TikTok has begun testing a new affiliate marketing program in the US through its Shop product, allowing content creators to earn commissions for promoting products in videos, profiles, and live streams. Commission rates, determined by sellers, can range from 1% to 20% of sales made through the app.
The platform has reportedly started paying US creators commissions for product promotion via the Shop feature. Creators can publish videos or live streams featuring products like shopping caps, neck massagers, and heating pads, and earn commissions on sales driven by their content.
Affiliate marketing has become a primary revenue driver for influencers, with commission rates varying widely. TikTok creators can also link products in a separate showcase tab on their accounts, allowing followers to purchase items like LED light strips through the TikTok Shop interface.
Numerous influencers have been trialing the app’s affiliation program and other shipping tools, with creators promoting brands like Revolve and offering in-app shopping experiences featuring cost-effective outfits.
Although this concept is not entirely new to TikTok, the platform has been testing the project since November, aiming to invite more creators and brands to participate and benefit the entire community. TikTok’s move toward social commerce follows the success of its Chinese counterpart, Douyin, which has become a significant revenue source for parent company ByteDance.
TikTok’s experiment with affiliate marketing holds immense potential for both content creators and sellers, paving the way for a new era of social commerce. As the platform expands its shopping capabilities, affiliate marketers can leverage their creativity to promote products, engage their audience, and generate significant revenue. This move not only benefits TikTok’s user base but also solidifies the app’s position as a key player in the e-commerce sphere, further revolutionizing the way people shop online.