Paying a creator for a video tells you what the content cost. It doesn't tell you what it sold. Affiliate codes close that gap. They let you see which creators drive real purchases and reward them for it.
This guide covers how affiliate codes and tracked links work, how to set commission, and why most brands pair them with a flat fee.
What an Affiliate Code Is
An affiliate code is a unique discount code tied to one creator, like JAKE15. When a follower uses it at checkout, the sale is credited to that creator. Many campaigns also give each creator a tracked link that sends people straight to the product page.
Together, codes and links show you:
- How many people clicked from each creator
- How many orders came from each creator's code
- How much revenue each creator drove
How Commission Works
There are two common ways to pay commission:
Percentage of each sale
The creator earns a percentage of the order value. This scales naturally with bigger orders and is the most common model.
Flat amount per sale
The creator earns a set dollar amount for every order. This is simpler to explain and easier to budget, especially for products with a consistent price.
Whichever you choose, put it in writing before the campaign starts, along with how returns and refunds are handled.
Why Pair It With a Flat Fee
Very few good creators will film for commission alone. Making a great video takes time, and commission only pays off if the content converts. If you offer commission only, you'll mostly attract creators who don't have other options.
A flat fee per video plus commission on sales is the fairest setup for both sides. The creator is paid for their work, and they have a reason to push the product and keep promoting it after the video is posted.
Give Followers a Reason to Use the Code
A code works best when it gives the audience something too. A discount, free shipping, or a bonus item makes followers more likely to use it, which helps the creator and the brand.
Setting Up Codes Without Extra Tools
You don't need a complicated affiliate platform to get started. Most online stores let you create discount codes in a few minutes. The simple version:
- Create a unique code for each creator in your store's discount settings.
- Give each creator a tracked link to your product page.
- Count clicks on the link.
- Pull orders per code from your store's discount report.
- Calculate commission from those orders.
How Creator Handles Affiliate Deals
On Creator, brands can turn on affiliate for any campaign. Every creator cast on it automatically gets their own code and tracked link. We count the clicks, you add orders from your store's discount report, and commission is calculated for you based on the terms you set. There's nothing to install on your store. Book a demo to see how it works.
For more on how creators get paid, see our UGC pricing guide.
The Short Version
- Affiliate codes and links show which creators drive real sales.
- Commission can be a percentage or a flat amount per sale.
- Pair commission with a flat fee to attract good creators.
- Give followers a discount so they actually use the code.