How do I become a TikTok Affiliate?

Apply to be a TikTok Affiliate and get paid!

TikTok’s monetization tools are still evolving, so the term “TikTok affiliate” can mean slightly different things depending on which program or region you’re talking about. However, most creators use the TikTok Shop Affiliate feature or partner directly with brands for sponsored content and affiliate links. Below is a general step-by-step outline on how to become a TikTok affiliate (most commonly via TikTok Shop), along with an approximate timeline:

1. Check Your Eligibility

  • Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
  • Location: TikTok Shop (and its affiliate feature) is available in select regions (e.g., the US, UK, several Southeast Asian countries). Make sure it’s currently active in your country.
  • Account Type: Often, you need to have a Creator or Business account rather than a standard personal account to access extra commerce and analytics features.

Tip: Requirements can vary by region. Always check TikTok’s official guidelines or help center for the latest info in your country.

2. Switch to a Creator or Business Account (If You Haven’t Already)

  1. Open the TikTok app and go to your profile.
  2. Tap the Menu (three lines) in the top right corner (on most versions).
  3. Go to Settings and privacyManage accountSwitch to Business Account (or Switch to Creator Account, depending on your preference and region).

Switching is free and straightforward; you’ll gain access to analytics, potential monetization features, and more.

3. Meet Follower & Engagement Requirements (Varies)

  • Some TikTok affiliate or monetization features require a minimum follower count (often 1,000+ or 10,000+, depending on the tool and region).
  • You may also need a certain level of consistent engagement (views, likes, comments) to show TikTok that your content is original and valuable to brands.

Tip: If you’re just starting out, focus on posting consistently and building an engaged audience first. Even if you don’t meet the thresholds initially, good content and audience growth will open monetization doors in the future.

4. Set Up TikTok Shop and Affiliate Tools

If TikTok Shop is available in your region, you’ll see an option to join or set it up:

  1. Go to Creator Tools or Business Tools in your account settings.
  2. Look for TikTok Shop or Shop (the exact name can differ by region).
  3. Follow the prompts to sign up. This may involve:
    • Providing business and tax information (depending on your country).
    • Agreeing to TikTok’s seller or affiliate terms.
    • Verifying your identity.
  4. Once approved, you can add products (if you have your own) or browse products from other sellers to create affiliate links.

5. Create Content With Affiliate Links

Once you’re approved:

  1. Add the product link or “shopping cart” icon to your TikTok video or livestream.
  2. When viewers click and purchase, you earn a commission based on the brand’s set percentage.
  3. Monitor sales and payouts in your TikTok Shop or affiliate dashboard.

How Long Does the Process Usually Take?

  1. Switching to a Creator/Business Account: Instant — you can switch your account type in just a minute or two.
  2. TikTok Shop/Marketplace Application: Approval times vary. In many regions, it can take 1–3 business days to verify your details. If there are any additional requirements (e.g., tax forms, identity checks), it might take up to a week.
  3. Brand-Specific Affiliate Approval: This depends on the brand. Some have instant approval, while others may take a few days to review your profile.

Overall Estimate: Most creators report the entire process taking about 1–2 weeks from setting up the shop to getting approved for specific product affiliations. Sometimes it can be faster, especially if you have all required documentation ready.


Tips to Speed Up Approval

  • Complete Your Profile: Use a clear profile picture, bio, and link to external socials or websites.
  • Verify Your Identity Early: If the platform requests an ID or business documentation, submit it ASAP.
  • Meet the Follower Thresholds: If you’re below the required count, focus on organic growth first.
  • Maintain Good Content Quality: Keep your content guidelines-compliant (no policy violations) and engaging.