Amazon Associates vs Amazon Influencer Program: Which One Should You Do (or Both)?

Bykari

You’ve probably seen people making money with “Amazon links” and others earning from Amazon product videos, and it can get confusing fast. Amazon Associates and the Amazon Influencer Program are two different paths to earning commission, and choosing the right one depends on how you create content and where you want your income to come from. In this post, I’m breaking down the differences in a super simple way so you can decide which option makes the most sense for you (or how to use both together).

If you’re reading this because you want to start earning with Amazon but you’re not sure which program is the best fit (or how to actually get accepted and make it work), I can help. I highly recommend two courses that both helped me so much! You can choose the path that matches exactly where you are right now: The Master Onsite course is (step-by-step help to get into the program + set up your storefront the right way), The Amazon Influencer Academy is more about how to scale to offsite and (how to upload smarter, grow placements, and turn it into consistent monthly income), or the Mentorship group I am part of offers (hands-on guidance, feedback, and accountability so you’re not trying to figure it out alone). If you want a clear plan instead of piecing it together from random tips, you’ll love it.

f you’ve ever wondered why some people share Amazon links in a blog post, while others post quick product videos right on Amazon, you’re not alone. Amazon has two different programs that sound similar, but they work very differently:

  • Amazon Associates = earn commission from links you share off Amazon
  • Amazon Influencer Program = earn commission from content you create that lives on Amazon

Let’s break it down in plain English so you can decide what makes sense for you.

Quick Overview: What’s the Difference?

Amazon Associates (Amazon’s affiliate program)

You share Amazon product links on your blog, Pinterest, YouTube descriptions, Instagram stories (depending on rules/placements), etc. When someone clicks your link and buys, you earn a small commission.

Best for: bloggers, Pinterest creators, anyone who wants to monetize existing traffic.

Amazon Influencer Program

You create product-focused content (usually videos) that can show up on Amazon (like on product pages, your storefront, and other placements). If shoppers watch and buy, you can earn commission even if they didn’t click your personal link.

Best for: video creators, product reviewers, anyone who likes showing items on camera.

Side-by-Side Comparison

How you earn

Associates: clicks → purchases (attributed to your link)
Influencer: Amazon placements → shoppers watch → purchases (attributed to your on-Amazon content)

Where your content lives

Associates: your blog, Pinterest, social platforms, email
Influencer: Amazon (storefront, product pages, onsite placements)

What you need to start

Associates: a website or social presence (approval is usually easier)
Influencer: a qualifying social account + approval into the Influencer program (often more selective)

What you create

Associates: product roundups, gift guides, blog posts, pins, links
Influencer: short, helpful product videos (and sometimes shoppable photos)

Main advantage

Associates: you control your traffic and content
Influencer: you can earn from Amazon shoppers without driving the click yourself

Main challenge

Associates: you need consistent traffic/clicks
Influencer: you need consistent content + time for placements to build

Pros and Cons

Amazon Associates Pros

  • Easy to start
  • Works great with Pinterest + SEO blog content
  • You can link to anything on Amazon
  • You own your content on your site

Amazon Associates Cons

  • Earnings depend heavily on clicks + traffic
  • Links and policies can be strict (you must disclose, and you can’t do certain types of emailing/redirecting)
  • Commissions vary by category and can be small

Amazon Influencer Pros

  • Potential to earn without sending traffic off-platform
  • Great if you like hands-on reviews and “show, don’t tell” content
  • Storefront can become a mini “shopping hub” for your audience
  • Content can keep earning after you post it

Amazon Influencer Cons

  • Approval is more selective
  • Takes time to build volume and get consistent placements
  • You still need to follow content guidelines (style, claims, music, etc.)

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Amazon Associates if…

  • You like writing, pinning, or sharing links
  • You have (or want to build) blog traffic with Pinterest/Google
  • You want to monetize gift guides, “best of” lists, and roundups

Choose Amazon Influencer if…

  • You like filming quick product reviews
  • You don’t want to rely only on driving clicks
  • You’re okay playing the long game and uploading consistently

The real answer: do BOTH (if you can)

They can work together really well:

  • Your blog + Pinterest sends traffic (Associates)
  • Your storefront + onsite videos earn while you sleep (Influencer)
  • Your posts can link to Idea Lists and storefront collections
  • Your videos can support your blog posts (and vice versa)

This is how you build a more stable income stream instead of relying on just one platform.

How to Start Each One

How to start Amazon Associates

  1. Apply for Amazon Associates
  2. Add your website/social channels
  3. Create content (roundups, gift guides, “my favorites” posts)
  4. Use clear disclosures and compliant link placement
  5. Track clicks + top converting categories

Content ideas that convert well:

  • “My most used Amazon finds”
  • “Under $25 travel must-haves”
  • “Small kitchen tools that save time”
  • “What I actually repurchase”

How to start Amazon Influencer

  1. Apply to the Influencer Program with your social account
  2. Set up your storefront + create clear categories
  3. Film simple review videos (15–60 seconds)
  4. Upload consistently
  5. Improve over time based on what performs

Easy video formats:

  • “What it is + what it does”
  • “Close-up details + how it works”
  • “Before/after”
  • “1 problem this solved”

What Most People Get Wrong (So You Don’t)

  • Trying to do everything at once. Pick one main platform first (Pinterest or video) and build consistency.
  • No clear disclosure. Always disclose affiliate relationships.
  • Linking without context. “Here’s the link” doesn’t convert as well as “Here’s why this is worth it.”
  • Inconsistent posting. Both programs reward consistency over perfection.

My Suggested Simple Plan

If you’re starting from scratch:

Weeks 1–2:

  • Apply to Associates
  • Create 2 blog posts (roundup + how-to post)
  • Make 5–10 pins per post

Weeks 3–4:

  • Start filming product videos (even if it’s just items you already own)
  • Build a basic storefront with categories
  • Post 3–5 videos per week

Then keep it simple: build one helpful blog post weekly + keep uploading videos steadily.

Final Take

If you like links, lists, and Pinterest: Associates is your lane.
If you like reviewing products on camera: Influencer is your lane.
If you want the strongest long-term setup: do both so you’re not dependent on one traffic source.

At the end of the day, Amazon Associates and the Amazon Influencer Program can both work, and the “best” one depends on how you create content and where your audience already hangs out. If you want to fast-track the process and avoid the trial-and-error that wastes months, check out these courses that I recommend to get you started. Master Onsite to get accepted and set up, Amazon Influencer Acadamy to increase earnings and consistency, or Mentorship if you want personal support and direction. Whenever you’re ready, you can pick the option that fits your goals and start building an Amazon income stream that actually feels doable.