I get asked a lot: "Can you really make money from reels without running ads?" The short answer is yes — but it takes strategy, experimentation and a clear understanding of the tools available. Over the past few years I’ve tested affiliate links, microshops and link-in-bio workflows across Instagram and TikTok, and I’ve seen creators earn meaningful revenue without a single sponsored post or ad campaign.
How affiliate links and microshops differ (and why both matter)
Affiliate links and microshops solve the same problem — they create a direct path from discovery to purchase — but they do it in different ways.
Affiliate links are simple: you share a trackable URL (or short code) that credits you for a sale. Networks like Skimlinks, Impact, AWIN, Amazon Associates or brand-specific programs handle tracking and payouts. Affiliates are versatile and can be used inside video captions, link-in-bio pages, or swipe-up links where available.
Microshops (Instagram Shop, TikTok Shop, and small storefronts built with Shopify, Spreadr, etc.) let you present multiple products directly inside the platform or from a lightweight storefront. They reduce friction — viewers can click and buy without leaving the app — which usually improves conversion.
In practice I use both: affiliates for flexibility and niche product discovery, microshops where platform-native shopping improves conversion and customer experience.
Where to place your links (and why placement matters)
Reels themselves are fleeting — people scroll fast. The right place to put your commerce link is where users can act when interest is highest.
Creative approaches that actually convert
Not every rave review converts. Here are formats that consistently drive clicks and purchases.
Tracking, attribution and metrics to watch
Without ads you still need to measure what's working. Here’s what I track:
For attribution I lean on UTM parameters for link-in-bio pages and platform-native analytics (Instagram Insights, TikTok Analytics). If the affiliate network provides order-level reporting, match order timestamps with reel publication to estimate which posts drove sales.
Selecting affiliate programs that convert
Not all affiliate programs are equal. I look for:
Programs to consider: Amazon Associates for convenience (but be mindful of low fees), ShareASale and AWIN for a wide range of merchants, and direct brand programs for higher commissions or exclusive codes.
Building a microshop that works
When I set up microshops, I focus on three things: speed, relevance and trust.
If you have the capacity, I’ve had luck with a hybrid setup: a lightweight Shopify storefront for branded credibility and a link-in-bio entry that directs mobile-first traffic straight to the most relevant product page.
Compliance and best practices
Disclosure is non-negotiable. Always disclose affiliate relationships — a simple “contains affiliate links” in the caption or a disclosure on the landing page is required in many jurisdictions and keeps your audience’s trust.
Also, avoid misleading claims. If you’re showing results, be transparent about timelines or conditions. Platforms can penalize deceptive commerce practices, and trust is essential for repeat buyers.
Common pitfalls and how I avoid them
Some mistakes are easy to make but deadly to conversion.
Scaling without losing authenticity
Once you find formats that convert, scale thoughtfully. Batch-produce reels around a theme, rotate products, and refine your microshop’s merchandising. But don’t turn everything into a hard sell — maintain the storytelling and utility that got your audience to trust you in the first place. That balance between authenticity and commerce is what turns one-time buyers into repeat customers.
