How does affiliate link automation work?
You post a reel featuring a product. The caption says "Comment LINK and I'll send it to you." Every keyword comment fires a DM with your affiliate link and, if you like, a code. The viewer taps once and is on the product page with your tracking attached.
For a haul or a roundup, each product can have its own keyword on the same reel, or one keyword can send a single link to a storefront page that lists them all.
Why is a DM better than "link in bio" for affiliates?
- Fewer taps, more clicks. Every step between the reel and the product page loses buyers, and commissions only come from clicks.
- The right product. The bio link points at everything. The DM points at the thing in the video.
- Old reels keep earning. A reel that resurfaces months later still answers every LINK comment.
- More reach. Keyword comments are engagement, which helps the reel travel further.
How do you set it up?
- 1
Get the tracked link
Copy the product link from your affiliate program or storefront. Check it opens on mobile and keeps your tracking.
- 2
Add the keyword to the reel
LINK works for single products. For roundups, use the product name (BLENDER, SERUM) so each comment gets the right link.
- 3
Write a short DM with a disclosure
One line on the product, the link, and a plain note that it is an affiliate link.
- 4
Add a suggestion
After the link, Suggest More can point to the next product people usually buy, or your full storefront.
- 5
Arm it before you post
Set the automation on the reel before it goes live, so the first wave of comments gets the link too.
What are the disclosure basics?
This is general guidance, not legal advice. In the US, the FTC expects influencers to disclose a financial relationship with a brand clearly, including affiliate commissions. Many other countries have similar rules. Disclose in the post and in the DM itself, in plain words: "This is an affiliate link, I earn a small commission if you buy." Your affiliate program will also have its own requirements, so read them.
Affiliate link DM templates
Public reply
Sent, check your DMs
DM
Here's the one from the video, {first_name}: {link} (Affiliate link, I earn a small commission at no cost to you.)
Follow up
It's back to full price on Monday, in case you were waiting: {link}
DM
Hey {first_name}, here's the serum: {link} Code {code} takes 10% off. Affiliate link, so I earn a little if you use it.
DM
Everything from today's reel is on one page: {link} The lamp is the one people ask about most. Affiliate links.
There are more in the affiliate link DM templates.
What should the caption say?
"Comment LINK and I'll DM you where to get it." Put it in the first line and on screen. Add the disclosure in the caption as well (for example #ad or "affiliate link"), so it is visible before anyone comments.
Make every reel answer its own "link?"
Add a keyword to your next reel and send the affiliate link automatically.
How do you handle a roundup or haul reel?
A haul with eight products is where the bio link fails hardest, because nobody can tell which of forty storefront items was the one at 0:14. You have two clean options.
- One keyword per product. SERUM, CLEANSER, MIST. Each sends its own link. Best when two or three products carry the reel.
- One keyword, one page. SHOP sends a storefront collection built for that reel, with products in the order they appear. Best for five or more.
- Pin a comment listing the keywords, so late viewers know what to type.
- Retire keywords when the reel stops getting views, or switch the DM to your evergreen favourites page.
Which features do affiliate creators use?
| Feature | What it does in this play | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Comment to DM | Sends the affiliate link on the keyword | Every plan |
| Follow-Gated DMs | Turns link requests into followers | Lite and up |
| Suggest More | Points to the next product or your storefront | Lite and up |
| Viral post DM queue | Holds DMs over the sending limit when a reel spikes | Lite and up |
Metrics and mistakes
- Track keyword comments per reel, clicks and conversions in your affiliate dashboard, and earnings per reel.
- Avoid dead links: products go out of stock and programs change URLs. Check old reels that still get comments.
- Avoid skipping the disclosure in the DM because it is in the caption. The DM is where they click.
- Avoid the same keyword for different products on different reels if you use Global Triggers. Global keywords answer everywhere.
Affiliate creators should also read comment for link on Instagram, which covers the format end to end, and the affiliate marketer page.