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Amazon Associates and Amazon influencer are phrases we hear flying around the content world. But is there really a difference, or are they just different words for basically the same thing? When it comes to what is different between Amazon Associations and Amazon influencers, there’s indeed a difference. In a nutshel, the main distinctions are:
- Eligibility: Associates is more widely accessible, while Influencer is more selective
- Focus: Associates is for website/blog owners, while Influencer targets social media personalities
- Features: Influencer offers additional tools like personalized storefronts and live streaming capabilities
Some content creators – like me – participate in both programs to maximize their affiliate marketing potential. So for example, when I shared my storefront and livestreaming links above, those are associate links. But then, when you shop around my storefront, those commissions are influencer program revenues.
The specific differences
Breaking it down even further, here are the specific details on what makes each program unique:
| Details | Associates | Influencers |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements | Requires a website or blog. No strict traffic/follower requirements. | Requires an active social media account with a substantial following. Approval is based on engagement metrics. |
| Promotion methods | Promote products using special affiliate links on websites, blogs, social media, etc. | Get a customized Amazon storefront to showcase recommended products. Can create content like videos and livestreams on Amazon. |
| Target audience | Drive traffic from external sources to Amazon using affiliate links. | Leverage both external audiences and Amazon’s existing customer base. |
| Content creation | Create content on their own platforms. | Can create product review videos and content directly on Amazon. (I use Restream to produce most of my videos.) |
| Link generation | Can generate affiliate links for individual products easily. | Share their storefront link rather than individual product links. |
| Platform focus | Primarily for website/blog owners. | Designed for social media personalities with engaged followings. |
Both programs allow you to earn commissions on qualifying purchases, but the Influencer program provides additional tools to engage with Amazon’s audience directly on the platform. Associates is more accessible, while Influencers need to meet stricter criteria but get additional promotional capabilities on Amazon.