About AliExpress
AliExpress is a global online retail service based in China, owned by the Alibaba Group. Launched in 2010, it operates as a marketplace where small businesses (primarily from China) sell products directly to international online buyers.
It is famous for offering an enormous variety of products—over 100 million items ranging from electronics and fashion to home and garden—at incredibly low, factory-direct prices. It is particularly popular for dropshipping businesses and bargain hunters worldwide.
AliExpress Affiliate Program Overview
| Feature | Details |
| Industry | E-commerce / Global Retail Marketplace |
| Product Type | General Merchandise (Electronics, Fashion, Home, Toys, Beauty, etc.) |
| Affiliate Program Type | CPS (Cost Per Sale) / CPA (Cost Per Action) |
AliExpress Affiliate Program Offers
| Feature | Details |
| Promotional Materials | Banners, Text Links, Deep Links, Product Feeds (API/XML), Dynamic Ads. |
| Affiliate Cookie Duration | 3 Days (Note: Some networks or sessions may vary, but 3 days is the standard tracking window). |
| Accepted Traffic Source | Content Sites, Social Media (TikTok, YouTube, IG), Influencers, Blogs, Price Comparison, Cashback/Coupons (subject to approval). |
| Accepted Countries | Global (Promotable in 190+ countries/regions). |
| Explicit Content | Prohibited (Strictly bans adult, violent, or offensive content). |
| Religious or Political Content | Restricted (AliExpress generally prohibits content that is hateful, discriminatory, or politically sensitive/controversial). |
AliExpress Affiliate Commissions & Payments
| Feature | Details |
| MLM | No (Single-tier affiliate program). |
| Commission Rate | 3% – 9% on average (Rates vary by category).<br>Note: “Hot Products” or New User referrals can sometimes earn higher bonuses. |
| Commission Structure | Category-based percentage. Incentives available for driving new buyer traffic. |
| Payout Frequency | Monthly (Processed on/around the 20th of the month, usually after a 60-day locking/validation period). |
| Payout Methods | International Bank Transfer (Wire).<br>Note: Networks like Awin or CJ may offer PayPal or Direct Deposit. |
| Minimum Payout | $16 (For the direct AliExpress Portals program). |
Suitable Affiliates for AliExpress Affiliate
This program is best suited for content creators who target budget-conscious audiences or specific niches (like tech gadgets, DIY, or fast fashion).
- Bloggers: Review sites, “Best of” lists, and niche hobby blogs (e.g., 3D printing, fishing).
- TikTokers: Creators doing “AliExpress Hauls,” “Must-Haves,” or gadget showcases.
- KOC (Key Opinion Consumers): Everyday users reviewing products honestly for peers.
- KOL (Key Opinion Leaders): Industry experts recommending specific tools or parts found cheaply on AliExpress.
- Influencers: Instagram and Pinterest users focusing on low-cost fashion and home decor.
- YouTubers: Unboxing channels, tech review channels, and “Cheap vs. Expensive” comparison videos.
- Video Editors: Compilation channels showing cool gadgets or life hacks.
- Livestreamers: Hosts who demonstrate products live (very popular in the AliExpress ecosystem).
AliExpress Affiliate Software
Hybrid Model:
- In-House: They use their own proprietary platform called AliExpress Portals for direct affiliate management.
- Networks: They are also available on major third-party affiliate networks such as Awin, CJ Affiliate, Admitad, and FlexOffers.
3 Alternatives for AliExpress Affiliate Program
Below is a comparison of AliExpress with three major competitors: Amazon Associates, Temu, and Banggood.
| Comparison Factors | AliExpress | Amazon Associates | Temu Affiliate | Banggood Affiliate |
| Average Bill (AOV) | Low (~$35 – $40) | Medium/High ($50+) | Low (~$25 – $30) | Medium (~$50) |
| Entry Fees | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Withdrawal Threshold | $16 (Direct) | $10 | $20 – $50 (Varies) | No Minimum / Low |
| Payment Frequency | Monthly (Net-60) | Monthly (Net-60) | Monthly | Monthly / On Request |
| Commission | 3% – 9% | 1% – 10% | 5% – 20% | 4% – 12%+ |
| Conversion Rate | Low/Med (~2-4%) | High (~10%+) | High (Viral/App focus) | Medium |
| Marketing Materials | Banners, API, Deep Links | SiteStripe, Native Ads | App Download Links, Codes | Banners, Coupons, API |
