In the world of online monetization and digital marketing, Amazon offers two powerful programs that allow content creators and marketers to earn commission through product promotion: the Amazon Influencer Program and the Amazon Affiliate Program (also known as Amazon Associates). While they might sound similar at first, they serve different purposes and cater to different types of users. Understanding the key distinctions can help you choose the right path—or use both programs effectively.
Let’s break down the major differences between the two and help you figure out which program is better for your online business or brand.
What is the Amazon Affiliate Program?
The Amazon Affiliate Program, officially called Amazon Associates, has been around since 1996 and is one of the most popular affiliate marketing platforms in the world. It allows website owners, bloggers, YouTubers, and other online content creators to earn commissions by promoting Amazon products.
Key Features:
- Anyone Can Join: As long as you have a website, blog, or social media channel with content, you can apply to become an Amazon Associate.
- Link-Based Promotion: You create unique affiliate links to Amazon products and share them through your content.
- Commission-Based: You earn a percentage (usually between 1% and 10%) when someone clicks your link and makes a purchase.
- No Storefront: Unlike the influencer program, Amazon Associates don’t get a custom storefront. They just use product links embedded in content.
What is the Amazon Influencer Program?
Launched as an extension of the affiliate program, the Amazon Influencer Program is geared toward social media influencers with an engaged audience. It offers all the features of the affiliate program, but with additional perks like a custom Amazon storefront and more flexible promotion tools.
Key Features:
- Custom Storefront: Influencers get their own page (e.g., amazon.com/shop/yourname) to showcase handpicked product recommendations.
- Social Media Integration: Optimized for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.
- Video Reviews: Some influencers can earn from uploading product review videos directly to Amazon.
- Commission-Based: Just like the affiliate program, you earn when someone buys through your link or storefront.
Eligibility Requirements:
While the affiliate program is open to almost anyone, the amazon influencer program has stricter entry criteria. Applicants need a strong social media presence and must meet follower and engagement benchmarks. The review process checks the quality and relevance of your content.
Best For:
- Instagram influencers
- TikTok creators
- YouTubers
- Lifestyle bloggers with active audiences
Key Differences Between the Two
Let’s compare the most important differences to help you understand how they serve distinct purposes:
🔹 1. Application and Approval
- Amazon Affiliate: Easier to join, minimal audience requirements.
- Amazon Influencer: Requires a review of your social media presence.
🔹 2. Promotional Tools
- Affiliate: Basic product links and banners.
- Influencer: Custom storefront, shoppable videos, and social-friendly links.
🔹 3. Content Focus
- Affiliate: Often focused on written content (like blogs or niche websites).
- Influencer: Visual and video content across social platforms.
🔹 4. Audience Engagement
- Affiliate: Works best with SEO and web-based traffic.
- Influencer: Designed for creators with real-time, high-engagement followers.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both programs offer solid earning potential—but which is right for you depends on your content style and platform.
If you’re a blogger or niche website owner, the Amazon Affiliate Program is a perfect fit. It’s simple to integrate with your content, and if you know how to drive traffic through SEO, it can be a long-term passive income stream.
On the other hand, if you’re an influencer with a loyal social following, the amazon influencer program is a better choice. The storefront feature not only looks professional but also helps centralize your recommendations in a clean, clickable format that’s easy to share with your audience.
Can You Use Both?
Absolutely! Many creators use both the Amazon Associates and the amazon influencer program to maximize their revenue. For example, you could:
- Use affiliate links on your blog.
- Share your influencer storefront on Instagram or TikTok.
- Embed shoppable videos in your Amazon storefront for extra visibility.
The key is to diversify your content and keep your links relevant and trustworthy. Always disclose affiliate relationships, and prioritize recommending products you genuinely use and believe in.
Final Thoughts
Both the Amazon Influencer Program and the Amazon Affiliate Program give creators and marketers a powerful way to earn money by recommending products. The main difference lies in the tools, customization options, and the platforms they’re built for. Whether you’re writing detailed product reviews on your blog or sharing lifestyle hauls on TikTok, there’s a path for you to monetize your influence with Amazon.
Want to apply? Start with the Amazon Influencer Program if your social media is your strong suit—or go with Amazon Associates if your focus is SEO and content marketing.
