My Honest Amazon Influencer Program Journey: From Romania to Earning Commissions on Amazon
For years, I was fascinated by the idea of passive income.
Like many people, I spent countless hours scrolling through social media, watching creators claim they were making easy money through websites, apps, affiliate programs, and various online opportunities. Every day there seemed to be a new "guru" promising financial freedom, passive income, and a lifestyle most people could only dream of.
The problem?
Not everyone is honest.
Some creators genuinely want to help. Others are paid to promote products, services, or programs they may not even use themselves. Some earn more from selling courses and mentorships than from the actual income stream they're teaching.
As a beginner, it can be difficult to tell the difference.
I learned that lesson the hard way.
Over the years, I tried several online income opportunities. Some sounded promising. Most failed. I invested time, energy, and hope into projects that never delivered the results I expected.
By 2024, I was still searching for something legitimate.
Then, in September 2024, I discovered the Amazon Influencer Program.
Little did I know that this decision would completely change my perspective on online income.
How I Discovered the Amazon Influencer Program
While researching side hustles on TikTok, I came across creators talking about the Amazon Influencer Program (AIP).
At first, I thought: "Wait a minute... people are earning commissions by recommending products on Amazon?"
As someone who had been shopping on Amazon for years, the concept immediately caught my attention.
I began researching everything I could find.
Was Romania eligible?
Could someone outside the United States actually participate?
Was it legitimate?
After finding the answers I needed, I decided to apply.
To keep things organized, I created a separate Amazon account specifically for my creator activities. I applied for both the Amazon Associates Program and the Amazon Influencer Program.
For the influencer application, I used my TikTok account.
To my surprise, I passed the social media verification process.
Soon after, I received access to my Amazon Storefront.
I was excited...
And completely confused.
I remember staring at my storefront wondering: "Okay... now what?"
Nobody talks about that part.
Many creators show the results, but very few explain what happens immediately after approval.
My First Steps as an Amazon Influencer
After more research, I learned that I needed to submit my first three shoppable videos for onsite commission approval.
This happened during the last week of September 2024.
A week later, I received the approval notification.
I was thrilled.
But once again, a new question appeared: "What happens now?"
How do I earn money?
What should I upload?
How many videos should I create?
What products should I review?
Which settings matter?
The learning curve felt overwhelming.
I spent hours researching, testing, and figuring things out on my own.
There were moments when the journey felt lonely and frustrating.
I started reviewing products I personally owned, creating videos, organizing my storefront, building idea lists, and learning everything I could about the platform.
Slowly, something amazing happened.
I started seeing commissions appear.
My First Amazon Influencer Earnings
My first month wasn't glamorous.
In October 2024, I earned : $6.74
I couldn't even receive a payout because Amazon requires a minimum balance of $10.
Honestly?
I felt disappointed.
But I didn't quit.
The following month, things improved.
In November 2024, I earned: $19.50
In December 2024, I earned: $25.50
As the months went on, I continued learning, experimenting, and growing my storefront. While I prefer to keep my current earnings private, those first few months taught me an important lesson: consistency matters more than chasing quick results.
The actual numbers weren't what mattered most.
What mattered was seeing progress.
Seeing that someone from Romania could earn through the Amazon Influencer Program.
Seeing that my effort was leading somewhere.
That's when I decided to publicly document my journey and become living proof that success in the Amazon Influencer Program is possible, even if you don't live in the United States.
Want to know how my Amazon Influencer journey first started? You can read my earlier article : How I Became an Amazon Influencer: The Story Behind the Scenes
What Is the Amazon Influencer Program?
The Amazon Influencer Program is an extension of Amazon Associates designed specifically for content creators.
Accepted influencers receive a personalized Amazon Storefront where they can recommend products and create shoppable content.
One of the biggest advantages is the opportunity to earn onsite commissions through product videos displayed directly on Amazon product pages.
Instead of relying entirely on external traffic, your content can be shown to shoppers who are already browsing Amazon.
Amazon Influencer Program vs Amazon Associates
Many beginners confuse these two programs.
Although they are now more closely connected than before, they serve different purposes.
Amazon Associates
The Amazon Associates Program is Amazon's affiliate marketing program.
Participants earn commissions when someone clicks their referral link and purchases a qualifying product within the attribution window.
This option is ideal for:
Bloggers
Website owners
Pinterest creators
Email marketers
Content creators with traffic sources
Amazon Influencer Program
The Amazon Influencer Program focuses more heavily on content creation.
Influencers can:
Build a storefront
Upload shoppable videos
Create product collections
Create idea lists
Earn onsite commissions
Participate in Creator Connections campaigns
You can join one program or both.
Personally, I recommend understanding both because they can work together.
If you're interested in learning how I transitioned from Amazon KDP to affiliate marketing and eventually expanded into the Amazon Influencer Program, check out my article Amazon Affiliate Marketing: My Journey from KDP to Earning with Amazon.
Who Should Join the Amazon Influencer Program?
In my opinion, this opportunity is best suited for adults who already have a stable source of income and are looking to build an additional income stream over time.
The reason is simple:
The Amazon Influencer Program requires patience.
Results are rarely instant.
This isn't a get-rich-quick scheme.
It's a long-term business model that rewards consistency.
If you're currently unemployed and need immediate income, the program may not provide the fast results you're hoping for.
The Reality of Being an Amazon Influencer
If I had to describe life as an Amazon Influencer using just a few words, they would be:
Fun. Stressful. Exciting. Unpredictable.
The fun part is discovering new skills you never knew you had.
You learn:
Video creation
Product presentation
Content strategy
Marketing
Consumer psychology
The stressful part is dealing with constant changes.
Amazon regularly updates policies, requirements, and guidelines.
What worked six months ago may no longer work today.
This is why staying informed is extremely important.
The Biggest Mistakes New Influencers Make
If someone asked me: "Carmen, what's the most common mistake people make when submitting their first three videos?"
I would probably laugh before answering: The barcode.
So many creators overlook it.
Another common mistake is using copyrighted music.
Many beginners edit videos in TikTok or other apps, add music, overlays, and effects, then upload those same videos for Amazon review.
Unfortunately, that can lead to rejection.
Other common mistakes include:
Visible barcodes
Watermarks
Platform logos
Copyrighted music
Poor video quality
Violating Amazon's content policies
Many people don't realize they only have 3 tries to pass the initial onsite review process.
If you've been rejected or are worried about making mistakes during the approval process, I highly recommend reading From Rejected to Resourceful: My Amazon Influencer Journey + 2025 Guide Reveal, where I discuss common challenges, lessons learned, and practical tips for navigating the Amazon Influencer Program.
That's why understanding Amazon's rules before uploading is essential.
If you'd like to learn more about Amazon's video guidelines, check out my YouTube video : Why Your Amazon Shoppable Videos Get Rejected
Feel free to subscribe if you enjoy educational content about the Amazon Influencer Program.
What Is a Shoppable Video?
An Amazon Shoppable Video is a short product-focused video created by approved influencers.
These videos can include:
Product reviews
Unboxings
Demonstrations
Tutorials
The biggest advantage?
Your content can appear directly where customers are already shopping.
Unlike traditional affiliate marketing, you don't always need to bring traffic from external platforms.
Amazon can place your videos directly on product pages and other shopping surfaces.
What Happens After Onsite Approval?
Once your first three videos are approved, you'll receive the famous confetti notification inside Creator Hub.
That moment feels incredible.
However, approval is only the beginning.
After that, your focus should be on:
Uploading additional videos
Creating collages
Building idea lists
Growing your storefront
Testing different content styles
Increasing product coverage
The more experience you gain, the more opportunities become available.
One of those opportunities is Creator Connections.
Amazon Creator Connections
Amazon Creator Connections is a marketplace that connects creators with brands selling products on Amazon.
Through these campaigns, brands can offer additional commission incentives on top of your regular Amazon earnings.
This means a single sale can potentially generate significantly higher commissions than normal.
However, not every campaign will succeed.
As with everything else in the Amazon Influencer Program, learning and testing remain essential.
Is Amazon Influencer Program Worth It?
My answer is yes.
But probably not for the reasons most people think.
It's worth it because it allows ordinary people to build something over time.
It's worth it because every video you publish becomes another asset working for you.
It's worth it because you can recommend products you genuinely use and trust.
Most importantly, it's worth it because your success is largely determined by your willingness to learn, adapt, and stay consistent.
What I do not recommend is following influencers who promise overnight success.
Many newcomers quit within the first few months because their results don't match the unrealistic expectations sold by online gurus.
The truth is much less glamorous.
Success requires:
Patience
Consistency
Learning
Experimentation
Persistence
There will be months when you earn more.
There will be months when you earn less.
That is normal.
Every Amazon Influencer's journey is different.
My Experience as a Creator Living in Romania
One thing I want readers to understand is that I don't live in the United States.
Being outside the U.S. creates additional challenges.
Shipping takes time , taxes and custom fees are involved .
Some opportunities are limited.
Many brands refuse to send products internationally.
Unfortunately, I have experienced this myself.
Despite earning commissions and creating quality content, some sellers choose not to collaborate simply because I live in Romania.
While that can be frustrating, it hasn't stopped me from continuing to grow.
If anything, it motivates me even more.
If you're an American creator considering the program, you have access to advantages that many international creators don't.
That doesn't mean international creators can't succeed.
I'm proof that they can.
Continue Exploring My Amazon Journey
If you're interested in learning more about my experience with Amazon programs, you may also enjoy these articles:
• How I Became an Amazon Influencer: The Story Behind the Scenes
• Amazon Affiliate Marketing: My Journey from KDP to Earning with Amazon
• From Rejected to Resourceful: My Amazon Influencer Journey + 2025 Guide Reveal
Products I Personally Use and Recommend
Throughout my Amazon Influencer journey, I have purchased, tested, and reviewed many products.
The recommendations below are products I personally own, use, and genuinely enjoy.
I don't recommend products simply to earn commissions.
If I share something with my audience, it's because I believe it provides value.
Feel free to browse the products below and see if any of them might be useful for you.
Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale for Precise Food Measuring
A reliable digital kitchen scale designed to make cooking, baking, and meal prep easier. Featuring a clear LCD display, multiple measurement units, and a convenient tare function, it helps ensure accurate portions and ingredient measurements while maintaining a sleek, space-saving design.
Aovdy Olive Oil Sprayer & Dispenser for Healthy Cooking
A practical 2-in-1 olive oil sprayer and dispenser designed for everyday cooking. The large 470ml capacity, fine mist spray, and easy-pour function make it perfect for air fryers, salads, grilling, baking, and meal preparation while helping control oil usage and reduce waste in the kitchen.
2-Tier Foldable Dish Drying Rack with Drainboard System
A space-saving 2-tier dish drying rack designed to keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free. With a foldable structure, rust-resistant metal frame, and efficient drainboard system, it provides a practical and modern solution for drying dishes, utensils, cups, and cutting boards while keeping countertops clean.
Beginner-Friendly Sushi Making Kit with Roller and Bazooka
Create fresh homemade sushi with this easy-to-use sushi making kit. Designed for beginners, it includes a bamboo rolling mat, sushi bazooka, and oil brush to help you make restaurant-style sushi rolls at home while saving money and enjoying a fun cooking activity with family.
Sooyee 4-Tier Rolling Storage Cart for Kitchen and Bathroom
A versatile 4-tier rolling storage cart designed to maximize space and organization in any room. With adjustable shelves, smooth 360° wheels, and a durable lightweight frame, it’s perfect for storing kitchen essentials, bathroom supplies, cleaning products, and everyday household items in tight spaces.
Amazon Basics Cat Window Perch for Sunbathing and Relaxation
A cozy and space-saving cat window perch that lets your pet enjoy sunbathing and outdoor views from the comfort of home. Featuring strong suction cups for secure attachment and a foldable design for easy storage, it creates a relaxing elevated spot cats naturally love.
Women's Varsity Jacket Tracksuit 2-Piece Streetwear Set
A stylish 2-piece varsity tracksuit set for women featuring a cropped letterman jacket and matching pants. Made from soft, breathable fabric with slight stretch, it offers all-day comfort and a flattering fit. Perfect for casual wear, street style outfits, workouts, or seasonal everyday fashion.
Ergonomic Memory Foam Seat Cushion with Lumbar Support
A premium ergonomic seat cushion designed to improve comfort during long hours of sitting. Made with high-density memory foam and an L-shaped design, it supports the lower back, hips, and spine while reducing pressure points. Ideal for office chairs, car seats, and daily use, it enhances posture and sitting comfort.
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