The Amazon Influencer Program offers two primary ways to earn: commissions from traffic you drive to your storefront, and onsite commissions—earnings from your videos being featured directly on Amazon product detail pages. Onsite commissions are the true “passive income” goldmine because they allow you to earn from Amazon’s organic traffic.
While initial approval for the Amazon Influencer Program is based on your social media following and engagement, securing onsite commission eligibility requires a separate, critical hurdle: getting your first three shoppable product videos approved by Amazon’s moderation team. This process is the real test for influencers.
🎬 The Three-Video Test: Quality and Compliance
Once accepted into the main Influencer Program, you are given the opportunity to upload videos to your storefront. To unlock onsite commissions, you must upload a minimum of three videos that meet Amazon’s strict quality and compliance standards.
1. Focus on Production Quality (The Basics)
Amazon prioritizes a clear, helpful shopping experience. Your videos must look and sound professional, even if shot on a smartphone.
- Lighting and Clarity: Ensure the product is well-lit and in focus. Avoid dark or shaky footage. A simple tripod and natural daylight are often sufficient.
- Audio Quality: This is arguably the most critical element. Your voice should be clear, articulate, and free of background noise. Poor audio is a common reason for rejection.
- Demonstration: Show the product in use. Static shots of a product on a table are not enough. Demonstrate how the item solves a problem or enhances the user’s life.
2. Adhere to Amazon’s Strict Content Guidelines
The fastest way to be rejected is to violate Amazon’s policies, which are designed to maintain a neutral, trusted shopping environment. Avoid these common mistakes in your first three videos:
| Prohibited Content | Recommended Action |
| Mentioning Price, Promotions, or Deals | Focus on features, benefits, and durability only. |
| External URLs or Social Media Handles | Do not mention any website, link in bio, or ask for likes/subscribes. |
| Referring to Reviews or Asking for Reviews | Only discuss your personal experience with the product. |
| Unverified Claims or Medical Advice | Stick to the facts and avoid making guarantees or claims the product cannot deliver. |
| Logos or Watermarks | Remove all watermarks from outside social networks or editing apps. |
| Showing Barcodes or Product Packaging | Keep the focus only on the product itself. |
3. Structure Your Review for Value
Amazon wants content that helps customers make informed purchasing decisions. Aim for videos that are concise but detailed, ideally between 45 seconds and 1.5 minutes in length.
- Product Identification: Clearly state the product name and brand early in the video.
- Show, Don’t Just Tell: Demonstrate the key features and benefits. If it’s a kitchen gadget, show it working. If it’s a clothing item, show how it fits.
- Be Authentic: While following the rules, maintain an authentic, unscripted (but polished) delivery. Speak from the perspective of a happy customer.
📝 Post-Upload and Next Steps
Once you have uploaded your three polished, compliant videos, Amazon will review your account. If you receive a denial, the reason provided may be vague (e.g., “video quality”). Do not give up! Delete the rejected videos, analyze the likely reason (often audio or compliance issues), and re-upload three new, improved videos. Persistence is essential, as many successful influencers were rejected on their first attempt.
Once approved, your videos may appear on relevant product detail pages, enabling you to earn those valuable onsite commissions from the millions of customers browsing Amazon every day.
