Affiliate marketing has been around for decades, but today, it’s thriving in places that didn’t even exist ten years ago—places like TikTok.
Yes, that app known for its viral dances and trending sounds is now a serious contender in the world of digital marketing. And if you’re wondering, “Can I do affiliate marketing on TikTok?”—you’re absolutely not alone.
It’s one of the most frequently asked questions from creators, side hustlers, and even small business owners looking to grow without spending a fortune on ads.
Here’s the short answer: Yes, you absolutely can do affiliate marketing on TikTok. But like most things worth doing, it helps to understand how to do it right.
In this post, we’ll break it all down for you—what affiliate marketing looks like on TikTok, how to get started, what to watch out for, and how tools like MailDrip.io can help you not only make those affiliate sales but also nurture those viewers into long-term, loyal fans.
Why TikTok is Prime Real Estate for Affiliate Marketing
Let’s face it—TikTok is no longer just a playground for teens and influencers. It’s a full-blown search engine, discovery tool, and storytelling platform all rolled into one. And that makes it perfect for affiliate marketing.
A few reasons TikTok stands out:
- Massive Reach: With over 1 billion users globally, your potential audience is already there.
- Visual Appeal: Short-form video lets you show rather than tell—great for product demos, tutorials, unboxings, and reviews.
- Authenticity Wins: TikTok users respond to real, relatable content. No need to fake it. In fact, that could hurt you.
- Fast Growth: With the right video, even small accounts can go viral and see thousands of views overnight.
This makes TikTok a rare opportunity to generate affiliate revenue even if you don’t have a huge following yet. But—and this is a big one—success depends on having the right strategy.
How Affiliate Marketing on TikTok Works
If you’re brand new to affiliate marketing, here’s a quick crash course:
- You sign up for an affiliate program (Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or a product-specific one).
- You receive a unique tracking link for the product.
- You promote that product through your content.
- When someone clicks your link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission.
On TikTok, this promotion happens in a few main ways:
- Link in bio: Since TikTok doesn’t allow clickable links in captions, your bio becomes prime real estate.
- Call-to-action in videos: Think “Link in bio for the best email tool I’ve used 👇”
- Using Link-in-Bio tools: Platforms like Linktree or Beacons let you organize multiple affiliate links.
- TikTok Shop: If you’re eligible, you can tag products directly in your videos—huge for conversion rates.
Now here’s the catch: TikTok’s fast pace makes it easy to gain eyeballs, but not always easy to retain them. That’s where building an email list comes in—something most TikTok creators overlook.
Why Email Still Matters (Especially for TikTok Creators)
You might be thinking: “Wait, email? Isn’t that kinda… old-school?”
Here’s the truth: email is your safety net. Social media platforms change all the time—algorithms shift, accounts get flagged, content gets buried. But your email list? That’s yours.
If you’re using TikTok to grow affiliate revenue, building a simple email funnel can 10x your results. It allows you to:
- Follow up with interested viewers
- Offer extra value like how-to guides, bonuses, or discount codes
- Nurture trust over time, leading to more affiliate conversions
- Promote multiple products, not just the one in your latest video
That’s where MailDrip.io comes in.
How MailDrip.io Helps You Win at TikTok Affiliate Marketing
If TikTok is the party, MailDrip.io is what happens after the party—when you follow up with your guests and invite them back for more.
Take Your Emails to the Next Level
MailDrip helps you automate your outreach, nurture leads, and grow your brand with ease. Send the right message at the right time—without the stress.
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MailDrip.io is a lightweight email marketing platform built for creators, coaches, and personal brands. It’s not bloated with unnecessary features you’ll never use. Instead, it’s built for speed, simplicity, and making your email strategy actually work.
Here’s how MailDrip.io can help:
- Automated drip campaigns: Set up a welcome sequence once, and every new subscriber hears from you without lifting a finger.
- PAYG pricing: Only pay for what you send. No monthly commitment or inflated prices if your list is still small.
- Pre-built templates: Don’t know what to write? We’ve got free email templates that you can tweak and launch today.
- Email scheduling: Choose daily, weekly, or monthly cadences that work with your TikTok content rhythm.
Even if your TikTok goes viral, MailDrip.io helps you capture that attention and turn it into something sustainable.
A Simple Example: Affiliate + TikTok + Email
Let’s say you’re a fitness creator on TikTok.
- You create a video reviewing your favorite protein powder.
- In the caption, you say: “Want my full list of supplements? Link in bio.”
- Your bio links to a form that captures their email and sends a free “Top 5 Supplements I Swear By” guide.
- MailDrip.io sends that guide instantly and follows up with 2–3 automated emails featuring your affiliate links to each product.
Simple. Seamless. And most importantly—scalable.
FAQs
Do I need a large following to start affiliate marketing?
Nope. Engagement matters more than follower count. A niche account with 1,000 followers can earn more than a general account with 100,000 if they’re more targeted.
Can I put affiliate links directly in my TikTok videos?
Not usually. TikTok doesn’t allow clickable links in video captions. Instead, use a bio link tool and direct people there from your content.
What’s the TikTok Creator Marketplace?
That’s a platform for brands to find and pay creators—but it’s not necessary for affiliate marketing. You can promote products independently.
Is affiliate marketing allowed on TikTok?
Yes, but always disclose that you’re using affiliate links. A simple “#ad” or “affiliate link” tag works just fine. Transparency builds trust.
What should I write in my emails after someone signs up?
Start with a welcome email, then send tips, product guides, behind-the-scenes info, or even exclusive discounts. MailDrip.io templates can make this super easy.
Final Thoughts
So—can you do affiliate marketing on TikTok?
Absolutely. But the ones who succeed are those who don’t stop at going viral. They create a system that turns attention into action, and followers into customers.
By combining TikTok’s massive reach with the power of email automation, you’re not just hoping someone clicks your link—you’re leading them there with purpose. And with tools like MailDrip.io, you don’t need to be an email expert to make that happen.
Want to give it a try? Start with MailDrip.io and build your first drip campaign in under 15 minutes.
How are you planning to turn your TikTok views into long-term value?
