How many followers do you need?
| Program | Entry requirement |
|---|---|
| Myntra Glam Clan | Publish 3 Glam Clan posts in the Myntra app |
| Meesho | No stated minimum; about 90% of active creators have under 10,000 followers |
| Amazon Associates | Public account, in most cases 500+ organic followers, plus 3 sales in 180 days |
| Nykaa | Reported 5,000+ followers |
You don't need a large following to start. You need viewers who trust your recommendations and an easy way for them to reach the product.
Where affiliate links work on Instagram
Links in captions and comments aren't clickable, so creators use three places instead. Each has a trade-off, covered in detail in how to share affiliate links on Instagram:
- Bio link: always there, but viewers have to leave the Reel and find the product.
- Story link sticker: one tap, but it disappears after 24 hours.
- DM after a keyword comment: the link arrives in their inbox seconds after they ask, and works on every Reel.
The comment-to-DM method
This is how most affiliate Reels in India are run today. Your caption or voiceover says something like "Comment LINK and I'll send you everything." An automation tool watches for that word and DMs each commenter the products. It works because comments also help the Reel's reach, the viewer asked for the link so it's welcome, and they get it while they still want it.
With a comment-to-product carousel, the DM shows every product from the Reel as its own card with a photo and buy button, instead of a single bare link.
Mistakes that cost creators sales
- Replying by hand, hours later. Flipkart's reported cookie window is about a day, and interest fades faster than that.
- Linking one product from a five-product Reel. Most commenters wanted something else.
- Skipping disclosure. ASCI expects a clear label on promotional posts. See the rules.
- Using tools that ask for your Instagram password. Use tools on Instagram's official API instead.
Run this from your Reels with Tadlo AI
The comment-to-DM method is the fastest way to get affiliate links to the people who asked. Tadlo AI's comment-to-product carousel sends everyone who comments your keyword a DM with up to 10 product cards, each with your own link, sent unchanged. It's included on every plan, including free, and Tadlo AI takes no share of your commission.
Start freeHow the product carousel worksQuestions people ask
How do I start affiliate marketing on Instagram?
Join a program that fits your niche, like Myntra Glam Clan for fashion or Amazon Associates for general products. Make Reels that show the products in use, ask viewers to comment a keyword, and send them the links by DM. Label the content as promotional.
Can I do affiliate marketing on Instagram without followers?
You can start small. Myntra's affiliate feature unlocks after three posts in the Myntra app, and most of Meesho's active creators have fewer than 10,000 followers. Amazon generally expects an established public account.
Why can't I put affiliate links in my Instagram caption?
Instagram doesn't make links in captions or comments clickable. Creators use the bio link, story link stickers or DMs instead.
Is it allowed to send affiliate links in Instagram DMs?
Sending a link to someone who asked for it, for example by commenting a keyword, is how most creators do it. Some programs set their own rules. Amazon's operating agreement allows links in DMs only when the person opted in.