How to Get Approved for the Amazon Influencer Program

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Without knowing how to become an Amazon Influencer, content creators watch potential passive income slip through their fingers while their audience shops elsewhere.

After developing an optimized process, I turned my social media influence into a profitable income stream, and I’m sharing how you can become an Amazon Influencer and get approved for the program.

How to Become an Amazon Influencer

For many, becoming an Amazon Influencer is all about building a strong social media presence with great content and real engagement. Then, you use your influence to promote products through your own Amazon storefront.

Black Samsung Galaxy smartphone displaying Amazon logo

For me, though, it was the opposite. While I did have a strong enough social media presence to qualify, I don’t drive much traffic to my Amazon storefront. Instead, I rely on Amazon’s on-page traffic to earn money. 

That strategy allowed me to earn over $1,000 in my first month on the Amazon Influencer Program.

But you still have to qualify with an engaged social media account. I’ve pulled together everything I learned about the acceptance process, from the program requirements to tips for getting approved.

StepsActions to Take
Build a strong social media presenceBuild an active presence on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok with a substantial, engaged audience.
Submit your applicationConnect your social media accounts.
Complete Storefront DetailsProvide your Storefront name, page tagline, profile picture, and basic account information. Select primary product categories.

1. Evaluate Your Social Media Presence

Your social media presence is a big part of becoming an Amazon Influencer. Focus on the platform where you have the most active and engaged audience. Right now, Amazon accepts applications from YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

There’s no strict follower count requirement, but having a larger and more engaged audience definitely helps. A good starting point is around 1,000 followers. That said, it’s not just about numbers—it’s about how engaged your followers are.

Amazon looks at your follower demographics and content style to gauge your reach and influence. Take a good look at your social accounts (or at least the one you will be applying with) and make sure they align with what Amazon might be looking for. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • The quality and relevance of your content.
  • Your engagement rate with followers.
  • How diverse your presence is across different platforms.

2. Apply to the Amazon Influencer Program

First, you’ll need an Amazon account. Start by signing up for an Amazon Associates account, which is different than an Influencer account, so you can earn commissions on referrals.

Here’s how to get started:

Elderly Woman With Eyeglasses Reading
  • Go to the Amazon Influencer Program page and click “Sign Up“.
  • Sign in with your Amazon account or create a new one. Use your Associate account if you’re already part of the Amazon Associates program.
  • Connect one of your public social media accounts to your application. You can choose among Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram.
  • Choose the account where you have the most influence. Consider the number of followers and engagement rates. Note that for Instagram, you need to have a Business or Creator account.
  • After logging in to your account, Amazon will access public information, especially the number of followers, audience demographics, and content niche, to confirm if you’re eligible for the program.

3. Submit Your Storefront Details

Put your Storefront name, page tagline, profile picture, and header image. Enter your basic account information such as the payee’s name, address, and phone number.

Pick two primary product categories for your recommendations. The categories include:

  • Books
  • Clothing, Shoes, & Jewelry
  • Computers & Office
  • Digital Downloads
  • Electronics
  • Health & Beauty
  • Home & Garden
  • Kindle
  • Movies, Music, & Games
  • Sports & Outdoors
  • Tools, Auto, & Industrial
  • Toys, Kids, & Baby

After completing and saving your details, Amazon will lead you to your Amazon Associates dashboard where you can see your earnings overview, monthly summary, and total clicks. Finally, with the social media account you used to sign up, follow the Amazon Influencer Program on that platform.

4. Get Your First Three Videos Manually Approved

After initial acceptance, you must still obtain Shoppable Video approval to appear in product listings. To gain this approval, you need to publish three video reviews that meet specific guidelines and pass a manual review.

Here’s the catch – you only have three attempts to do this. The approval process may take three to seven days, and sometimes longer. Unfortunately, you’ll be rejected from the program if Amazon doesn’t approve your video within three tries.

This is also why I made a course to guide you on producing your first three videos and getting them approved on your first submission.

But trust me, its worth getting accepted! Beyond earning on Shoppable Videos, you can also participate in Creator Connections, which allows you to:

Faceless lady filming video on mobile while demonstrating dress

How to Increase Your Chances Of Approval

Focusing on specific strategies enhances the probability of gaining approval for the Amazon Influencer Program. Here are key areas to prioritize:

  • Choose a professional profile picture that reflects your brand identity. 
  • Write a cohesive bio that highlights your niche and interests, incorporating relevant keywords.
  • Make sure that links to your Amazon storefront and other social media accounts are included. 
  • Use visually appealing content that aligns with your personal aesthetic across platforms.
  • Make high-quality videos with longer ones focusing on high-priced products. 

Aligning your profiles with your chosen theme creates a consistent brand image that attracts the Amazon program.

What to Do if You Don’t Get Approved

Receiving a rejection from the Amazon Influencer Program does not signify the end. Taking specific steps can improve your chances for future applications.

  • Review feedback: Analyze any feedback provided in the rejection notice. Understanding the specific reasons for rejection helps identify areas for improvement.
  • Enhance social media presence: Focus on increasing your social media presence and following by actively engaging with your audience. Host giveaways and collaborate with other influencers to attract more followers.
  • Increase account activity: Maintain regular activity on your social media accounts. Posting consistently keeps your followers engaged and demonstrates your commitment to content creation.
  • Align content with Amazon: Make sure your content aligns closely with products available on Amazon. Creating niche-related content improves the relevance of your application.

After implementing improvements and making the necessary changes, reapply after a reasonable period. Following these steps can significantly enhance your prospects for approval in the Amazon Influencer Program.

Related Questions

Do I Need a Website or Blog to Become an Amazon Influencer?

No, you don’t need a website or blog to become an Amazon Influencer, as you can qualify based on your social media presence on platforms like Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, or TikTok. While having a website or blog can be beneficial for sharing content, it isn’t mandatory for acceptance into the program.

How Do Amazon Influencers Get Paid?

Amazon Influencers get paid through commission-based earnings when their followers purchase products through their personalized Amazon storefront links. Payments are made monthly through direct deposit, Amazon gift cards, or checks once you reach the payment threshold.

What Could Be the Reasons for a Denial of Amazon’s Influencer Program Application?

Your Amazon Influencer application may be denied if you lack sufficient engaged followers or have inconsistent or inactive posts on your social media platforms. Amazon can also reject your application if your content quality is poor or your niche doesn’t align with Amazon’s requirements.

Conclusion

By following these steps and focusing on building a strong social media presence, you can increase your chances of getting approved for the Amazon Influencer Program and start monetizing your influence today. Start applying these tips today to monetize your passion, expand your reach, and build a thriving online business!

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Jared Bauman

Jared Bauman is the Co-Founder of 201 Creative, and is a 20+ year entrepreneur who has started and sold several companies. He is the host of the popular Niche Pursuits podcast and a contributing author to Search Engine Land.

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