Wondering what you need to do to be eligible for the Amazon Influencer program? In this post I share how I got approved as an Amazon Influencer in 2026 after getting denied in 2025.
Watch this video for a quick overview of what I did to get approved this time around:
Amazon Influencer Program Requirements Explained (2026)
My tips for getting approved and what worked for me this time around.
What Is the Amazon Influencer Program?
- Amazon Influencer is a program offered by Amazon for content creators to review and showcase Amazon products in videos, photos, collages, Idea Lists and more.
- Influencers get a dedicated Amazon Storefront page (and now also so do Associates!)
- Earn commissions when someone either purchases an Amazon product within 24 hours of using your affiliate link, as well when someone watches your review video on a product pages and Amazon determines your video helped persuade them to buy the product.
Common confusion around approval
In April 2026, there were a lot of new changes to the Amazon affiliate programs. This is when I eventually got approved.
In 2025 I applied but was denied. I thought it was because my subscriber count on YouTube was too low.
But, in April, I applied again and was shocked when I was approved within minutes, with about the same number of subscribers as my first application.
In the past, it was said that you needed about 10,000 YouTube followers, or a good amount of TikTok followers to get approved. It seems that something has changed!
And I’ll share with you what I think it is below.
How It Works
Here’s a quick explanation for how the Amazon Influencer program works.
Difference Between Associates and Influencer
I have been an Amazon Associate for over 15 years. This is a program where you can share Amazon affiliate links off-site and earn commissions when you send people to Amazon to purchase products.
Now, as an Amazon Influencer I can publish videos onto Amazon directly and they have a chance to be added to product listing the “Videos” section. This means that I can now earn commission when people find my video in the product listing, watch it, then buy (if Amazon determines my video helped persuade them to purchase).
Just recently, Amazon also added the Storefront option for Associates. This is a huge opportunity as well! If you don’t get approved as an Influencer, it’s much easier to get approved as an Associate so I would still suggest using that opportunity.
However, the Influencer Program is much better because you can also earn from bonus commission opportunities like Creator Connections, and more.
It really depends on your goals with the affiliate program which one is best for you.
Current Eligibility Requirements
- The eligibility requirements to get approved as an Amazon Influencer are a little vague. But, here’s what I can tell you.
- You need to have some sort of online platform that you regular post to. And you need to know how to make videos that Amazon will approve.
- For example, videos that are made well and good at promoting products.
Social Media Platforms Accepted
The social media platforms I am aware of at this time that are accepted are:
- YouTube
- TokTok
However, just because you have a following on these platforms doesn’t guarantee approval.
In my opinion, Amazon only wants to approve people who will add value to their website. They want creators who are good at promoting and selling products. That’s the whole purpose of the program and why it is an exclusive program.
Unlike YouTube who allows anyone to have a channel, Amazon want’s people with good selling skills who know how to create engaging content.
Why Engagement Matters More Than Followers
This is why engagement matters more than followers. It’s somewhat easy to get followers if you make an entertaining video.
But, do your videos drive sales?
That’s what Amazon is looking for.
What Type of Content Helps Approval
Like I mentioned above, you want to publish content on your existing social media that shows Amazon you know how to:
- Create engaging videos
- Promote products
- Showcase products in a professional way
- Relatable to viewers
- Unique presentation
There could be other factors Amazon considers, but from a logical standpoint, this is what I’ve noticed.
Prior to getting approved, most of my content was focused on cooking videos instead of showcasing products. Then, I switched to showcasing products like bread machines and cooking tools a few months ago.
I think this change in content helped make it obvious to Amazon that I would upload videos that sell products, not just teach people how to cook.
Common Reasons for Rejection
I’m not totally sure why people get rejected, but here’s my guesses:
- Too few subscribers
- Not enough videos showing how well you can sell products
- Random entertainment content instead of selling content
Amazon isn’t looking for entertainers, but they are looking for entertaining sellers 🙂
Why Small Accounts Still Get Approved
Like I mentioned about, as a smaller creator on YouTube with 3,000 subscribers, I think I got approved because of the type of content I created, the amount of engagement I get, and how I’m regularly posting videos.
Best Platforms for Approval
Here’s the platform’s I would focus on for getting approved:
- TikTok
- YouTube
What Happens After Approval?
That was just the first approval. There is a second approval.
Next, Amazon wants you to upload 3 videos to ensure you are a good fit.
They are looking for videos that meet their requirements. If you don’t make videos that meet their requirements, you will get denied for the second round of approval.
I suggest studying the requirements and then making videos that meet those. Don’t upload anything else.
If you fail enough times you won’t be able to proceed so this is really important.
Storefront Setup
Once you get final approval, it’s time to set up your store and get to posting!
Amazon has a great selection of tools showing you how to create a storefront, videos and more. I suggest really diving into their creator tools and watching their YouTube channel videos.
Uploading Videos
Now for the fun part – uploading the content you made!
Here’s a video tutorial showing how I upload videos to the Amazon Platform (and also YouTube at the same time):
- Try Viral Vue and use my promo code: CONTENTCREATOR for 10% discount on Premium Membership >
- Learn more: Viral Vue Review, PROMO CODE & Top 8 Questions About Viral Vue – answered!
Onsite Commissions
As an Amazon Influencer you are able to earn on-site commissions. These are commissions from sales you generate from people who are already on Amazon.
My earnings report in first 30 days as an Amazon Influencer
Here’s an example of my first month of earnings report for commissions as an Amazon Influencer for on-site commissions below.
I got approved on April 9. I upgraded to Viral Vue on April 12.
NOTE: I upgraded to the Premium Viral Vue account 3 days after getting approved. Using the Viral Vue tools really helped me reach my commissions goal below. Results may not be typical. I suggest using Viral Vue right away so you can earn as quickly as possible and not waste time making videos that don’t convert to commission.
- Try Viral Vue and use my promo code: CONTENTCREATOR for 10% discount on Premium Membership >
- Learn more: Viral Vue Review, PROMO CODE & Top 8 Questions About Viral Vue – answered!
Amazon Shoppable Videos
Videos that you upload and tag products to in Amazon are called Amazon Shoppable Videos. This is such a great way to earn money as an affiliate marketer because people watch your video and the products you mention are linked directly below for purchase.
Beginner Tips
Here’s my quick tips for beginners:
- Focus on Consistency
- Start With Products You Already Own
- Research Products Before Filming
- Use Viral Vue for Product Research
Try Viral Vue and use my promo code: CONTENTCREATOR for 10% discount on Premium Membership >
FAQ
Can beginners get approved?
Yes and no. You need to have an existing track record of a following and content creation. So, start building your social media today! Then apply after you have a good amount of content published.
How long does approval take?
Depends on what’s happening. I got approved in minutes. Some people it takes weeks. If Amazon in busy, it just depends. So, apply today, don’t delay!
Can you apply more than once?
Yes, I applied twice. I got approved the second time. I’m not sure exactly how many times you can apply though so make sure you’ve got everything in order before applying, it’s important!
Conclusion
Just do it!
Further reading:
- Try Viral Vue and use my promo code: CONTENTCREATOR for 10% discount on Premium Membership >
- Learn more: Viral Vue Review, PROMO CODE & Top 8 Questions About Viral Vue – answered!
- How to Find Products for Amazon Influencer Videos
- My First 35 Days as Amazon Influencer: Income Reports and Tips for Beginners
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