Affiliate marketing and TikTok — two terms you probably didn’t expect to see in the same sentence a few years ago. But here we are in 2025, and the combo is not just working — it’s booming.
Whether you’re a content creator, personal brand, small business owner, or just someone curious about making passive income online, TikTok affiliate marketing is worth your attention.
Why? Because TikTok isn’t just for dance trends and viral cat videos anymore — it’s become a powerful engine for driving product discovery and buying decisions.
In fact, TikTok has influenced more purchases than any other social platform over the past two years. People don’t just scroll for entertainment anymore — they scroll for inspiration, recommendations, and yes, affiliate links.
So, how do you tap into this opportunity?
That’s exactly what we’re covering today. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down how affiliate marketing works on TikTok, how to set yourself up the right way, what strategies are working now, and how to actually earn from your content — without being “salesy.”
Let’s get into it.
What is Affiliate Marketing (Quick Recap)
In case you’re newer to the idea — affiliate marketing is a type of performance-based marketing where you earn a commission for promoting other people’s or company’s products. You get a unique affiliate link, and every time someone buys through that link, you get paid.
Think of it like this: You’re the trusted friend recommending a cool product. Instead of just saying, “Hey, you should try this,” you say, “Here’s a link to try it — and yes, I get a small commission if you do.”
The beauty? You don’t need to create your own product. You just need to share products or services that make sense to your audience.
Why TikTok is Perfect for Affiliate Marketing
Unlike traditional platforms, TikTok is all about discovery. The For You Page (FYP) algorithm is designed to show people content they didn’t know they needed — which makes it the perfect environment for product discovery.
Here’s why TikTok is such a game-changer for affiliate marketing:
- Fast reach: A single video can go viral and reach thousands or even millions — without needing a massive following.
- Authenticity wins: People prefer raw, honest content over polished ads.
- Niche communities thrive: Whether you’re into skincare, books, productivity tools, or pet gear, there’s an audience waiting.
- Short-form = more testing: You can create lots of quick videos to test different styles, hooks, and offers.
In short: It’s low barrier, high upside.
How Do I Start Affiliate Marketing on TikTok?
1. Choose a Niche You Care About
Before jumping into links and content, think long-term. What are you genuinely interested in? What do you already talk about or recommend to friends?
Your niche could be:
- Fitness & wellness
- Tech gadgets
- Fashion or beauty
- Books or stationery
- Business tools (like email platforms 👋)
- Digital products (courses, software, templates)
TikTok rewards creators who stay consistent with a theme, so think about what content you’d enjoy making even if it didn’t go viral right away.
2. Sign Up for Affiliate Programs
You can join affiliate programs directly from brands, or via networks. Some options:
- Amazon Associates
- ShareASale
- Impact
- ClickBank
- Digital product platforms (like Gumroad, Podia, MailDrip.io, etc.)
Tip: When promoting tools or platforms, try to use them yourself first so your content stays genuine.
3. Create a TikTok Business or Creator Account
This unlocks analytics and link features. You don’t need to have 10k followers to start — but building toward that unlocks features like the clickable bio link.
In the meantime, you can:
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- Add a Linktree (or similar tool) to your TikTok bio to house affiliate links.
- Use a custom domain or redirect to make your links look cleaner.
- Or guide followers to your Instagram or email list for more info.
4. Start Creating “Soft Pitch” Content
Here’s the secret sauce: Don’t try to sell. Try to solve.
Some TikTok content ideas that work great for affiliate marketing:
- “Things I wish I knew about earlier…” (introduce the product naturally)
- “Amazon finds for [your niche]”
- “Top 3 tools I use every day as a creator”
- “Watch me try [product] for the first time”
- “How I make passive income as a [your role]”
TikTok users are savvy — they’ll ignore hard sells. But if your video shows value or a transformation, they’ll check your bio or comments for the link.
Pro Tip: Use Email Marketing to Increase Affiliate Sales
Here’s the part most TikTokers miss — not everyone buys the first time they see a product.
That’s where email marketing comes in. When someone clicks your link, give them a reason to join your email list. Maybe it’s a free guide, product discount, or just “Get my weekly gear picks.”
This is where MailDrip.io can seriously level up your affiliate game.
Instead of manually following up, MailDrip lets you:
- Set up automated sequences for new subscribers
- Send product recommendations on autopilot
- Schedule emails weekly, daily, or monthly (your call)
- Use beautiful templates — no design needed
- Only pay for what you use (great if you’re just starting out)
It’s like having a personal assistant that keeps nurturing your audience even when you’re not posting.
👉 Want to try it? MailDrip.io offers a flexible Pay As You Go model — perfect for creators and solopreneurs.
FAQs
Do I need a big following to make money?
No! Many creators earn with under 10,000 followers. It’s about engagement, not just numbers.
Can I put affiliate links directly in TikTok videos?
TikTok doesn’t allow clickable links in captions — but you can mention “link in bio” or redirect to your IG/email.
What kind of affiliate products work best?
Products that fit your niche and feel authentic. Tools you use, products you believe in, or items that solve common problems.
How do I track what’s working?
Use UTM codes or your affiliate platform’s dashboard. Pair that with TikTok analytics to see which videos drive clicks.
Can I promote digital tools or software?
Absolutely — platforms like MailDrip.io offer affiliate programs, and often pay higher commissions than physical products.
Final Thoughts
Affiliate marketing on TikTok is one of the most approachable income streams out there right now.
It doesn’t require you to be an influencer, or to be “good on camera,” or to post daily dance videos. All it takes is a smart strategy, consistency, and a bit of creativity.
Start small. Talk about products you love. Build an email list early — and let tools like MailDrip.io handle the follow-ups while you focus on creating.
So… what’s the first product you’re going to share on TikTok?
If you’d like help setting up your email marketing to complement your affiliate content, MailDrip.io is here to make it easy — with flexible plans and creator-friendly tools to grow with you.
Let us know how it goes — or tag us in your next TikTok!
