How to Earn from China’s Biggest Marketplace: Taobao Affiliate Program on Involve Asia (Complete Guide)

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Taobao is China’s biggest online marketplace, owned by Alibaba Group. It’s like a massive shopping mall where you can find everything from RM2 socks to custom furniture and limited-edition collectibles.

For Southeast Asian shoppers, it’s the go-to place for cheap and trendy finds—especially when shopping via apps or agent platforms.

Why Audiences Love It (and Keep Coming Back)

Low prices, endless variety, and surprising product discoveries—Taobao’s appeal is real. People shop for everything: home decor, fashion dupes, pet items, kitchen tools, and “TikTok made me buy it” finds.

And since many already use shopping agents or services like Cainiao, the experience has gotten more accessible to non-Mandarin speakers too.

What Is the Taobao Affiliate Program?

How Affiliate Tracking Works

When you join as a Taobao affiliate via Involve Asia, you get a special trackable link. If someone clicks your link and buys on Taobao (within the cookie window), you earn a percentage of the sale as commission.

It’s passive income at its finest—once you set up your content, you earn as long as people keep shopping.

Commission Rates and Duration

Commission rates vary depending on product category. The cookie duration is usually around 15 days, which means you’ll get credited for purchases made within 15 days of clicking your link.

Why Use Involve Asia to Promote Taobao?

Localized Currency and Language Support

Unlike native Chinese affiliate platforms, Involve Asia provides full dashboard support in English, accepts publishers from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and beyond, and pays in local currencies—MYR, PHP, IDR, etc.

No more guessing what buttons to click!

Easy Link Management for Taobao Products

Just grab a Taobao product URL, paste it into Involve Asia’s Link Generator, and boom—you get a unique affiliate link instantly. You can also track performance per link, channel, and platform, all from one dashboard.

Access to Multiple Campaigns in One Place

Besides Taobao, you’ll unlock access to hundreds of other brands—Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, Aliexpress, and more. Managing campaigns across platforms becomes so much easier with everything in one place.

Who Should Join This Program?

Bloggers, Social Creators, Group Admins and More

If you create content online—whether it’s blog posts, Instagram Reels, TikToks, or even Telegram group chats—you can monetize it with Taobao links. It works whether you have a niche audience (like budget fashion or pet lovers) or a general lifestyle following.

Read: Taobao Commissionable Products

How to Get Started with Taobao on Involve Asia

Step-by-Step Sign Up & Application Process

Step 1: Visit Involve Asia and sign up as a Publisher.

Step 2: Fill in your profile details and add your content platform(s).

Step 3: Search for “Taobao” in the Marketplace section.

Step 4: Click “Apply” and wait for approval—this usually takes 1–2 working days.

Step 5: Once approved, use the Link Generator to start sharing affiliate links.

Where to Promote Taobao Affiliate Links

Facebook Marketplace & Group Sharing

Have a group for baby stuff, DIY decor, or budget-friendly shopping? Share your Taobao finds (with your affiliate link) and explain why it’s worth it. Use product images + your personal review for more engagement.

Instagram and TikTok Lifestyle Content

Unboxing videos, “before vs after” home makeovers, and budget outfit hauls do really well. Use CTAs like “Link in bio” or “DM me for the Taobao link.” You can also paste shortened links in comment sections or IG stories.

Blog Reviews and Unboxing Videos

Write articles like “Top 10 Taobao Decor Finds Under RM20” or “Where I Buy My K-style Outfits on a Budget.” Add clear CTAs and personal photos—Google loves original content, and readers trust honest opinions.

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Best-Selling Categories on Taobao

Fashion & Accessories

Trendy Korean-inspired fashion, minimalist jewelry, socks, belts, shoes—you name it. Perfect for fashion influencers and student audiences.

Home & Living Must-Haves

Aesthetic organizers, LED lights, cleaning tools, multifunction kitchen gadgets. Great for moms, homemakers, and home decor junkies.

Unique & Viral Finds Under RM10

Taobao has tons of “wow” products for super cheap—think phone stands, scrunchies, quirky stationery, or home hacks that get shared like wildfire.

Top Tips to Increase Your Affiliate Sales

Use Personal Reviews and Real-Life Photos

People trust people—not just pictures. Share your personal experience with a product. “I used this RM5 phone holder for a week, and here’s what happened…”

Explain How to Order from Taobao Easily

Make it beginner-friendly. Share tutorials, list reliable shopping agents, or explain how to use Taobao’s international version. The easier you make it, the more likely they’ll click your link and shop.

Offer Seasonal Gift or Deal Guides

Bundle products into themes like “Back to School Buys” or “Budget Valentine’s Gifts” and add your affiliate links to each one. People love curated lists.

Mistakes Affiliates Should Avoid

Not Setting Buyer Expectations on Shipping

Be honest—some Taobao items take longer due to customs or overseas warehousing. Always mention expected shipping times and agent fees (if any) to build trust.

Using Overly Generic Promotions

“Shop now!” isn’t enough. Be specific: “Here’s where I got my RM15 desk lamp with touch sensor—so worth it!” Tell people why you’re recommending it.

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Conclusion

The Taobao Affiliate Program on Involve Asia is your shortcut to turning viral products into passive income. You don’t need to hold stock, handle shipping, or even translate pages—just share the right links with the right people.

With a bit of consistency, a sprinkle of creativity, and a lot of Taobao love, this can be one of your most rewarding affiliate partnerships yet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I promote Taobao if I don’t speak Chinese?

You don’t need to speak Chinese to promote Taobao. Many users rely on auto-translation tools or translated product pages. If your audience is interested in Taobao deals, especially Malaysian or Southeast Asian shoppers, you can still drive traffic and earn commissions by curating top picks and sharing affiliate links in your local language.

Do I need a website to join?

A website isn’t required to join Involve Asia or promote Taobao. You can use social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, or even Telegram groups. As long as you can reach an engaged audience, you’re eligible to apply and start promoting.

How do I shorten my Taobao affiliate links?

Once approved, you can generate and shorten your Taobao affiliate links using Involve Asia’s built-in link generator. You can also use third-party tools like Bitly or set up your own custom domain to create clean, shareable links—great for platforms like TikTok or Instagram Stories.

Will I get paid in MYR or CNY?

You’ll get paid in your local currency, such as Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), if you’re based in Malaysia. Involve Asia handles the conversion and payouts via supported payment methods like bank transfer or PayPal, depending on your country.

How long does it take to get approved?

Approval typically takes up to 3 working days after you sign up as a publisher and apply for the Taobao Affiliate Program through Involve Asia. Make sure your profile and content meet the requirements for faster approval. You’ll be notified via email once approved.

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