TikTok can put a software demo in front of thousands of people in a day. The catch: you cannot paste a clickable link under a video. Promoting affiliate links on TikTok is less about where you put the link and more about getting viewers to take one extra step.
This guide covers what TikTok allows, where your link can go, and the video formats that turn views into signups for SaaS tools.
Can you use affiliate links on TikTok?
Yes. Affiliate links are allowed on TikTok as long as you follow its rules and disclose that you earn a commission. What you cannot do is make links clickable in video captions or comments, and spammy behavior, such as posting the same link everywhere, misleading claims or fake reviews, can get content restricted.
TikTok's rules change often, so check its current community guidelines and branded content policy before you start. The core principles stay the same: be honest, disclose, and do not spam.
Where to put your affiliate link
The link in your bio. This is the main clickable spot. Personal accounts usually need a minimum number of followers before the website field appears, while business accounts can often add one sooner. Check what your account shows under "Edit profile".
A link-in-bio page. Your bio holds one link, so point it to a simple page that lists the tools you recommend: a free link-in-bio tool, a Notion page or your own site. Name each tool clearly so viewers find the one from the video they just watched.
Your other platforms. TikTok viewers often look you up elsewhere. A YouTube video or a newsletter where the link is clickable can do the converting while TikTok does the reach.
Direct messages, with care. "Comment 'TOOL' and I'll send you the link" can work, but only reply to people who asked, and never send unsolicited links.
Video formats that work for software
1. The fast demo. Show the result first, then how the tool got you there: "I made this landing page in 4 minutes." Start with the outcome; nobody stays to watch a login screen.
2. "Tools I use to [job]". Three to five tools, a few seconds each, with one clear use for each. It is easy to film and naturally promotes several programs.
3. Before and after. Messy spreadsheet, then clean dashboard. Raw clip, then edited video. The transformation is the hook.
4. "Stop doing X manually". Name a painful task your audience recognizes, then show the tool that automates it.
5. Honest takes. "I paid for [tool] for six months: here's what's actually worth it." Admitting downsides makes the recommendation believable.
End each video with one simple instruction: "The tool is linked in my bio, it's called [name]." Say the name out loud and put it on screen so people can also search for it.
Pick programs that fit short-form traffic
TikTok viewers rarely buy on the spot. They save the video, look the tool up later, or sign up for a free trial first. So favor programs with:
- A free plan or free trial. The first step has to be easy.
- A long cookie. If someone signs up a week after watching, you still want the credit. Browse long-cookie programs.
- Recurring commissions. Short-form brings volume; recurring commissions turn that volume into monthly income. See recurring programs.
- Broad appeal. Tools that solve common problems, such as design, editing, productivity or AI writing, fit TikTok better than very technical software.
Disclose every time
Use TikTok's branded content toggle when a brand paid you directly, and say or write that you use affiliate links ("I earn a commission if you sign up through my link"). Disclosure is required in many countries, including under FTC rules in the US, and viewers trust creators who are upfront about it.
Mistakes to avoid
- Pointing viewers to a cluttered link page. If they cannot find the tool in two seconds, they leave.
- Not saying the tool's name. Many viewers will search instead of clicking; make it easy.
- Promising results the tool cannot deliver. "Make $10k a month with this app" will get you reported and the content restricted.
- Posting the same link-heavy video over and over. Vary your formats and lead with value.
Next step
Make a list of five tools you already use and like. Check which ones have affiliate programs on AffiDex and compare their commission and cookie duration. Then film one fast demo for the best one this week. For the bigger picture, read our SaaS affiliate marketing guide.