Can I Earn Affiliate Income Through Facebook Reels with External Links?

 affiliate marketing has emerged as one of the most powerful tools for content creators and digital entrepreneurs to earn passive income. With the explosive growth of short-form video platforms, many marketers and influencers are now looking to capitalize on platforms like Facebook Reels to promote affiliate products. One of the most pressing questions creators have is: Can I earn affiliate income through Facebook Reels using external links?

The short answer is: Yes, you can, but it’s not as straightforward as simply pasting a link. Success with affiliate marketing on Facebook Reels requires a clear understanding of Facebook’s monetization rules, platform limitations, content strategy, and user behavior.

This article will explore how affiliate marketing can be integrated with Facebook Reels, how to use external links effectively, what limitations to be aware of, and strategies to increase your chances of earning consistent income through this format.

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Understanding Facebook Reels

Facebook Reels are short videos (up to 90 seconds) designed to entertain, inform, or engage audiences. Borrowing the format made famous by TikTok and Instagram, Reels now play a central role in Facebook’s content strategy, especially for creators leveraging Professional Mode or Pages.

Reels offer the potential for massive organic reach, especially when your content aligns with trends, uses music, and follows Facebook’s community standards.

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The affiliate Marketing Model: Quick Overview

Before diving into the mechanics of affiliate links in Reels, let’s briefly recap how affiliate marketing works:

• You partner with a brand or platform (e.g., amazon Associates, ShareASale, Impact, ClickBank).

• You receive a unique tracking link that identifies you as the referrer.

• You promote a product or service using that link.

• If someone clicks and purchases, you earn a commission.

In the context of Facebook Reels, the goal is to drive traffic from your video content to that affiliate link, ideally resulting in conversions.

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The Main Challenge: Can You Post External Links in Facebook Reels?

Here’s the core issue — Facebook Reels do not allow clickable links inside the video itself. This is unlike platforms like YouTube (which allows clickable links in descriptions) or TikTok (which allows links in bio or, for some users, links in videos via shop integration).

That said, there are creative and strategic workarounds.

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How to Use affiliate Links in Facebook Reels Effectively

Though you can’t place clickable links directly in the Reel’s visual frame, you can still earn affiliate income by doing the following:

1. Use the Reel Caption or Description

While the Reel itself doesn’t support clickable links, the caption/description (the text you write when uploading your Reel) can contain a link.

However, Facebook only makes some links clickable. The platform often restricts certain domains, especially those known for affiliate activity. For instance:

• amazon short links often appear as non-clickable plain text.

• Bit.ly and other URL shorteners may be flagged as suspicious.

• Links from unverified or restricted domains may show as broken or not render at all.

Strategy:

• Use a custom domain with branded redirects.

• Avoid overly spammy or short-link formats.

• Consider using affiliate programs that whitelist their domains on Facebook, or apply for a domain review yourself (through Facebook Business Manager).

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2. Include a “Link in Bio” Call-to-Action

One of the most common workarounds is to encourage viewers to visit your profile or Page and click a link in your bio, Page button, or featured link section.

In this strategy:

• You post the Reel and mention in the caption:
  “Check the link in my bio for this product.”

• On your profile, you place a clickable affiliate link or a Linktree-style landing page that hosts multiple affiliate offers.

Tools You Can Use:

• Linktree

• Carrd

• Taplink

• Beacons

• Your own website/blog with a landing page

Make sure to comply with Facebook’s guidelines and provide full affiliate disclosures either on the landing page or within the caption.

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3. Redirect via Blog or Landing Page

Many creators prefer to embed affiliate links inside their blog posts or landing pages, then promote those pages in their Reels.

For example:

• You create a blog post titled: “Top 10 Budget Travel Gadgets for 2025.”

• Inside the blog, you include all your affiliate links (e.g., amazon, AliExpress, Walmart).

• In your Reel, you showcase a product or tease the list, then say:
  “See the full list on my blog — link in the bio.”

This approach not only gets around Facebook’s limitations, but also boosts your website traffic and brand authority.

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4. Use Facebook Page Tools (If Using a Page Instead of Profile)

If you’re using a Facebook Page (as opposed to a personal profile), you can utilize the following tools:

• Shop Tab: If you’re approved to use Facebook Shops and integrate a product catalog, you can tag products in posts and Reels, especially if you’re a direct seller or approved affiliate.

• Call-to-Action Button: Set the Page button to “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” or “Visit Website,” and direct traffic there from your Reels.

• Pinned Post: Pin a post with your main affiliate offers or link hub at the top of your Page, and reference it in every video.

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Facebook’s Rules for affiliate Marketing in Reels

Facebook allows affiliate marketing, but you must play by its rules:

1. No Spammy or Cloaked Links

Facebook’s algorithms are trained to detect and suppress spammy content. Avoid:

• Mass posting of identical links.

• Cloaking links in a deceptive way.

• Redirecting users through ad-filled landing pages.

2. Always Disclose affiliate Relationships

You must clearly state that your Reel includes affiliate content. You can add a line in your caption such as:

“This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.”

This is not only a Facebook rule — it’s a legal requirement in many countries, including the U.S. (FTC guidelines) and UK (ASA rules).

3. Respect Facebook’s Commerce and Community Standards

Your content must not:

• Promote prohibited products (e.g., adult content, weapons).

• Mislead users about what’s being sold.

• Include copyrighted material without proper licenses.

If you violate these rules, your content may be removed, or your account restricted.

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Earning Potential: How Much Can You Make?

The earning potential of affiliate marketing through Reels depends on multiple factors:

Factor	Impact
Reel Reach & Engagement	The more views and likes you get, the more potential clicks.
Click-Through Rate (CTR)	Good CTAs increase how many viewers click your links.
Conversion Rate	Higher quality leads convert better — especially if you match the product to the right audience.
Commission Rate	Depends on your affiliate program — amazon offers 1-10%, while others offer 30-70%.

A Reel that gets 100,000 views and leads 1% to click your affiliate link (1,000 clicks) — with a 2% conversion rate — can result in 20 purchases. If each purchase earns you $10, that’s $200 from one video.

Now imagine doing that consistently every week.

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Best Types of affiliate Products for Facebook Reels

Reels work best with visually appealing or demonstrable products. Consider promoting:

• Tech gadgets and mobile accessories.

• Beauty and skincare items (with transformation videos).

• Kitchen tools or unique home items.

• Apparel (especially try-ons or outfit ideas).

• Digital tools (apps, subscriptions, online courses).

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Tips for Successful affiliate Reels

To stand out and actually drive clicks and commissions, follow these strategies:

1. Focus on Storytelling or Utility

Instead of just showcasing the product, tell a mini story or show a problem being solved.

Example:

“I always struggled with messy cables... until I found this!”

2. Use Keywords and Hashtags

This helps your Reels get discovered organically. Use hashtags like:

• #AmazonFinds

• #BestUnder50

• #TiktokMadeMeBuyIt

• #FacebookReels

• #AffiliateMarketing

3. Hook in the First 3 Seconds

Attention spans are short. Use movement, curiosity, or bold text to pull viewers in fast.

4. Add Subtitles or Captions

Many people watch videos with sound off. Subtitles increase watch time and engagement.

5. Include a Clear CTA

Don’t assume people will click. Say:

• “Link is in the bio!”

• “Check my pinned post to get this product.”

• “Visit my Page and tap ‘Shop Now’.”

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Can You Use Facebook’s Native Monetization and affiliate Links Together?

Yes — but cautiously.

Facebook’s monetization tools (such as Stars, Reels Play bonus, Ads on Reels) can be combined with affiliate promotions. However:

• Don’t overwhelm content with too many sales pitches.

• Keep affiliate links separate from Facebook ad content to avoid disqualification from in-stream ads.

• Be consistent with quality to maintain your eligibility for monetization.

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Conclusion

You can absolutely earn affiliate income through Facebook Reels using external links — if you understand and navigate the platform’s current limitations. Though you can’t place clickable links inside the video frame, you can:

• Use captions with links (when allowed).

• Drive viewers to your bio or pinned post.

• Use third-party tools to house your affiliate offers. — Explore Car Accident Lawyer options here!

• Set up a blog or landing page as the link destination.

The most successful affiliate marketers on Facebook Reels are those who create engaging, high-quality content, disclose their relationships, and use thoughtful strategy to guide viewers toward making purchases.

If you're consistent, creative, and compliant, Facebook Reels can become a highly profitable affiliate income stream.