This FAQ will help answer questions around the December 20, 2024 Amazon Associates Policy update.
What is happening?
Effective December 20, 2024, Amazon is updating its Associates Program Operating Agreement to prohibit creators from earning commissions on the same traffic through multiple programs, including adding Associates tags to Levanta links.
How does this impact me?
Levanta links will no longer support Amazon Associates tags. This means that Creators will need to choose whether to use links from Levanta OR Amazon Associates on a product-by-product basis. When a product is available on Levanta, we recommend using only Levanta links to maximize your earnings given Levanta’s significantly higher commission rates. For products not yet available on Levanta, you should continue using your Associates tag as usual.
Please carefully review the below information, based on how you generate Levanta links:
- If you’re using our mobile deeplinks (links that start with lvnta.com), no action is required, we’ll automatically remove any Associates tags after December 20th.
- If you’re using our expanded links (links that look like amazon.com/us/ASIN/parameters but are pulled from the dashboard), you will need to regenerate and repost your links by December 20th.
- If you’re using our API, links generated via API will no longer append Associates tags after December 20th. If you were previously appending Associates tags via API, please generate and post new links before December 20th.
- If you’re appending Associates tags outside of the Levanta dashboard or API, we strongly recommend discontinuing this practice by December 20th.
After December 20th, any attempts to include your Associates tag in a Levanta link could result in conflicts with Amazon’s updated policies. For more information on how to best implement these changes, please see our dedicated support page here.
If you do not currently append Associates tags to your Levanta links, you can disregard this information as no further action is required.
Why is Amazon making this change?
Amazon has updated its policies to ensure clarity and prevent duplication in commission structures across programs. This change is designed to simplify how traffic is attributed, focusing on a single monetization source per link.
What if I need help making these changes to my links?
The Levanta team is here to help with these changes. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to your account manager or cs@levanta.io.
If you would like a more automated solution, we recommend Geniuslink, a trusted tool for managing and optimizing affiliate links.
As part of this transition, GeniusLink is offering a 60-day free trial exclusively for Levanta affiliates who want assistance with:
- Removing Associates tags from existing Levanta links.
- Prioritizing attribution tags through Levanta over Associates tags when both are present.
This offer gives you the opportunity to streamline your affiliate setup and ensure compliance with Amazon’s new policies, all while optimizing your link management.
If you’re interested in this offer, please reach out to help@geniuslink.com to sign up for the free trial and start making the necessary updates today.
How Does Levanta Continue to Provide Value and Growth for Creators?
Levanta remains a distinct advantage for creators. Here’s why:
- Significantly Higher Earnings: Based on 2024 data across thousands of publishers, Levanta offers commissions that are, on average, 3-8x higher than Amazon Associates.
- Incremental Revenue Opportunities: Creators can earn through both CPA (cost per acquisition) and CPC (cost per click) campaigns, maximizing revenue potential beyond just conversions.
- Flexibility in Commission Rates: Unlock customized and exclusive rates directly from brands, tailored to your performance and value, giving you more control over your earning potential.
- Freedom from Fixed Category Rates: Unlike Associates, Levanta frees you from restrictive, category-wide commission rates that limit your potential earnings.
- Direct Access to Brands and Sellers: Collaborate strategically with sellers for exclusive deals, rates, and opportunities that align with your strategy and audience.
- 14-Day Cookie Window: Capture more sales with a 14-day tracking window, compared to Associates’ 24-hour cookie period. This ensures you benefit from longer-term purchase decisions.
- Advanced Reporting and Insights: Gain detailed, product- and source-level reporting to understand what drives your revenue and optimize your content strategy.
- No Risk of Policy-Driven Earnings Drops: Levanta shields you from sudden Amazon Associates policy changes that often result in reduced commission rates or earning opportunities.
- Incremental Campaign Value: Utilize CPC campaigns to drive traffic and build your audience without the same level of media risk associated with other platforms.
What happens if I don’t make changes?
If you continue appending Associates tags to Levanta links after December 20th, your links may violate Amazon’s updated policy. This could result in lost commissions or issues with your Amazon Associates account.
Can I still use Associates separately?
Yes! You can continue using Amazon Associates independently of Levanta which we recommend doing when a product is not available through Levanta. However, links monetized through Levanta should not include your Associates tracking ID.
How does Levanta compare to Associates?
While Amazon Associates is a strong program, Levanta is designed to help creators earn significantly more by providing:
- Better Commission Rates: On average, Levanta creators earn 3-8x higher commissions compared to Amazon Associates, based on 2024 data across thousands of publishers.
- Incremental Revenue Opportunities: Levanta offers dual earning potential with both CPA (cost per acquisition) and CPC (cost per click) campaigns, expanding your monetization options.
- Flexible Commission Structures: Enjoy the ability to negotiate and unlock exclusive, performance-based rates directly with brands and sellers.
- Freedom from Fixed Category Rates: Unlike Amazon Associates, Levanta liberates you from static, category-wide rates, allowing for tailored partnerships and better earning potential.
- Direct Brand and Seller Partnerships: Levanta connects you directly with sellers, offering strategic collaboration opportunities for exclusive deals and campaigns.
- Extended Cookie Window: With a 14-day cookie window, Levanta captures more sales compared to the 24-hour window offered by Amazon Associates, maximizing your earning potential.
What if I have questions about Amazon’s Policy?
For clarification on the updated Amazon Associates Operating Agreement, we recommend reaching out to Amazon directly.
How can Levanta support me during this transition?
Levanta is committed to helping you thrive. We’re here to:
- Supporting you in making any changes to your links
- Providing technical support when adjusting links generated via API integration
- Offering strategic advice on how to prioritize Levanta links vs. Amazon Associates links
- Answering any other questions you may have!