Instagram Trials Affiliate Marketing functionalities in beta phase
Instagram, the popular social media platform with over 1.074 billion monthly active users, has taken a significant step forward in its evolution. The company has announced the beta testing of an affiliate marketing tool, marking the first time Instagram will officially allow affiliate campaigns.
The beta testing for this new feature took place at the end of September 2021, providing marketers with another channel to diversify their strategies. However, the results of the beta test have not been entirely positive, with some users reporting mixed success.
One user with 80,000 followers reported making approximately $58 from a single affiliate post, while another user with 335,000 followers made $16. A third user with 38,000 followers reported making only "a couple of dollars" from their first affiliate post. These figures suggest that while there is potential for income, the success of affiliate marketing on Instagram may vary significantly.
Research conducted by Business Insider supports this notion, finding that commission rates for Instagram affiliate marketing can vary significantly. Unfortunately, Instagram has not yet commented on the specific commission rates for this new feature.
Brand partners will set their own remuneration levels according to their own marketing strategies, offering influencers the opportunity to potentially earn substantial sums from their posts. This could be particularly beneficial for users with a large number of followers and their affiliate partners.
Previously, Instagram users had to hide their affiliate links due to violations of terms of use. However, with the introduction of this new affiliate marketing tool, such practices will no longer be necessary.
Instagram's long-term goal is to make this affiliate marketing tool available to creators worldwide. The company has not yet commented on the timeline for this expansion, but plans to expand the tool in the future have been announced.
For Instagram aficionados who have not yet explored affiliate programs, this new feature could open up a new income stream. Despite the mixed results of the beta test, the potential for earning money from affiliate marketing on Instagram is undeniable.
While the beta test of the affiliate marketing tool has not been a runaway success, it does offer marketers another channel to diversify their strategy. With the potential for significant earnings and the ability to legally share affiliate links, Instagram's affiliate marketing tool could revolutionise the way influencers and brands collaborate.
