How it works, step by step
You join a program
A brand or marketplace approves you and gives you an ID, like an Amazon Associates tag.
You share a tracked link
Every product link you generate carries that ID.
Someone clicks and buys
The program records the click and any purchase made within its tracking window.
You get paid
After returns and cancellations clear, the program pays your commission.
Words you'll see
- Commission rate: the percentage of the sale you earn. Amazon India's ranges from 1% on phones to 8% on Beauty.
- Cookie window: how long after a click a purchase still counts. Flipkart's is reported at about one day, Nykaa's at 30 days.
- Cost per sale (CPS): you're paid only when someone buys. Most retail programs in India work this way.
- Qualifying sale: a purchase that wasn't cancelled or returned and meets the program's rules.
- Affiliate network: a middleman, like Cuelinks or EarnKaro, that gives you access to many programs at once, usually for a share of the commission.
Direct programs vs affiliate networks and apps
You can join a brand's program directly, like Amazon Associates or Myntra Glam Clan, or go through a network or creator app that joins on your behalf. Going direct usually means you get the full published rate. Networks and apps make it easier to start with many brands, but they typically earn by keeping part of the commission. Nykaa is a clear example: a direct rate of about 7.2–9% is reported, while one network lists 5.6% on new users.
How to start
- Pick a niche where you already recommend products, like fashion, beauty, tech or travel.
- Join one or two programs that cover it. See affiliate programs in India.
- Make content that shows the product in use, and tell viewers how to get the link.
- Label it clearly as promotional. See disclosure rules in India.
- Get the link to interested viewers fast, before they scroll away.
Run this from your Reels with Tadlo AI
On Instagram, the step where most affiliate sales are lost is getting the link to the person who wanted it. 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
What is affiliate marketing in simple words?
It's earning a commission by sending buyers to another company's product through a link that carries your unique ID. If someone buys through your link, the company pays you a share of the sale.
Is affiliate marketing legal in India?
Yes. Major companies like Amazon, Flipkart and Myntra run affiliate programs in India. You're expected to follow each program's rules and disclose promotional content under ASCI's influencer guidelines.
How much can you earn from affiliate marketing?
It depends on the commission rate, the price of what you promote, and how many people buy. Try the affiliate earnings calculator to see how those numbers combine.
Do I need a website for affiliate marketing?
No. Many programs, including Amazon Associates, accept public Instagram accounts.