Think being a social media influencer is only for those with thousands of followers? Think again. Turns out, follower count is way less critical than you think for making money with Amazon’s influencer program. You can have 5 followers and still get in — no, seriously. Here’s the inside scoop on how to start earning without the hassle of going viral or becoming TikTok famous.
It’s Not About Follower Count, It’s About Engagement
It’s almost laughable how many people still think follower count is the golden ticket to approval. I get DMs like, “I have 1,000 followers and got rejected, but my friend with 50 followers got in. What gives?” Here’s the shocker: Amazon isn’t interested in how many people follow you. They care if those followers actually interact with your content. That means likes, comments, and engagement. If you’re posting, and people are engaging, you’re on the right track.
Engagement Hacks That Don’t Involve Going Viral
So you’re wondering how to actually get engagement, right? Here’s the trick: TikTok. Yep, if you’re new to content creation, TikTok’s algorithm is more forgiving. Start by posting simple, interactive content. Here’s the secret formula that gets people to engage without going viral:
- Name That Tune: Post a clip of a song and ask people to finish the lyrics. People love showing off that they know the words.
- Finish the Quote: Dr. Seuss, movie lines, or classic one-liners. People can’t resist dropping the answer.
- Name That Celebrity: Ask viewers to identify a celeb or character — the broader the appeal, the better.
These are all low-effort, high-engagement ideas. You don’t need thousands of views, just active comments and likes. And… sometimes it is harder to get accepted with a larger account with lots of viral videos because the views are often high but the engagement is low.
Getting Approved: The First Step
Once you’re engaging, it’s time to apply. A few tips for a smoother approval process:
- Start with TikTok if possible (faster engagement).
- Apply daily. Amazon doesn’t care if you apply over and over, so don’t be shy.
- Get approved once and you’re set. There are actually two approvals, so after the initial entry, you’ll have to do another mini application to start earning.
The Sneaky Two-Step Approval Process
Once you’re in, there’s another approval to start earning money. This second approval is for “on-site commissions.” You’ll need to upload three videos showing off products.
Pro tip: Stick to exactly three. If you upload more, Amazon watches every single video, and a minor mistake can get you rejected. Also, I like to think of these as your “vanilla” videos. Pick safe, boring products that you can do a straight-forward video and make sure you don’t show any logos, UPC codes, or personal information (like a shipping address). It is also a good idea to not include prices or refer to anything that would direct shoppers away from Amazon (like go to the ABC website to register your warranty). Keep it simple with three high-quality videos and ensure you demo the products, not just talk about them.
Video Setup: No Pro Equipment Needed
Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need a studio setup. You just need your phone, some basic audio gear, and maybe a clip-on mic if you’re fancy. Amazon does care about audio quality, so focus there. Here’s the minimalist list of what you need:
- Phone Camera: Use what you’ve got.
- Lapel Mic or Simple Audio Setup: An external mic can help if you’re far from the camera.
- Clip Mount: Great for keeping your hands free if you’re showcasing products.
Got all that? Awesome — now you’re ready to create videos that get attention without breaking the bank.
How to Make Your Videos Answer Customer Questions (and Rank Higher)
Ever notice how some product review videos feel super helpful? That’s not by accident. Amazon’s algorithm loves videos that answer customer questions. Here’s how to do it:
- Check the “Answered Questions” on the Product Page: This is a goldmine. People’s top questions are literally laid out for you. Answering these in your video boosts engagement.
- Use the Product Description Bullets: Covering Amazon’s bullet points on the product description page tells viewers exactly what they need to know.
Pro Tip: A Title that Highlights Experience
If you’ve used the product for a while, let people know! Titles like “After Owning for 3 Years: My Thoughts on XYZ” have a lot more credibility than “Quick Review.”
Scaling the Right Way (Without Hoarding Stuff)
Congratulations, you’re making money and your house is filling up with Amazon purchases. So how do you scale without turning your home into an Amazon warehouse?
- Buy Products with Limited Influencer Videos: A sweet spot is a product with fewer than six influencer videos. You’ll show up on the product page without being buried in competition. Want the inside scoop on how to do this? Check out this GAME CHANGER software & extension I use that helps me pick the unicorn products that bring in huge commissions every month.
- Focus on Higher-Priced Items: If you’re reviewing a $10 item, you’ll make pennies. Higher-priced items mean higher commissions, so go for products over $100 if you can.
- Seasonal Products are Gold: Seasonal items like heaters in winter or patio furniture in summer can give you a massive boost in commissions. Plan ahead for holidays, storms, or weather shifts, and watch your income spike.
How to Get Free Products and Still Make Money
Once you’ve made around 50 videos, companies start reaching out with free products. Here’s the catch: not everything that’s free is worth your time. Set boundaries on what you’ll accept or charge a small fee for products you don’t necessarily want (especially if they’re low-value items).
And please, don’t buy on Amazon, make a video, and return it. Amazon will catch on fast, and it’s a one-way ticket to a banned account. Instead, get creative! Ask friends and family to lend products they bought on Amazon, review items you already own, or branch into new product categories by making sure to follow Amazon’s guidelines closely.
Maximize Earnings with Multiple Videos and Deleting Old Ones
Here’s a fun trick that might surprise you: You can upload more than one video for the same product. If you do a product review and a separate demo, both videos can show up. Diversifying angles (like a “how to use” vs. a “review”) can seriously maximize your earnings.
Additionally, if a video stops performing, delete it and re-upload the exact same video. Amazon’s algorithm gives preference to newer uploads, so this refresh tactic can keep your income steady without you filming anything new.
Wrapping It Up: Make More, Work Less
Being an Amazon influencer doesn’t require fame or a huge following. With a little strategy, you can make good money by understanding what Amazon wants, focusing on engagement, and planning a few smart videos. Stick with this approach, stay consistent, and your side hustle could turn into a serious income.
Still feeling overwhelmed? Here’s an amazing course, complete with an awesome community and weekly Q&A lives where you can learn more and network with other Amazon Influencers. Check it out HERE.
Happy filming!
