Affiliate marketing allows publishers to earn money by promoting products online. When someone clicks a referral link and makes a purchase, the promoter receives a payout.
Temu is a global online marketplace known for deeply discounted consumer goods. To fuel its rapid growth, the company operates a performance-based affiliate program. This system pays independent creators and marketers to generate traffic, drive sales, and encourage app downloads.
However, the mechanics of this program differ significantly from traditional retail networks. It relies heavily on new customer acquisition rather than standard percentage payouts. It also carries unique commission tiers and strict tracking rules.
This guide explains exactly how the Temu affiliate program functions. It covers the actual payout structure, the structural limitations, and the step-by-step process for setting up a compliant account.
Key Takeaways
- The payout is hybrid. You earn a $5 flat bonus for new app downloads and a tiered commission (5%, 10%, or 20%) on purchases.
- The program targets new users. You generally only earn commissions on the first purchase a new customer makes. Returning shoppers do not generate payouts.
- The cookie window is 30 days. This gives you a full month to earn a commission after someone clicks your link.
- Volume is required. The average Temu order is between $30 and $40. You need massive, consistent traffic to make meaningful money.
- There are two different portals. Social media creators must use the Influencer Program. Bloggers and media buyers must use the Affiliate Program.
- The rules are strict. Spamming comment sections or bidding on branded keywords in paid ads will result in an immediate account ban.
Disclaimer: I am an independent Affiliate. The opinions expressed here are my own and are not official statements. If you follow a link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission.
How the Compensation Structure Works
Before you start promoting, you need to understand exactly how the money flows. Temu does not use a traditional flat-rate commission. Instead, the company uses a hybrid payout model. This system rewards you for two different actions. You get paid for getting people to download the app, and you get paid for getting them to buy products.
Here is the exact breakdown of how you earn money.
The App Download Bonus
Temu wants to put its store on every mobile phone. To achieve this goal, they pay a flat cash bonus for new user acquisition. You earn a $5 reward every time someone downloads the Temu app through your referral link and creates a new account.
The Purchase Commission Tiers
If a user buys a product after clicking your link, you earn a percentage of that sale. Temu uses a tiered system based on the total order value. The larger the shopping cart, the higher your commission percentage.
The current payout tiers are:
- 5% commission on orders between $0.00 and $49.99.
- 10% commission on orders between $50.00 and $99.99.
- 20% commission on orders of $100.00 or more.
The 30-Day Cookie Window
In affiliate marketing, a “cookie” is a piece of code that tracks the person who clicked your link. Temu provides a generous 30-day cookie window. This is a massive advantage compared to programs like Amazon, which only offer a 24-hour window.
If a shopper clicks your link on a Tuesday but waits three weeks to checkout, the system still remembers you. You will receive the commission for that delayed purchase.
Temu Affiliate Program: Rules and Structural Limitations
Every affiliate program has specific rules that dictate how you actually make money. Temu is no different. The most important rule is their focus on new customer acquisition. Temu prioritizes rapid growth above all else. The program heavily rewards affiliates who bring in brand new shoppers.
You only earn the full commission rate when a new user makes a purchase. An existing Temu customer might click your link and buy an item. You will usually earn zero commission on that sale. This rule means you cannot rely on a small group of repeat buyers. You must build a marketing strategy that constantly reaches new people.
The second limitation involves the average order value. Temu is famous for extremely low prices. Industry data shows the average shopping cart on Temu usually sits between $30 and $40.
This low price point makes it easy to convince someone to buy. The downside is that your payout per transaction is very small. A 5% commission on a $30 order equals exactly $1.50. You need massive traffic volume to generate significant income. You cannot survive on a few clicks a day.
How to Join the Program (Step-by-Step)
The application process is simple. Many beginners make the mistake of applying to the wrong portal. Temu operates two distinct tracks for its partners. You must choose the correct entry point based on your traffic source to get approved.
Step 1: Choose Your Portal
Temu divides its partners into two main categories.
The Influencer Program is built strictly for social media creators. You can apply if you publish video content on TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram. To qualify for this track, you generally need a minimum of 300 active followers. Approved influencers receive unique referral codes. They also receive free product credits to order items for review videos.
The Affiliate Program is designed for traditional publishers. This includes bloggers, coupon sites, media buyers, and email marketers. This track does not require a strict social media follower count. Approval depends entirely on the quality and volume of your website traffic.
Step 2: Submit Your Traffic Proof
Select the correct portal on the Temu website and fill out the application. You must provide your contact information and a direct link to your primary traffic source.
Temu requires verification to ensure your audience is real. You will likely need to submit screenshots of your analytics. Be highly specific when describing your audience. Vague applications often face delays or immediate rejection.
Step 3: Set Up Your Payout Profile
Do not wait to make your first sale to configure your payment details. Temu pays its partners primarily through PayPal.
Log into your dashboard as soon as your account is approved. Enter your PayPal email address and complete all required tax documentation. The system will lock your commissions if you skip this step. You will not be able to withdraw your money when you reach the minimum payout threshold.
How to Generate and Test Tracking Links
Once your account is active, you need to create your promotional assets. The Temu dashboard gives you two specific tools to drive sales. These tools include custom tracking links and exclusive discount codes.
Generating Your Links and Codes
Log into your affiliate portal. You can generate a general link that sends people to the Temu homepage. The system also lets you create specific links that point directly to individual products. Direct product links usually convert much better.
Temu will also assign you a custom discount code. This code typically offers a large percentage off for new users. You must share this code right next to your tracking link in your content. The code gives your audience a strong reason to click and buy immediately.
Testing on a Mobile Device
You must verify that your links actually work before you publish them. A broken link means you lose money. Do not just test your links on a desktop computer. Temu pays a specific bonus for app downloads. Testing on a smartphone ensures your links trigger the app store correctly.
Send the link to your own phone. Click the text and watch where it takes you. Confirm that the page opens the app store or the Temu app smoothly. Shoppers need a seamless experience to convert.
You should also add an item to your cart and type in your custom discount code. Verify that the checkout system accepts the code and lowers the price. Testing takes only two minutes. It protects your traffic from going to waste.
How to promote Temu successfully: a simple step-by-step plan
Affiliate results come from audience match, clear positioning, and consistent testing. The steps below focus on what you can control, not guaranteed outcomes.
Step 1: Choose one audience segment
Start with a specific group you already reach or understand. “Everyone who likes deals” is too broad. A tighter segment makes messaging easier and improves relevance.
Examples of clearer segments include budget home essentials shoppers, back-to-school parents, or gadget deal hunters.
Step 2: Pick one promotion angle
Decide why your audience should care. One strong angle beats five weak ones.
Common angles include price comparison, seasonal savings, bundle value, or problem-solving products such as storage, kitchen tools, or phone accessories.
Step 3: Build one focused landing experience
Send people to the most relevant destination you can. That might be a specific product list, a category page, or a curated “top picks” page on your own site that then links out.
The goal is to reduce choice overload. Fewer options, clearer path.
Step 4: Create one piece of content designed to convert
Choose a format that fits your channel:
- Short-form video: show three items, one use case each, one call to action
- Blog post: “best budget finds for X,” with clear sections and honest trade-offs
- Social post: one offer, one reason, one link
Avoid vague claims. Be specific about what the product is and who it is for.
Step 5: Use tracking like a checklist
Track at least these basics:
- Which link you used
- Which page or post it was placed in
- Traffic source (TikTok, Pinterest, blog, email)
- Clicks and conversions
Without this, you cannot learn what is working.
Step 6: Optimize one variable at a time
Make small, testable changes:
- Headline or hook
- Product selection
- Call-to-action wording
- Link placement
Change one element, then measure. This prevents guessing.
Step 7: Protect trust while you scale
Long-term performance comes from credibility. Disclose affiliate relationships clearly. Avoid exaggerated promises. If an item is low quality or misleading, do not promote it.
When your audience trusts you, clicks become repeatable.
Common Mistakes and Account Bans (What to Avoid)
Temu actively monitors its affiliates and will permanently suspend accounts that violate their terms of service. To protect your payouts, you must avoid these common operational mistakes.
1. Spamming Comment Sections
Many beginners try to get easy clicks by pasting their referral codes into the comment sections of viral YouTube videos or TikToks. Temu’s fraud department flags this as “unethical dissemination.” If their system catches you spamming your code in meaningless comments, your account will be suspended and your commissions will be forfeited.
2. Bidding on Branded Keywords (PPC)
If you are a media buyer running paid search ads (like Google Ads), you must read the fine print. Temu generally prohibits affiliates from bidding on their branded keywords, such as “Temu coupons” or “Temu discounts.” You cannot buy your way to the top of Google using their trademark.
3. Ignoring FTC Disclosures
Because Temu products are often promoted heavily on social media, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires clear disclosures. You cannot hide your affiliate relationship. You must clearly state that you earn a commission, or use tags like #ad or #affiliate before the user clicks the link. Failing to do this violates both federal guidelines and Temu’s terms.
4. The “One-and-Done” Strategy
The biggest strategic mistake you can make is treating Temu like a high-ticket affiliate program. Dropping your link in a single blog post or sending one email will not generate meaningful income. Because the average commission is under $2.00, you cannot rely on occasional clicks. You must build a consistent, daily traffic engine such as a dedicated daily deals newsletter or a high-volume TikTok channel to make the math work.
Conclusion: The Math Behind the Model
The Temu affiliate program operates as a high-volume customer acquisition engine. The financial math is very clear. You earn money primarily by driving new users to download the app and make their first purchase.
The 30-day cookie window and tiered commission structure offer strong incentives for publishers. However, the low average order value means you must generate significant traffic to see substantial returns. You cannot rely on repeat buyers to build a passive income stream.
Success requires a consistent flow of new audience members who value deep discounts. If your platform can sustain that volume, the program provides a straightforward operational model to monetize your traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Temu affiliate program pay?
Temu uses a hybrid model. You typically earn a $5 cash bonus for every new app download. You also earn a tiered commission on purchases. The rate is 5% for orders under $50, 10% for orders up to $100, and 20% for orders over $100.
How long does the tracking last?
Temu offers a 30-day cookie window. If a user clicks your link and buys anything within the next 30 days, you receive the commission.
Do I earn commissions on existing customers?
Generally, no. Temu prioritizes customer acquisition. You only earn the full commission rate when a brand new user makes their first purchase. Returning customers usually generate zero commission.
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