If you’re an Amazon Influencer or a social commerce creator, you’ve probably seen the chatter in forums lately: the blue lock is back.
Once thought to be something only new creators encountered, this lock is now appearing on seasoned accounts, unexpectedly pausing content approvals and, in some cases, stalling earnings.
It’s causing anxiety across the community, especially for creators who thought they’d “graduated” from those early restrictions.
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So, why is this happening now? What does the blue lock mean in 2025, and most importantly, how do you keep your account safe and your income steady? Let’s break it down.
What Is the Blue Lock?
The blue lock is Amazon’s way of maintaining quality and authenticity in the Influencer Program.
Traditionally, it appeared that your account would be restricted until you’d published several approved videos.
However, with tighter compliance sweeps, it’s resurfacing for creators who already have established track records.
When the blue lock appears, your content is subjected to a manual or automated review, which slows approvals and affects momentum.
“There Were Some People Who Were Saying That The Blue Lock Was Back On Their Account, And They Couldn’t
Understand Why…Amazon Is Taking Out The Trash As Far As Videos.”
Altovise Pelzer
Why Is the Blue Lock Back in 2025?
Amazon has been quietly tightening its influencer compliance rules. The explosion of user‑generated video has been amazing for sales.
Still, it has also created headaches, including duplicate uploads, spammy content, and a flood of low-value clips that don’t help shoppers.
Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes:
- Stricter monitoring for flagged and duplicate content.
- Automatic re‑reviews of older or previously rejected videos.
- Monthly sweeps to remove anything that violates updated guidelines.
If your account has too many rejections, duplicates, or flagged items, Amazon may interpret it as a pattern and reapply the blue lock. 
The New Rules: What Content Is Getting Flagged
Amazon is now looking deeper than ever at what you upload:
- Flagged Videos: Anything violating guidelines, like incorrect product tagging or potential copyright issues.
- Duplicate Content: Re‑using brand assets, stock footage, or even another creator’s review is now a red flag.
- Scam Signals: Uploading large volumes of similar or low‑effort content can trigger scrutiny.
“Once a month you should be checking to see if any of your videos have been flagged for anything, because over time, as they are making these adjustments, you are getting something may have
Example:
“You can’t have a duplicate video from somebody else. And you can’t use the product images and videos from the brand that they have up.”
How to Protect Your Account and Earnings
A monthly self‑audit can save you from headaches and keep your earnings flowing. Here’s a practical checklist:
- Check Flagged Reports: Review your dashboard to see if any new reports have been flagged or rejected.
- Delete Problem Content: Remove flagged videos instead of letting them linger.
- Scan for Duplicates: Only upload original content you’ve created.
- Re-Review Past Approvals: Amazon’s rules evolve; older videos may no longer be compliant.
- Stay Informed: Join creator communities (like Logie’s) or tune in to Amazon Influencer webinars to stay up-to-date with changes.
Pro Tip: Don’t cut corners. The short‑term boost from shortcuts isn’t worth the long‑term damage to your account or reputation.
Expert Takeaways for Influencers
- Authenticity wins. Your unique perspective and content are what Amazon is rewarding.
- Compliance is ongoing. Even seasoned creators need to review their libraries regularly.
- Adapt quickly. Prime Day strategies from last year may not be effective under today’s rules.
- Community matters. Learn from others in creator groups, ask questions, and stay ahead of updates.
Conclusion
The return of the blue lock isn’t a punishment; it’s Amazon signaling that the influencer space is maturing. The program is evolving into a more professional and trustworthy marketplace where quality matters most.
If you’re a creator, take this as an opportunity: audit your content, double down on originality, and stay engaged with updates.
When you build with compliance and creativity in mind, you’ll not only avoid disruptions but also position yourself for long‑term success in Amazon’s growing influencer ecosystem.
Now’s the perfect time to log into your dashboard, review your videos, and make sure you’re ready for whatever Amazon rolls out next.
💛 Have questions or tips of your own? Please share them with the community, we’re all learning and growing together.
