If you’re dipping your toes into affiliate marketing, two programs likely top your list: Etsy’s affiliate program and Amazon Associates (often called Amazon Affiliates). Both are trusted, high-traffic platforms, but they cater to very different creators and audiences.
Choosing the wrong one can waste months of effort, so let’s break down exactly how Etsy vs Amazon Affiliates stacks up across the metrics that matter most.
How Each Program Works
Etsy Affiliate Program
Etsy’s official affiliate program lets creators earn commissions by promoting handmade, vintage, and craft supply products sold on the platform. It’s run through the third-party affiliate network Awin, so you’ll apply and manage payouts via Awin’s dashboard rather than Etsy directly.
Commissions apply to first-time Etsy buyers you refer, and you only earn when those users make a purchase within 30 days of clicking your link.
Amazon Associates Program
Amazon’s affiliate program, Amazon Associates, is one of the oldest and most widely used affiliate programs in the world. According to a 2024 report from the Affiliate Marketing Association, it remains the most popular entry-level affiliate program globally. It lets you earn commissions by promoting almost any product sold on Amazon, from electronics to groceries to home goods.
You apply directly through Amazon, and tracking is handled via Amazon’s in-house system, with no third-party middlemen required.
Etsy vs Amazon Affiliates: Key Differences
Commission Rates and Payout Structures
Etsy’s commission rates are flat: you earn 2-4% of the total order value for referred first-time buyers, depending on the product category. There are no tiered rates, so your earnings don’t increase if you drive more sales.
Amazon Associates uses a tiered commission structure, ranging from 1% (for video games and grocery items) to 10% (for luxury beauty and Amazon Explore experiences). You can unlock higher rates if you drive more qualifying sales each month.
- Etsy: 2-4% flat commission on first-time buyer orders
- Amazon: 1-10% tiered commission on most products
Niche and Product Fit
Etsy is exclusively for handmade, vintage (20+ years old), and craft supply products. It’s a perfect fit for creators in niches like DIY, home decor, wedding planning, and small business crafting.
Amazon sells nearly every product category imaginable, making it ideal for general lifestyle creators, tech reviewers, home cooks, and anyone with a broad audience.
If your content focuses on unique, small-batch products, Etsy will convert far better. If you cover a wide range of everyday products, Amazon’s massive catalog is a better match.
Ease of Approval and Setup
Etsy’s affiliate program is managed via Awin, which has a moderately strict approval process. You’ll need an active website or social media account with consistent, original content to get approved. Awin also charges a $5 activation fee (refunded with your first payout).
Amazon Associates has a very low barrier to entry: you just need a website, YouTube channel, or social media account with some existing content. There’s no activation fee, and most applicants get approved within 1-2 business days.
Cookie Duration
Etsy uses a 30-day cookie window for first-time buyers. If a user clicks your link and makes their first Etsy purchase within 30 days, you earn a commission. Returning buyers don’t trigger commissions.
Amazon uses a 24-hour cookie window for most products. If a user clicks your link and buys any qualifying product within 24 hours, you earn a commission. Some special promotions extend this window to 30 days.
Payout Thresholds and Methods
Etsy (via Awin) has a $20 minimum payout threshold for most regions. You can receive payouts via bank transfer, PayPal, or wire transfer, with payments processed monthly.
Amazon Associates has a $10 minimum payout threshold for U.S. creators (higher for international users). Payouts are sent via direct deposit, Amazon gift card, or check, with payments processed monthly once you hit the threshold.
Content Restrictions
Etsy’s affiliate program prohibits promoting products via unsolicited emails, coupon sites, or paid search ads that use Etsy’s trademarked terms. You also can’t use your affiliate links in Etsy’s own community forums.
Amazon Associates has stricter restrictions: you can’t use affiliate links in ebooks, email newsletters, or offline materials. You also can’t bid on Amazon’s branded keywords in paid search ads.
Which Should You Choose?
Pick Etsy If…
- Your niche focuses on handmade, vintage, or craft products
- You have a highly targeted, engaged audience interested in small businesses
- You want to promote unique products that aren’t available on Amazon
- You’re comfortable using a third-party affiliate network (Awin)
Pick Amazon Associates If…
- You cover a broad range of product categories
- You want a low-barrier entry program with fast approval
- You want the potential to earn higher commissions via tiered rates
- You prefer in-house tracking and payout management
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I join both Etsy and Amazon Affiliates at the same time?
Yes! There are no rules prohibiting you from joining both programs. Many creators run links for both platforms, promoting Etsy for niche handmade products and Amazon for everyday items.
Which program pays out faster?
Both programs process payouts monthly, but Amazon Associates typically sends payments 30 days after the end of the month you hit the threshold. Etsy (via Awin) also pays monthly, with similar timing for most regions.
Do I need a website to join either program?
No. Both programs accept social media accounts (Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest) and YouTube channels as valid platforms for approval, as long as you have consistent original content.
Is Etsy’s affiliate program open to international creators?
Yes, Etsy’s affiliate program via Awin is open to creators in most countries. Amazon Associates is also available in over 20 countries, with localized storefronts for each region.
Final Verdict
The Etsy vs Amazon Affiliates debate isn’t about which program is “better” overall, it’s about which aligns with your content, audience, and goals. Amazon is the better pick for general creators who want a low-hassle, high-volume program. Etsy is the clear winner for niche creators focused on handmade and vintage products with high audience trust.
Whichever you choose, focus on creating authentic, helpful content that recommends products you genuinely love. For more tips on building affiliate-ready content, check out our guide to writing high-converting product reviews. Learn how to pick a profitable affiliate niche in our step-by-step guide. That’s the only way to build long-term affiliate income that lasts.
Ready to start earning with affiliate marketing? Pick the program that aligns with your niche, sign up today, and start creating content that converts. Have questions about getting started? Drop them in the comments below!
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