Instagram is allowing creators that meet the requirements like 1,000 followers, 18 years or older, etc… to add up to 30 affiliate links (or others) to their reels.
Here’s how it works, and that it is open to vendors that are both verified in the native list, use third party platforms like AWIN or LTK, and direct affiliate programs as there are options to copy and paste the affiliate links directly in. This means it is open to virtually any company with an affiliate or influencer program, as well as the brand themselves.
This can be a game changer even if you aren’t doing product reviews as Instagram account holders no longer have to say “go to my bio and click the link” or hope followers copy and paste an affiliate link from their profile. Fans can now engage directly with the content in the reel to shop, follow along, or fill out a form.
Bonus idea – Brands, can now give partners custom links that automatically apply a discount or free gift/upsell vs. a vanity coupon code. This stops the code from leaking, tracks the diminishing return of the reel, and shows the true ROAS value of the partner. If the only way for the deal to apply is the link being clicked, it fixes part of the attribution problems (not all). You’ll still need to ensure it doesn’t get overwritten at checkout via another code or click, and the code getting wiped.
Here’s a few ways this can be done (featuring some of the companies that use us for their affiliate marketing agency (because disclosing is important)).
Comparison content
How to guides
Co-marketing with two or more brands
Gift guides and listcicles
Checklists like packing for a vacation or prepping a vacation home for the offseason
Here’s some examples I sent to affiliates in some of our client’s affiliate programs to share the opportunity they now have, and ways to make money with the client’s program.
SmugMug
Camera Kits and Gear
A common question photographers get asked is about their kit (the gear they use) as it changes by location type as the weather changes, season since you have to account for different types of light and moisture (winter with batteries dying faster and fogging lenses as you reacclimate to room temperature vs. summer and dry heat with harsh light), etc…
The recommendation here is to create seasonal or situation based reels and pin them to the top of the feed. For this theme you can unpack or start packing your kit and when you feature each item, use an affiliate link for where to buy it. Then at the end of the video have a link to your website or a landing page with everything in one place so the person watching doesn’t have to keep rewinding.
Workflows and Processes
Workflows and processes where you demonstrates anything from photo organizing to editing, or setting up photo packages is the perfect way to make money as an affiliate in this program.
Have a list of the items someone will need in the opening and include links to the apps and tools (like SmugMug) so the person can follow along.
As you go through each step, incorporate the links while letting them know what to sign up for like a trial account so they can follow along.
Last bring them to a landing page where they can find written instructions, links to the resources from the videos (your affiliate links) and a course you sell if they want to learn more and you have one.
Join the SmugMug program here.
LobsterAnywhere
Tutorials
Tutorials can be anything from learning how to cook a lobster whether its the tail, tails and claws, or pre-shucked (grilling, sautéing, boiling, etc…), the proper way to crack and eat it, or how to boil and know when the meat is ready. In the beginning of the tutorial you’ll be able to share a list of the tools needed from measuring water temperatures to eating a lobster with claw crackers, and butter sauce seasonings.
As you use each tool in the demonstration, add your affiliate link to where the person can buy it. Then at the end, share the full list of tools and your affiliate links again. This is the perfect spot to feature your LobsterAnywhere affiliate links including live lobsters, lobster meat that has been removed from the shells, and also a cross promotion for kits like the lobster rolls.
Recipes
These partners are already producing and sharing recipes on their feeds, and this is the perfect opportunity to add affiliate links to any specialty tools like silicon molds, hard to find ingredients like spices or flavorings, and of course where to source quality ingredients like fresh lobsters, scallops, and soups as sides.
And if the recipe is a soup like a chowder or a bisque, but the person doesn’t want to put the effort in, sharing an alternative by purchasing a locally crafted one from New England via LobsterAnywhere is a perfect alternative for the user where the partner can also make money.
Join the LobsterAnywhere affiliate program here.
DigitalOcean
How to Guides
Reels can go up to 20 minutes long allowing you to create content for both YouTube and Instagram at the same time. By showing how to do things like build a self-hosted server for gaming, run and manage a database, or set up hosting for a website or app, you can make money as a DigitalOcean partner.
Start by introducing what the person will learn.
Share the tools the person will need to follow along (including the DigitalOcean link with a free trial)
Walk the person through the steps and each time you mention a tool or service, include your affiliate link or a direct link for it if there’s no program.
At the end don’t forget to mention they can subscribe or visit your website to join your email and SMS list for more content just like it.
Tech Tips and Tutorials
Tech tips and tutorials can be anything from comparison content between two vendors or systems (Kubernetes vs. Docker), to a quick tip on how to resolve a pain point, or a fast-and-easy fix tutorial like a patch for a vulnerability in a system.
If you try the comparison example above, as you mention Kubernetes, share a link for where to go for a free trial, and same with Docker. Then at the end you can share the logos of the companies with the links, or try a link to a detailed guide where you walk through the benefits and negatives of both. And that page can also have affiliate links on it.
Workflow and Operations Videos
For live streamers, YouTubers, and other creators, fans and followers almost always want to know what gear you have or how you save time. This new feature lets you share what your set-up and time-savers are, pin them to the top, and link out as you share them in the reel.
Try having one with your monitors, keyboards, any accessories you use, and software systems. Another can be about decor elements if you have custom lighting, cool collectibles in your workspace, and other items that your subscribers are curious about.
Join the DigitalOcean affiliate program here.
There’s no shortage of ways to use the 30 links in your Instagram reels if you qualify, and if you’re in our affiliate programs or one of our clients, myself and my team are here to help you with a strategy. Two or more brands can do a reel featuring each of the company’s products and where to buy them, influencers can collab and cross promote to grow their audiences, and creators can monetize more effectively via affiliate marketing.
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