An affiliate influencer is a type of influencer (also sometimes referred to as a content creator or online personality) who earns commissions by promoting products or services through affiliate marketing programs. 

These influencers typically have a specific niche audience — such as fashion enthusiasts, gamers or long-distance runners — that trusts their recommendations. By sharing affiliate links in content such as blog posts, YouTube descriptions, TikTok videos or social media captions, affiliate influencers drive traffic and sales to a brand in exchange for a percentage of each sale or a fixed commission.

What sets affiliate influencers apart from traditional influencers is the compensation model. Rather than being paid upfront for a sponsored post, affiliate influencers are compensated based on performance — usually through cost-per-acquisition (CPA). This model incentivizes authentic and consistent promotion, as earnings are directly tied to conversions. For brands, it offers a low-risk strategy by ensuring they only pay for actual results.

Successful affiliate influencers have strong personal branding, credibility with their audience and a deep understanding of the products they promote. They often blend storytelling with product education, helping their followers see both the value and practical benefits of what they’re recommending.