How to Get Product Videos for Affiliate Marketing Dec 2023

Affiliate marketing is a powerful way to earn passive income by promoting products or services and earning commissions for successful referrals. While written content and images are essential for affiliate marketing, product videos can take your promotional efforts to the next level. Videos engage audiences, convey information effectively, and build trust.

1. Leverage Manufacturer Product Videos for Affiliate Marketing

Many manufacturers and brands create high-quality promotional videos for their products. These videos often showcase product features, benefits, and demonstrations. Here’s how to access and use them:

Official Websites: Visit the manufacturer’s or brand’s official website. They frequently host product videos in the “Media” or “Resources” section. These videos are usually available for public use.

YouTube: Search for the manufacturer or brand on YouTube. Many companies upload promotional videos to their official channels. You can embed these videos in your affiliate marketing content.

Contact the Brand: Reach out to the manufacturer or brand and inquire about their video usage policy. Some companies may grant permission for affiliates to use their videos with proper attribution.

2. Create Your Own Product Reviews

Creating your own product review videos can be highly effective in affiliate marketing. Your audience values your insights and experiences. Here’s how to get started:

Invest in Equipment: You don’t need expensive equipment, but a good-quality camera and microphone can significantly improve video quality. Consider using your smartphone, a digital camera, or a webcam.

Write a Script: Plan your video by writing a script or an outline. Highlight key product features, benefits, and your personal experience. Be authentic and informative.

Record and Edit: Record your video, ensuring good lighting and clear audio. Use video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or free options like iMovie) to edit and enhance your video.

Add Affiliate Links: In the video description or as on-screen overlays, include affiliate links that direct viewers to the product or service you’re promoting.

Optimize for SEO: Just like written content, optimize your video title, description, and tags for relevant keywords to improve discoverability on platforms like YouTube.

3. Use Stock Footage

If you don’t have access to product videos or prefer not to create your own, you can use stock footage. Stock footage websites offer a vast library of video clips on various subjects, including products. Follow these steps:

Choose a Reputable Stock Footage Website: Platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Getty Images provide high-quality stock footage. Some even offer free resources like Pexels and Pixabay.

Search for Relevant Clips: Use the website’s search bar to find video clips related to the products you’re promoting. Specify keywords to narrow down your search.

Purchase or Download: Depending on the website, you can either purchase the video clips or download free ones. Be sure to review licensing terms and comply with usage guidelines.

Edit and Customize: Once you’ve downloaded the video clips, edit and customize them to fit your affiliate marketing content. Add text overlays, voiceovers, or commentary to make the video unique.

Add Affiliate Links: In the video description or as on-screen text, include your affiliate links to direct viewers to the products or services you’re promoting.

4. Collaborate with Influencers

Influencer marketing isn’t just for brands; affiliates can also collaborate with influencers to obtain product videos. Influencers often create high-quality, engaging content that can be used to promote affiliate products. Here’s how to collaborate:

Identify Relevant Influencers: Look for influencers in your niche or industry whose audience aligns with your target audience. Influencer platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok are great places to start.

Reach Out: Contact influencers through social media, email, or influencer platforms. Express your interest in collaboration and explain how it benefits both parties.

Negotiate Terms: Discuss the terms of collaboration, including compensation, video requirements, and usage rights. Some influencers may agree to create product videos in exchange for a commission on sales generated through your affiliate links.

Provide Affiliate Links: Ensure the influencer uses your affiliate links in the video description or as on-screen overlays to track conversions.

5. Hire Freelancers

If you lack the time or expertise to create videos, consider hiring freelancers to produce product videos for your affiliate marketing campaigns. Freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer offer access to a wide range of video creators. Follow these steps:

Post a Job: Create a job posting specifying your video requirements, including product details, style preferences, and budget.

Review Proposals: Freelancers will submit proposals for your project. Review their profiles, portfolios, and previous work to find a suitable candidate.

Communicate and Collaborate: Once you’ve selected a freelancer, communicate your expectations, provide product details, and collaborate throughout the video creation process.

Compensate Fairly: Pay the freelancer a fair fee for their services. Be clear about compensation terms, including any additional payments for revisions or edits.

Ensure Affiliate Link Inclusion: Confirm that the freelancer includes your affiliate links in the video description or as on-screen overlays.

6. Request Videos from Affiliate Programs

Some affiliate programs provide affiliates with marketing materials, including product videos. Here’s how to obtain videos through affiliate programs:

Join Affiliate Programs: Sign up for affiliate programs that offer marketing materials to affiliates. Look for programs that align with your niche and target audience.

Explore Marketing Materials: Log in to your affiliate dashboard and navigate to the marketing or promotional materials section. Browse available videos related to the products or services you’re promoting.

Download or Embed: Depending on the program, you may be able to download videos directly or obtain embed codes to add videos to your affiliate marketing content.

Comply with Guidelines: Ensure you comply with the affiliate program’s guidelines for video usage, including proper attribution and adherence to any usage restrictions.

7. User-Generated Content

Encourage users or customers to create and share their own product videos. This approach can build trust and authenticity in your affiliate marketing efforts. Follow these steps:

Run Contests or Campaigns: Create campaigns or contests encouraging customers to submit video reviews or demonstrations of the products they purchased through your affiliate links.

Offer Incentives: Provide incentives such as discounts, prizes, or recognition to motivate customers to create and share their videos.

Collect and Curate: Collect user-generated videos and curate them on your affiliate marketing platform or social media channels. Ensure proper attribution and permissions from contributors.

Engage with Your Audience: Interact with users who submit videos, thank them for their contributions, and engage with their content to foster a sense of community.

8. Invest in Video Creation Software

Consider investing in video creation software or tools that simplify the process of making product videos. Some popular options include:

Video Editors: Software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or user-friendly options like iMovie and Filmora can help you edit and customize existing video content.

Animation Tools: Tools like Powtoon and Vyond enable you to create animated explainer videos and product demonstrations.

Screen Recording Software: If you’re promoting software or digital products, screen recording software like Camtasia allows you to capture on-screen demonstrations.

Online Video Makers: Platforms like Promo, InVideo, and Wave.video offer templates and tools for creating professional-quality marketing videos.

9. YouTube and Video Sharing Platforms

Leverage YouTube and other video sharing platforms to find and embed product videos in your affiliate content. Follow these steps:

Search and Embed: Use YouTube’s search feature to find relevant product videos. Look for videos created by manufacturers, brands, or other affiliates.

Request Permission: Contact video creators and request permission to embed their videos in your affiliate marketing content. Be clear about how it benefits both parties.

Attribution: Always provide proper attribution to the video creators by mentioning their name, channel, and a link to their video.

10. Stay Compliant and Ethical

When using product videos in your affiliate marketing efforts, it’s essential to stay compliant and ethical. Follow these guidelines:

Disclose Affiliate Relationships: Clearly disclose your affiliate relationships to your audience whenever you promote products or services.

Respect Copyright: Always obtain permission or the necessary licenses to use videos created by others. Avoid using copyrighted content without proper authorization.

Attribute Content: Provide proper attribution when using videos created by other individuals or entities. This includes crediting the video creator and source.

Conclusion

Incorporating product videos into your affiliate marketing strategy can significantly boost your conversion rates and engagement. Whether you leverage manufacturer videos, create your own, collaborate with influencers, hire freelancers, or use stock footage, the key is to provide informative and engaging content that resonates with your audience. Always stay compliant and ethical in your affiliate marketing efforts, and remember that quality content can make a substantial difference in your affiliate marketing success.