Social media is an undeniable powerhouse for affiliate marketers, even if GDPR restricts what marketers can do on these platforms.
Its reach and engagement potential make it ideal for promoting links for free - if done strategically.
In fact, 80% of affiliate marketers drive traffic through social media, with Instagram and YouTube being the most popular platforms (Rakuten Marketing).
This underscores the importance of understanding these platforms and creating content tailored to their unique audiences.
How to Promote Affiliate Links on Instagram
Instagram thrives on visual storytelling, making it one of the best ways to promote affiliate links.
Use carousel posts, Stories, and Reels to showcase products and explain their benefits. Adding affiliate links to your bio or a dedicated “link-in-bio” tool lets followers easily access your recommendations.
Pro tip: Engage your audience with polls, questions, and behind-the-scenes content to build trust before introducing affiliate links.
Promote Affiliate Links on Facebook
Facebook remains a versatile platform for affiliate marketing. Beyond your personal posts, joining groups relevant to your niche is an effective strategy.
Share helpful information that follows content best practices, participate in discussions, and subtly integrate your affiliate links.
For 2025, Meta’s updated affiliate link display for posts and comments explains how to promote affiliate links on Facebook, adding transparency and making it easier for audiences to identify and trust affiliate recommendations.
Boost Your Links on TikTok and YouTube
Short-form videos on TikTok, such as quick demonstrations or tips for using a product, or longer content on YouTube provide fantastic opportunities for showcasing products.
Tutorials, unboxings, or personal stories can make your recommendations feel authentic. Include your affiliate link in video descriptions or as pinned comments to drive traffic.
Hypothetically, an affiliate marketer could post a 60-second TikTok showing three ways to use a product, ending with a call-to-action encouraging viewers to click the link in their bio.