What is Affiliate link?
An affiliate link is a unique tracked URL given to a creator so that any purchase or sign-up made through that link is attributed to that creator, who earns a commission on resulting sales.
Affiliate links are the primary mechanism behind performance-based creator monetisation. Instead of a flat fee, the creator earns a percentage of revenue they drive. This aligns creator incentive with brand outcome and allows creators to earn continuously from evergreen content.
Common affiliate platforms include ShareASale, Impact, and Amazon Associates. Brands can also run direct affiliate programs. The commission rate, cookie window (how long a click is tracked), and payment threshold vary by program and should be evaluated before joining.
Affiliate income compounds over time. A YouTube review or blog post that ranks in search can drive affiliate clicks and commissions for years. Creators should disclose affiliate relationships clearly, as the FTC considers affiliate commissions a material connection requiring disclosure.