If you’re working with affiliates who are new to the process, this guide will help you clearly explain how Shopify Collabs works, how they get paid, and what to expect.
📝 What is Shopify Collabs?
Shopify Collabs is the platform we use to manage our affiliate program. It’s completely free for creators to use and allows them to earn money by sharing a custom link to our products. For more information check out the Shopify Collabs Guidelines.
🔄 How It Works (Step-by-Step)
Apply to the Program
Affiliates will apply using your link and their Instagram account. This is required by Shopify for identity verification.
📌 No Instagram = no application approval.
Get a Custom Affiliate Link
Once approved, they’ll receive a unique referral link they can use to promote your products.
Share the Link
They can post the link in stories, bios, captions, blog posts, emails—anywhere they engage with others.
Earn Commission
Anytime someone clicks their link and makes a purchase, they’ll earn a commission (you set the percentage in your backend).
Track Performance
They can log in to their Collabs dashboard to see how many clicks, orders, and commissions they’ve earned.
💵 How Affiliates Get Paid
They’ll set up a PayPal account or bank account for payouts after they’re approved.
Shopify Collabs handles the payout process.
Payments are typically made monthly or bi-weekly, depending on your settings and holding periods.
⚠️ Key Requirement: Instagram is Mandatory
To join through Shopify Collabs, your affiliate must have an Instagram account. Shopify uses this to review applications and check for engagement. Even if someone doesn’t have a large following, they can still be approved if their account is authentic and active.
💬 Script Affiliates Can Use to Explain It to Others
Here’s an easy message your affiliates can send if someone ask for more details about how it works:
We run our affiliate program through Shopify Collabs. Once you’re approved, you’ll get your own custom link to share, and every time someone orders through your link, you’ll earn a XX% commission. It’s completely free to join, but you do need an Instagram account to apply since that’s how Shopify verifies creators. Once you’re in, you can track your clicks, sales, and payouts in your dashboard, and you’ll get paid through PayPal or direct deposit. Let me know if you'd like the link to apply!”