This article was last updated on:
Key Takeaways
- The Taobao Affiliate Program allows you to earn commissions by promoting products from one of China’s largest e-commerce platforms.
- You can monetise your audience by sharing tracking links for affordable and trending products across content, social media, and deal platforms.
- To get started, log in to your dashboard, search for Taobao in the Advertiser Directory, apply, and click “Promote” to generate your tracking link.
- The program offers strong earning potential due to Taobao’s wide product selection, competitive pricing, and high demand for unique items.
- It is best suited for bloggers, social media creators, and deal-sharing communities targeting bargain hunters and trend-driven shoppers.
What Is the Taobao Affiliate Program?
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 collectables.
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.
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.
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.
It’s passive income at its finest – once you set up your content, you earn as long as people keep shopping.
Why Use Involve Asia to Promote Taobao?
Localised 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?
If you create content online, whether it’s blog posts, Instagram Reels, TikToks, or even Telegram group chats, you can monetise it with Taobao links. It works whether you have a niche audience (like budget fashion or pet lovers) or a general lifestyle following.
- Bloggers creating content like blog posts and reviews
- Social creators on Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms
- Group admins managing Telegram or community chats
- Creators with niche audiences (e.g. fashion, pets, tech)
- Anyone with a general lifestyle audience looking to monetise content
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.
Read: Where Can You Share Your Affiliate Links?
What are the Best-Selling Categories on Taobao?
| Category | Popular Products | Why It Sells | Best Audience | Content Ideas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion & Accessories | Korean fashion, jewellery, socks, belts, shoes | Trendy, affordable, and highly shareable | Students, fashion creators, lifestyle influencers | Outfit ideas, try-ons, “under RM50” hauls |
| Home & Living | Organisers, LED lights, cleaning tools, kitchen gadgets | Practical items with strong visual appeal | Homeowners, moms, home decor enthusiasts | Before/after, home hacks, cleaning tips |
| Viral Finds (Under RM10) | Phone stands, scrunchies, stationery, mini gadgets | Cheap, impulse buys, high viral potential | Gen Z, deal hunters, social media audiences | “TikTok made me buy it”, cheap finds, daily deals |
How Can You Increase Your Taobao 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.
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.
About the Author
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.
Is our blog helpful to you? Take a quick 1-minute survey
