Breakout Social

How Can I Get More Affiliates on TikTok? (Here’s What Creators Actually Want)

TikTok creators aren’t just chasing likes and views anymore, they’re chasing performance. As TikTok evolves into a full-scale commerce platform, creators are being ranked and rewarded based on what really matters: sales. That means they’re getting pickier about the brands they work with, and for good reason. In this post, we’ll explain what’s changed, how you can adapt your approach, and share a step-by-step strategy to build better creator partnerships starting today.

What Is TikTok’s Affiliate and Creator Scoring System?

TikTok has shifted from a content-first platform to a commerce-driven ecosystem. As part of this shift, creators are now scored on various performance metrics, not just reach or engagement.

Here’s a simplified breakdown of the scoring system:

• Creator Score – Measures reliability (e.g. on-time submissions, delivery). Impacts access to brand campaigns.
  • Shop Score – Based on sales (GMV), product tagging, livestreams. Affects visibility in the TikTok Shop.
  • GMV Max – Predicts content conversion potential. Influences algorithmic boosts.

In short: creators who convert, grow. Those who don’t get left behind.

Why Are TikTok Affiliates Becoming More Selective?

With scores directly impacting their income, creators have every reason to say no to bad campaigns. These days, they’re filtering opportunities based on what will help, or hurt, their performance scores.

Creators often decline brand offers if:

• The product doesn’t align with their audience
  • The TikTok Shop setup is incomplete or untested
  • There’s no commission, fee, or performance incentive
  • No creative direction or data is provided by the brand

How Should I Message TikTok Affiliates? (With Template)

When reaching out, your tone should be professional yet collaborative. Here’s a proven message that earns replies:

Hi [First Name],

We’ve been following your content and loved how you [reference specific post or theme]. We’re running a new TikTok Shop campaign for our [product] and want to partner with a select few creators we think will genuinely benefit from the collaboration.

Here’s what we’ve got set up:
– Commission: [XX% or £XX per sale]
– Product: ‘[Product Name]’ (already converting organically)
– TikTok Shop: Fully live with tracking in place
– Optional: Spark Ads to boost top content

If you’re open to a quick chat, we’d love to:
– Share what’s working
– Walk through our creator setup
– Tailor something to fit your content style

Let me know if this sounds good or if you have any questions!

Why this works:
• It’s personal and respectful
• It makes the creator’s success the goal
• It highlights infrastructure that top creators now prioritise

How to Prepare Before You Reach Out to TikTok Affiliates

Before you message anyone, make sure your backend is built to support creators.

Shop Readiness:
• Approved and live TikTok Shop
• Mobile-optimised product pages
• 3–5 TikToks already tagged with products

Commission Structure:
• Transparent offer (15–30% recommended)
• Tracking tested
• Link or instructions for affiliate sign-up

Support Materials:
• Directional deck or past examples
• Spark Ads budget to promote top content
• Clear point of contact

Pro tip: Let creators choose their product or build a bundle with you. It gives them ownership—and better results.

What Should I Ask TikTok Affiliates When They Reply?

Skip the product pitch. Start by understanding their perspective:

Three great starter questions:
• What kind of content usually converts for your audience?
• Have you used TikTok Shop or affiliate tools before?
• What would make a collaboration valuable for you?

These questions flip the conversation from transactional to strategic, and help you gauge whether they’re a fit.

TL;DR Summary

• TikTok creators are now scored by sales, not just views.
  • Poor brand campaigns can hurt their scores and income.
  • Creators are more selective and prefer partnerships with strong infrastructure.
  • Use the right outreach script, support tools, and questions to attract better collaborators.
  • Treat creators like partners, not media channels.

Ready to Build Better TikTok Affiliate Campaigns?

If you’re launching a TikTok Shop campaign and want to work with high-performing creators, let’s chat. We’ll help you build the strategy, assets, and systems to make creators say yes, and make sales follow.