How to Earn from the Amazon Influencer Program?
Long-time readers of SAECOM FBA PRO know that my primary focus is Amazon FBA through online arbitrage. However, the Amazon Influencer Program is simply too profitable to ignore.
I’m a firm believer in diversifying income streams, and joining the Amazon Influencer Program is a fantastic way to do so. If you’re already selling on Amazon, this opportunity is a no-brainer. You’re familiar with how the platform operates, and chances are you already have a bunch of Amazon products at home that you could easily review.
Let’s dive into this comprehensive guide to help you understand everything about the Amazon Influencer Program and how you can make money from it.
What is the Amazon Influencer Program?
For instance, ShopDandy is a well-known Amazon influencer who creates a lot of customized content for her storefront.
When people visit your storefront and make qualifying purchases, you earn a commission.
The second, and potentially the most profitable part of the program, is the onsite commissions program. This requires additional approval, which we’ll explore later in this guide.
Once approved for onsite commissions, you can create video reviews of products listed on Amazon, and these videos will be displayed directly on product pages.
Let’s break it down further so you can understand exactly how this works and how to apply to become an influencer.
How Many Followers Do You Need for the Amazon Influencer Program?
One of the most common questions people ask is about follower count, and I can tell you right now—follower numbers don’t matter!
Anyone claiming that you need a specific number of followers is either misinformed or spreading false information.
What truly matters is engagement.
A friend of mine was recently rejected despite having over 5,000 followers. Meanwhile, another acquaintance’s partner got approved with just 100 followers.
Here’s the key: focus on engagement. Get your followers to like, comment, and interact with your content. Amazon wants to ensure your audience is real, active, and engaged—not just a collection of fake or inactive accounts.
Amazon Influencer Program vs. Amazon Associates Program
Many people wonder about the difference between these two programs, and the answer is fairly simple.
Both programs allow users to earn commissions by promoting Amazon products, but they cater to different audiences.
Amazon Associates Program
This is Amazon’s traditional affiliate program, where participants get special tracking links to promote products. If someone makes a purchase using an associate’s link, the associate earns a commission.
This program is often used by bloggers, YouTubers, and content creators who review products and include affiliate links in their content. However, these links can also be shared via social media, email, or other methods.
Amazon Influencer Program
This program is designed for influencers who have a strong social media presence and are comfortable creating video content.
Influencers can set up a storefront, showcase recommended products, and earn commissions from purchases made through their store. More importantly, they can also upload product review videos that get placed directly on Amazon product pages, increasing visibility and sales potential.
Both programs have their benefits, but the influencer program is newer and more engaging—offering opportunities that weren’t available before.
How Much Do Amazon Influencers Earn?
Just like with the Associates Program, Amazon Influencers earn a percentage of each sale they generate. The commission rate varies depending on the product category.
While individual commission percentages may seem low, the real earnings come from high-ticket items and high sales volume.
For instance, Amazon’s musical instruments category offers a 3% commission rate. If you sell a violin priced at $6,500, that’s a $195 commission for one sale!
Of course, you need to physically own the product and get your video featured on its listing, which can be a challenge. But once you develop a strategy, it can be highly rewarding.
The key is to focus on high-volume, mid-priced products—preferably those priced over $100—as these offer the best balance between commission percentage and sales potential.
How to Become an Amazon Influencer: Step-by-Step Guide
Joining the Amazon Influencer Program is straightforward, but getting approved requires some effort. Here’s how you can apply:
Step 1: Create an Amazon Account
If you don’t already have one, sign up for a free Amazon account.
Step 2: Apply for the Influencer Program
Go to the Amazon Influencers homepage and start the application process.
Step 3: Select Your Social Media Platform
You’ll be asked to choose from the available social media platforms. Amazon will review your account to determine eligibility.
Step 4: Create Your Storefront
If approved, you can set up your Amazon storefront, where you’ll feature recommended products. If visitors purchase from your store, you’ll earn a commission.
Step 5: Apply for Onsite Commissions
This is where the real money is. Inside your Amazon Creator Hub, you’ll need to upload three product review videos that comply with Amazon’s policies.
Once approved, your videos will be placed directly on Amazon product listings, allowing you to earn commissions whenever shoppers watch your content and make a purchase.
Tips for Success as an Amazon Influencer
After researching successful influencers, here are some key takeaways:
- Follow Amazon’s rules to avoid getting banned.
- Use the ‘Answered Questions’ section on product pages to address common concerns in your videos.
- Invest in good audio quality—a cheap lavalier mic can improve your sound dramatically.
- Mention how long you’ve used a product in your video title (e.g., “My thoughts after using this treadmill for 6 months”).
- Target products with 1-5 existing videos—not zero, not six (since Amazon limits videos to six per listing).
- Choose products over $100 for better commissions.
- Select products that are actively selling (check reviews and recent purchase activity).
- Avoid excessive returns—returning too many products could get you banned.
- Do not outsource video reviews—Amazon requires influencers to create their own content.
Conclusion
Even though I’ve been deeply involved in the Amazon FBA and online arbitrage space, I couldn’t ignore the Amazon Influencer Program as a side hustle. It’s proving to be a lucrative opportunity for generating passive income.
The biggest advantage? Unlike FBA or FBM, you don’t need to store, own, or ship products. Instead, you earn commissions simply by creating content and helping Amazon shoppers make informed purchasing decisions.
For anyone looking to diversify their income while leveraging Amazon’s massive marketplace, the Amazon Influencer Program is a great opportunity to explore!
