Let’s be honest—teens today aren’t just scrolling social media or playing video games. Many are looking for smart ways to earn money online, and affiliate marketing often pops up as one of the top methods. But here’s the catch: what if you’re not 18 yet?
Can you legally become an affiliate marketer if you’re under 18? What rules and limitations are involved? And most importantly, how can you actually get started if you’re determined to build a passive income stream early in life?
Whether you’re 13, 15, or just a few months shy of your 18th birthday, this guide will break it all down. We’ll walk you through what affiliate marketing is, how minors can legally participate, the platforms that allow it (and those that don’t), creative workarounds, plus some tips to set you up for success even before you’re officially an adult.
By the end of this article, you’ll know not only whether you can do affiliate marketing under 18, but how to do it the smart and legal way.
What Is Affiliate Marketing and How Does It Work?
Before diving into age limits, let’s clear up exactly what affiliate marketing is. At its core, affiliate marketing is a performance-based business model where you promote other people’s products and earn a commission for each sale or action taken through your unique affiliate link.
Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works:
| Step | Action |
| 1 | You sign up for an affiliate program (like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or ClickBank) |
| 2 | You get a unique link to a product or service |
| 3 | You share that link through content like blogs, YouTube videos, TikToks, or social media posts |
| 4 | Someone clicks your link and makes a purchase |
| 5 | You earn a commission (usually a percentage of the sale) |
It sounds simple—and it can be. But affiliate marketing is more about building trust, choosing the right niche, and consistently creating helpful content that solves problems for your audience. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, but a real business model that teens can start learning early on.
Can You Legally Do Affiliate Marketing Under 18?
Now, let’s address the big question.
Most affiliate programs and networks officially require you to be 18 years old to join. Why? Because of legal contracts. When you sign up for an affiliate program, you’re entering into a legal agreement with the company. Since minors can’t enter legally binding contracts in many places, companies use 18 as the minimum age requirement to protect themselves.
But don’t worry—it’s not the end of the road. There are workarounds.
Here are some ways teens under 18 can still get involved in affiliate marketing:
| Method | Description |
| Parental Involvement | Get a parent or legal guardian to sign up on your behalf. The account is under their name, but you do the marketing work. They can transfer earnings to you. |
| Use Platforms with Flexible Terms | Some programs (especially smaller ones) don’t have strict age limits or may allow sign-ups with guardian consent. |
| Promote Products Through Content Without Signing Up (Initially) | Start building content around products, and have an adult apply for affiliate programs when the time is right. Focus first on growing an audience. |
| Use Platforms That Pay Creators Without Affiliate Links | YouTube, TikTok, and Medium can offer monetization through other means (like creator funds or tips) that you can combine with affiliate marketing later. |
| Wait and Build Skills | Even if you can’t legally earn affiliate income yet, there’s no reason you can’t build skills, content, and a following now so you’re ready to monetize at 18. |
It’s also a good idea to check the specific affiliate program’s terms and conditions. Some programs may allow under-18s with written consent or have alternate sign-up paths.
Best Affiliate Programs for Teens (with Notes on Age Requirements)
Here’s a look at some popular affiliate programs, how they work, and whether they’re teen-friendly.
| Affiliate Program | Minimum Age | Teen-Friendly? | Notes |
| Amazon Associates | 18 | Yes, with parent | Requires 18+, but you can use a parent’s account |
| ClickBank | 18 | Yes, with workaround | Strict 18+ rule, but a parent can sign up |
| ShareASale | 18 | Yes, with parent | Business-focused, good for blogs |
| CJ Affiliate (Commission Junction) | 18 | Limited | Strong age enforcement |
| Digistore24 | No age listed | Possibly | May allow teens with parent/guardian |
| Redbubble or Teespring (Print-on-demand with affiliate-style links) | 16-18 | Yes | Good starting point for teens with designs or a following |
| YouTube Affiliate Marketing | 13+ for YouTube | Yes | You need parental consent for monetization under 18 |
| Medium Partner Program | 18 | No | Best to wait until you’re of age |
While some major networks require you to be 18, there’s no rule that says you can’t start building your brand, website, and content beforehand.
How to Start Affiliate Marketing as a Teen (Step-by-Step)
Here’s a list of steps to get going with affiliate marketing—even if you’re not 18 yet:
- Pick a Niche You Actually Care About
Choose a topic you can talk about for months—whether it’s gaming, tech gadgets, fashion, wellness, or even pet care. It’s easier to grow an audience when you love what you’re creating.
- Start a Platform
You don’t need a full website right away. Start with:
- A YouTube channel
- A TikTok account
- An Instagram page
- A free blog using Medium or Blogger
- Create Helpful, Honest Content
Post content that solves problems, reviews products, or gives people useful advice. Think tutorials, how-tos, product comparisons, and behind-the-scenes.
- Build an Audience
Be consistent. Even one follower a day adds up. Engage with your audience, ask questions, and provide value.
- Ask a Parent or Guardian to Help with Signup
When you’re ready to join an affiliate program, ask a trusted adult to register in their name. They’ll need to handle tax info and payments until you’re legally old enough.
- Track Performance and Optimize
Once you start sharing links, keep track of clicks, conversions, and what content performs best. Improve over time.
- Reinvest or Save Your Earnings
Use your money wisely. Reinvest in better equipment, pay for a custom domain, or stash some cash away for future goals.
FAQs
Can I legally make money online under 18?
Yes, but there are restrictions. You typically need parental consent, and many platforms require your parent or guardian to manage the account until you’re of age.
Do I need a website to start affiliate marketing?
No. While having a website helps long term, you can start with free platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram and still make money through affiliate links.
Can I get in trouble for doing affiliate marketing underage?
Not if you’re honest and follow the rules. The biggest issue is signing legal contracts. Use a parent or guardian to help you comply with platform requirements.
Which is the easiest platform for teens to start affiliate marketing on?
YouTube and TikTok are great because they let you build an audience for free, and you can naturally include affiliate links in video descriptions or bios.
How much can I make as a teen doing affiliate marketing?
That depends on your traffic and content. Some teens make a few dollars a week; others scale to hundreds or more. It all comes down to strategy and consistency.
Conclusion
So, can you do affiliate marketing under 18? The short answer is: yes—but with some help. The long answer is that while most affiliate programs have age restrictions due to legal concerns, there are plenty of creative ways for motivated teens to get involved.
With the help of a parent or guardian, a solid content strategy, and a bit of patience, you can build real income streams before you even hit adulthood. Focus on learning the ropes, building a community, and offering value—because that’s what affiliate marketing is all about.
By the time you turn 18, you won’t be just starting out—you’ll already have momentum.
Ready to begin your affiliate marketing journey? Pick a niche, start creating content, and bring a trusted adult onboard. The earlier you start, the more time you have to learn, grow, and earn.