’ll face competition from other brands. |
Great option if you have a large audience to market to. | No guarantee of making enough sales to recover your initial investment. |
Opportunities to earn go beyond TikTok. | Only physical products are supported on TikTok Shop. |
You can collaborate with affiliate marketers to help promote your products. | Getting started can feel overwhelming and challenging. |
TikTok Shop Affiliate Program
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
No need to design or invest in your own product. | Your earnings depend on the brands you work with. |
You’re working with brands, not competing against them. | Takes time and practice to build affiliate marketing skills. |
Profitability only requires covering the time spent creating content. | You’ll only earn through TikTok unless you join affiliate programs on other platforms. |
Super easy to start if you’re already making content. | Earnings are tied to TikTok’s platform and policies. |
Can earn well even with a smaller audience. | Often requires creating a lot of videos to see consistent income. |
My Take on the TikTok Shop Affiliate Program
If you’ve been thinking about turning your TikTok time into extra income, the affiliate program might be just the thing. It’s a simple way to make money by sharing products you actually like, just genuine recommendations that fit your style.
Stick to the basics I’ve shared, keep your content interesting, and focus on connecting with your audience. Before you know it, you’ll be teaming up with brands, earning commissions, and building up your presence on TikTok. .
Post often. Keep it real, keep it fun, and never stop engaging with your followers. The more effort you put into being authentic, the more this program will work in your favor. So, go ahead—start creating, start sharing, and start earning!