In March, we heard rumours that Instagram would be launching an affiliate feature, and today it has finally been revealed.
What began as a simple photo-sharing app has now become a worldwide favourite, with its feet firmly planted in e-commerce. Influencers have long reigned over the platform, but it seems there are finally changes coming into play which will mean the integration between content-sharing and monetisation will be more seamless than ever.
Instagram has shared on its ‘creators’ account how its new affiliate programme, which will be rolled out over the coming months, will allow creators, when creating a Feed or Story post, to not only tag the exact products they are featuring in their content but earn commission on any sales they drive from that content.
The programme will not only benefit creators on Instagram, who will be able to drive greater income, but will also engage and interest their audiences who are on the lookout for new product recommendations. Users can shop and invest in the products they want to buy, all while supporting their favourite creators.
Comments on the Instagram post announcing the programme are extremely positive, with users and creators alike sharing how they’re ‘excited to see this in action’ and how ‘this is going to be a huge monetisation step for creators’.
Niamh Butler-Walton, Journalist at PerformanceIN, a performance marketing publication, heavily focuses on the growth and importance of affiliate and recognising the importance of Instagram’s new journey.
She says: “It’s really positive to hear about a platform as huge as Instagram, which so many use as the basis for their income and livelihood, taking further steps into making the affiliate industry part of its legacy. There have been questions for some time now about the siloed nature of influencer and affiliate marketing, but it seems, from this movement, that perhaps the pair are becoming more combined than ever.”
Talking Influence will continue to follow the roll out of Instagram’s affiliate programme, monitoring its success, as well as looking at how the creators using the tool are reaping the benefits and the impact this development will have on influencer marketing agencies.
