How to Add an Affiliate Link to a TikTok Video

Putting an affiliate link in your TikTok video is a smart way to turn your creative content into a source of income, but it's not always obvious how to do it. Unlike other platforms, there isn't a direct add affiliate link here sticker you can slap on your video. This guide breaks down the exact methods you can use to add and promote affiliate links, whether you're just starting out or have surpassed the 1,000-follower mark. We'll cover the direct, step-by-step placements and, more importantly, the strategies that actually get people to click.

First, a Quick Look at TikTok’s Rules

Before you start adding links everywhere, it helps to understand TikTok's general approach. The platform is fine with affiliate marketing, but they prioritize the user experience above all else. That means your primary goal should be to create engaging content, not to just bombard people with ads. Keeping a few guidelines in mind will help you stay on the right side of the algorithm and your audience.

• Be Transparent: Always disclose your affiliate relationships. A simple #affiliate, #ad, or #sponsored in your video caption is standard practice. Not only does this build trust with your followers, but it's also required by regulatory bodies like the FTC to be clear about when you're being compensated for a recommendation.
• Provide Actual Value: Don't just post a video of a product with a link. Create content that's genuinely helpful, entertaining, or informative. When your content is valuable on its own, your audience is far more likely to trust your recommendations and check out the products you're promoting.
• Avoid Spammy Behavior: Dropping the same generic link and CTA on every single video with no context is a surefire way to annoy your followers and potentially get flagged by TikTok. Make sure the product you’re linking to is directly relevant to the video’s content.

The "Link in Bio" Strategy: Your Go-To Method

The single most powerful and universal method for affiliate marketing on TikTok is using the "link in bio" feature. This is the only spot on your profile where TikTok allows a permanent, clickable link that’s visible to everyone who visits your page. It’s your digital storefront, and directing traffic there is a key part of the process.

Step-by-Step: Adding a Link to Your Profile

Before you can add a website to your bio, you need to have a TikTok Business Account. Don't worry, it's free to switch and doesn't change your experience much, aside from giving you access to analytics and a few business features (like the website link!).

1. Switch to a Business Account: Go to your profile page, tap the three horizontal lines (☰) in the top-right corner, and select "Settings and privacy." From there, tap "Account," and then "Switch to Business Account." Follow the on-screen prompts to choose a category that fits your content.
2. Add Your Link: Once you've switched, return to your profile and tap the "Edit profile" button. You'll now see a "Website" field that wasn't there before. Paste your affiliate or landing page link here and hit Save.

That’s it! The link is now live on your profile.

Making the Most of Your One Link

The biggest limitation of the link-in-bio method is that you only get one slot. What if you want to promote multiple products from different videos? This is where link-in-bio tools are incredibly useful.

Services like Linktree, Beacons, or Later’s Linkin.bio allow you to create a simple, mobile-friendly landing page that houses multiple links. Instead of putting a single affiliate link in your TikTok bio, you put your unique link-in-bio page URL there instead. When a user clicks it, they’re taken to a custom page where you can list out all your top affiliate products, links to your other social profiles, your personal blog, and more.

Example: A creator who focuses on budget-friendly desk setups could create a page titled "My WFH Setup." This page would have separate links for their ergonomic chair, their mechanical keyboard, their monitor, and the exact desk lamp they use. This is much more effective than constantly swapping out a single affiliate link in your bio.

How to Push Viewers From Your Video to Your Bio

Just having a link in your bio isn't enough, you need to tell people it’s there and why they should click on it. Your videos are for capturing attention, and your call-to-action (CTA) is how you direct that attention.

• Verbal CTAs: The most direct method is to simply mention it in your video. While showing off a new kitchen gadget, you can say, "For anyone asking where I got this, I’ve put the link right in my bio for you!" It feels natural and is incredibly effective.
• Text Overlay CTAs: Use TikTok's text tools to add a non-intrusive overlay to your video, such as "Find it linked in my profile ✨" or "Link for this in bio →". Timing this to appear at the most relevant part of the video is a great tactic.
• Replying to Comments: When someone asks, "Where can I get that?" in the comments, reply directly to their comment and say something like, "It's the first link in my bio!" Even better, pin a comment of your own on the video saying, "All product details can be found at the link in my bio!" so it is always visible.

Advanced Affiliate Strategies on TikTok

While the "link in bio" is your foundation, other powerful methods are built directly into the TikTok app or get around the need for a clickable link altogether.

Lean into TikTok Shop's Affiliate Program

TikTok is heavily invested in its e-commerce tool, TikTok Shop, and has built an affiliate program directly into it. This allows creators to tag specific products in their videos, creating a small shopping bag icon that users can tap to purchase the item without ever leaving the app. This seamless shopping experience tends to convert very well.

How TikTok Shop Affiliate Works:

1. Qualify and Apply: You generally need to meet certain requirements to become a TikTok Shop Creator Affiliate, such as having a minimum number of followers (this can vary by region, but often starts around 5,000) and being over 18. Once you qualify, you can apply directly within the TikTok app through the Creator Tools section.
2. Find and Add Products: Once approved, you can browse the Product Marketplace to find products relevant to your niche. You can add items to your personal "Showcase," which acts as your curated list of promotable products.
3. Tag Products in Your Videos: When you're uploading a new video, tap the "Add Link" option before posting. From there, select "Product" and choose an item from your Showcase. A clickable link anchor will appear directly on your video.

For example, a beauty influencer reviewing a new foundation can add the exact product to their video, allowing viewers to see the review and purchase it in two quick taps.

Use Promo Codes and Easy-to-Remember URLs

You don’t always need a clickable link to earn a commission. Many brands - especially those in direct-to-consumer (DTC) spaces - provide their affiliates with unique discount codes or easy-to-remember URLs (sometimes called vanity URLs).

This method is great because it works for absolutely everyone, regardless of follower count or access to the website-in-bio feature. Your CTA is just as simple:

• For Promo Codes: Create a video demonstrating a product and tell viewers, "You can get 15% off at their website if you use my code SARAH15 at checkout!" Be sure to add the code as a text overlay as well so people can screenshot it.
• For Vanity URLs: If a brand gives you a URL like `brandname.com/sarah`, you can mention it verbally and add it to your video as text. People can easily type this into their browser.

Tips for TikTok Content That Actually Sells

No matter which method you use, your success will ultimately come down to the quality of your content. A perfectly placed link on a boring video won't get you anywhere. Here's how to create content that encourages people to act.

1. Solutions Over Sales Pitches

Effective affiliate marketing isn't about yelling, "BUY THIS!" Instead, it’s about presenting a solution to a problem your audience has. Frame your content around the benefit. A video titled "How to style a basic white tee 3 different ways" (featuring an affiliate-linked shirt) is far more valuable and authentic than "Buy this T-shirt from [Brand]." Your video should offer value even if the viewer never makes a purchase.

2. Embrace Authenticity

Share your honest experience. If there’s something you don't love about a product, it's okay to mention it - that makes your positivity more credible. Unboxing videos, day-in-the-life vlogs where the product appears naturally, and genuine tutorials tend to perform much better than stiff, scripted ads. People follow you for *you*, so your referrals should feel like a personal recommendation from a trusted friend.

3. Show Don't Just Tell

Leverage the visual nature of video. Instead of just talking about a vacuum cleaner, show it handling a real mess. Rather than describing a piece of software, use a screen recording to demonstrate its coolest features. Let the performance of the product speak for itself. Visual proof is one of the most compelling conversion tools you have.

Final Thoughts

Adding affiliate links to TikTok is all about connecting your great content with relevant products in a way that feels helpful, not pushy. By leveraging your "link in bio" with a landing page, tapping into TikTok Shop's native features, or using simple promo codes, you can build a sustainable income stream directly from your videos. The most important part is to focus on creating authentic content that serves your audience first.

We know that staying organized and consistent is half the battle when growing on social media. After all, if you’re scrambling to figure out what to post today, you won’t have the headspace to craft great affiliate content that connects. To simplify that process, we created Postbase, with a visual content calendar designed for creators. You can plan and schedule your TikToks, Reels, and other posts in one place, helping you see gaps in your schedule and spend your time where it matters - making awesome videos that your audience loves.