Is the Amazon Influencer Program worth it?

Want to make extra money while the kids are at school? Need to save for an upcoming vacation? Say hello to the Amazon Influencer Program. Today, 37% of Amazon’s traffic is driven by influencers. That’s a lot of eyes and ears!

But, for the influencers themselves, is it worth it? As always, I went digging for the answers. Spoiler: Don’t bank on it.

Get with the program

In 2017, Amazon started paying folks to promote products through social media, newsletters, you name it. Today, lots of those same people get paid for videos posted directly to Amazon.

Not just anyone can do this. If you want in, you must submit your social media accounts and create and submit three test videos. Once Amazon gives you the green light, you can start earning commissions when someone buys based on your videos.

Amazon encourages influencers on the platform to be honest in their videos and share their opinions — good or bad. (But … who is going to be super negative when they’re trying to sell stuff?) 

Shake your moneymaker

While her kids are at school, one woman told the Wall Street Journal that she uses the Amazon app to scan items around her house. She’ll create and upload a promotional video if they’re for sale on the site. So far, she’s done hundreds. 

Another mom of two school-aged kids makes up to $1,500 a month. She earned most of her money during the Christmas season — many of her commissions came from toy-related videos. 

That kind of money is also based on a little luck. Amazon placed one of her vids about a hair straightener at the top of the product page, earning her up to 10 daily commissions. 

But here’s the twist

While there are success stories, the Amazon Influencer Program is far from perfect. Here are some things to consider before diving in: 

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We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

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