When Did Affiliate Marketing Start? A Look at Its History

Affiliate marketing has become one of the most popular ways to earn money online, allowing businesses to expand their reach while rewarding promoters for driving sales. But when did affiliate marketing actually begin?

The Birth of Affiliate Marketing (1994-1996)

The concept of affiliate marketing dates back to 1994, when William J. Tobin, the founder of PC Flowers & Gifts, created a performance-based referral program. However, the modern affiliate marketing model is widely credited to Amazon.

In 1996, Amazon launched the Amazon Associates Program, the first large-scale affiliate program. The idea was simple: website owners could place links to Amazon products on their sites and earn a commission for every sale generated through their referral. This innovative approach laid the foundation for the affiliate marketing industry we know today.

The Dot-Com Boom and Growth (Late 1990s – Early 2000s)

During the dot-com boom, many companies recognized the potential of affiliate marketing. Businesses like eBay, CDNow, and PayPal launched their own affiliate programs, fueling rapid growth.

Affiliate networks such as Commission Junction (now CJ Affiliate), LinkShare (now Rakuten Advertising), and ClickBank emerged, acting as intermediaries between advertisers (merchants) and publishers (affiliates). These platforms made it easier for affiliates to find programs and for businesses to track performance.

The Rise of SEO and Content-Based Affiliate Marketing (Mid-2000s – 2010s)

With the growth of Google and search engine optimization (SEO), affiliates began creating content-driven websites, blogs, and review platforms to attract organic traffic. This shift led to more sophisticated strategies, including:

• Niche blogging – Affiliates focused on specific topics (e.g., tech, fitness, finance).
• Comparison sites – Websites comparing products to help consumers make decisions.
• Coupon and deal sites – Platforms offering discounts to drive conversions.

The Social Media and Influencer Era (2010s – Present)

The rise of social media platforms (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest) transformed affiliate marketing again. Influencers and content creators began promoting products through:

• Sponsored posts – Sharing affiliate links in social media bios and posts.
• Video reviews – YouTube creators earning commissions through product reviews.
• Email marketing – Building subscriber lists to promote affiliate offers.

Platforms like Shopify, Shopify Collabs, and Amazon Influencer Program further streamlined affiliate promotions, making it accessible to even small businesses and individual creators.

The Future of Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing continues to evolve with trends like:

• AI-driven recommendations – Personalized affiliate links based on user behavior.
• Blockchain and crypto-affiliate programs – Decentralized referral systems.
• Voice search and smart devices – Optimizing for voice-activated shopping.

Affiliate marketing officially began in 1994-1996, with Amazon playing a pivotal role in its mainstream adoption. Over the past three decades, it has grown from simple referral programs to a multi-billion-dollar industry powered by content creators, influencers, and advanced tracking technologies. As digital commerce expands, affiliate marketing will remain a key strategy for businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide.