If you are looking for affiliate programs to join, Amazon has a perfect opportunity. However, some might not know the difference between the Amazon influencer program vs. the affiliate program. You need to know how each one works to decide your best option.
In this article, we will provide you with a full guide on the difference between Amazon influencer programs and affiliate programs. You can check how to join each one and know their requirements.
Amazon Influencer Program Vs. Affiliate Program
Before talking straight about the Amazon influencer program vs. the affiliate program, you need to know how each works. So, let’s start with a look at each one and the requirements to join them:
What Is the Amazon Affiliate Program?
The Amazon Affiliate Program, also known as Amazon Associates, is an affiliate program for bloggers, website owners, and social media influencers. This program allows participants to earn referral fees by promoting Amazon products through unique affiliate links.
In this program, content creators use and review products on their channel and share a link to its Amazon page. Amazon keeps track of each sale by providing an Associate ID for each content creator. If readers decide to buy the products from the link in the posts, the affiliate receives a commission.
To create affiliate links for any product sold on Amazon, you can use the Amazon SiteStripe feature. This will allow you to earn various commission amounts based on the product category for each sale from your links.
How To Join Amazon Affiliate Program?
If you like to join the Amazon Associates program, you can visit the Program’s page on the Amazon website and complete an application.
The application will ask for your website’s URL which must contain original content. Then, an Amazon professional will check your application and let you know if you are accepted or not.
What Is the Amazon Influencer Program?
You have definitely heard about TikTok and Instagram influencers; but are you familiar with Amazon influencers? If you are running a social media page such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook, you can earn money by promoting Amazon products and receiving a commission on the sales you generate.
Unlike the Amazon Associate program, you don’t need to have a website to join the influencer program. Instead, you need to create an Amazon storefront and customize it with product review videos and shoppable photos. But that’s not all!
As an Amazon influencer, you can create 60-second product review videos. If these videos get approved, they will appear on product listings. Buyers can watch these videos, and if they make a purchase after viewing them, the Amazon influencer will receive a commission.
How To Join The Amazon Influencer Program?
If you read about the Amazon influencer vs. associate and decide to join the influencer program, here are the steps to submit your application.
- Go to the Amazon Influencer Program page on your browser and click “Join Now”.
- Signup for an Amazon account or log into your account if you already have one.
- Fill out the application form with your personal and social media account information, as well as additional details about your niche and audience.
- Submit your application and wait for the response.
Differences Between Amazon Influencers and Amazon Affiliates?
Now that you know everything about Amazon influencer marketing and affiliate programs, it’s time to see their differences. At first look, they might look the same, but they are different in some aspects.
Here’s what is the difference between an Amazon influencer and an Amazon affiliate.
1. Affiliate Links
As we mentioned, in affiliate programs you share affiliate links directly to the product shopping page on Amazon. But in the Amazon influencer marketing program, instead of promoting product links, influencers have their own storefront on Amazon filled with favorite products.
This storefront page is customizable and you can design it by adding headers and profile pictures. This is the first factor about the Amazon influencer program vs. the affiliate program to consider, but there are more!
2. Amazon Associates Vs. Amazon Influencer: Requirements
The second difference between the Amazon influencer program vs. the affiliate program is the requirements for joining each program. Requirements to join the Amazon affiliate/associate are much easier than they are for joining the Amazon Influencer program. If you have a public website, you can sign up and get to work for affiliate marketing.
Amazon Affiliate Program Requirement
To join the Amazon affiliate program, you need to meet the following requirements:
- You need to have an active website, blog, or mobile app, which are fully functional. Under-construction websites are not accepted.
- The site must have original content and be publicly available. Any violent, sexually explicit, or offensive content will reject your application.
- Your site must comply with Amazon’s Operating Agreement and Program Policies.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Clearly disclose your relationship with Amazon on your site.
- You should generate at least three qualified sales within 180 days of joining.
Remember, Amazon reserves the right to reject applications or terminate accounts that don’t meet these requirements or violate their policies.
Amazon Influencer Program Requirements
But to become an Amazon influencer, you need to meet these requirements:
- Have an active and public social media account on YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Twitch, or Facebook. A substantial number of followers is required, though the exact number isn’t specified.
- You need to have a business account on social media with a high engagement rate.
- Your content should be relevant to products available on Amazon.
- Have an Amazon account.
3. Traffic Source
One of the most important differences between Amazon influencer program Vs. Affiliate program is the source of traffic. With the Amazon Influencer Program, you benefit from on-site traffic, meaning that users who are already Amazon buyers can view your videos directly on the platform, which can help you earn money.
But on the other hand, the Amazon Associate Program relies on off-site traffic. This means you need to generate external traffic by sharing your affiliate links on other platforms and directing users to Amazon. So in simple words, you need an established following to earn money through the Affiliate Program. However, with the Influencer Program, you don’t need a following to start making money on Amazon.
4. Monetizing International Traffic
When it comes to monetizing international traffic, it’s important to understand the options available through the Amazon Affiliate/Associates Program and the Amazon Influencer Program.
Amazon operates various marketplaces worldwide, catering to buyers based on their geographical location. Here are some examples of different Amazon marketplaces:
- United States: Amazon.com
- Canada: Amazon.ca
- Germany: Amazon.de
- France: Amazon.fr
- Japan: Amazon.co.jp
Now let’s check the Amazon influencer program vs. affiliate program marketplaces.
1. Amazon Associates Program
The Amazon Affiliate/Associates Program allows you to join as an affiliate for multiple Amazon marketplaces worldwide. By using Linkstripe, you can set up the One Link system, which automatically connects your international accounts.
These affiliate links will be geo-located based on where your audience is clicking from, directing them to their local Amazon website. This way, you can tap into international sales and earn global commissions. This feature is particularly valuable if you have a diverse global audience.
2. Amazon Influencer Program
On the other hand, the Amazon Influencer Program currently does not provide a direct way to monetize your international audience. As an influencer, you can only create one store per marketplace. If you didn’t get the monetization for the Amazon influencer program, let’s make it simple with an example.
For example: if you join as an Amazon Influencer, your Storefront will showcase products available for purchase in the United States. Unfortunately, any international audience that discovers your Storefront won’t be able to make purchases through your links, and you won’t earn a commission for those sales.
| Feature | Amazon Associate Program | Amazon Influencer Program |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to anyone with a website or blog | Requires significant social media following |
| Platform Focus | Websites, blogs, apps | Social media (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook) |
| Main Tool | Custom affiliate links | Personalized Amazon storefront |
| Product Promotion | Direct links in content | Curated product lists in storefront |
| Commission Structure | Based on product categories | Similar to Associate Program |
| Application Process | Simple sign-up | More selective review process |
| Traffic Source | Website visitors | Social media followers |
| Content Type | Written content, product reviews | Visual content, lifestyle integration |
| Customization | Limited to link placement | Customizable storefront |
| Analytics | Basic reporting | Real-time analytics on storefront |
| Additional Perks | Standard affiliate tools | Potential for exclusive events, early product access |
| Best For | Bloggers, website owners | Social media influencers |
| Ease of Use | Relatively straightforward | Requires social media expertise |
| Audience Engagement | Indirect through content | Direct through social platforms |
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Conclusion
Both the Amazon Influencer Program and the Amazon Affiliate Program provide opportunities to earn income through product promotion. However, they are different in some aspects.
In this article, we’ve provided a complete guide on the Amazon influencer program vs. affiliate program. You can apply for both or the one that works better for you to earn money from your social media presence. However, you might wonder: which one is better:
- Choose the Affiliate Program if you have a blog or website with steady traffic.
- Opt for the Influencer Program if you have a strong social media presence and engage visually with your audience.
In the end, joining an Amazon affiliate platform, like Algorift, can be helpful.
FAQs
Yes, you can participate in both programs, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for each program. Keep in mind that the strategies and approaches may differ for each program, so it’s important to tailor your content and promotions accordingly.
Yes, the Amazon Influencer Program has specific eligibility requirements, which may include having a minimum number of followers on your social media platforms. The exact criteria can vary, so it’s recommended to review the program guidelines and requirements to determine if you meet the necessary qualifications.
No, both the Amazon Influencer Program and the Amazon Affiliate Program are free to join. However, keep in mind that there may be costs associated with maintaining and promoting your online presence, such as website hosting or social media management tools.
