If you’re serious about creator commerce, chances are you’ve heard of Amazon Live or YouTube’s shiny new shopping tools. But there’s another player quietly transforming the way creators earn LTK.
It’s been around for over a decade, helping influencers turn content into income long before “creator economy” became a buzzword. Now, it’s evolving fast, and every smart creator should be paying attention.
Let’s unpack what LTK is, how it works, and why it deserves a front-row seat in your multi-platform shopping strategy this year.
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What Exactly Is LTK?
LTK, short for LIKEtoKNOW.it, originated as RewardStyle, a platform that enabled fashion bloggers to monetise their posts through affiliate links.
It was founded by Amber Venz Box and Baxter Box way back in 2011, at a time when influencers were still being called “style bloggers.”
Fast-forward to today: LTK drives nearly $5 billion in annual retail sales through creators. It has evolved into a comprehensive creator commerce platform, enabling influencers, vloggers, and lifestyle experts to connect directly with brands and shoppers.
In 2025, the platform underwent a significant shift, transforming the LTK app into a video-first experience. Think TikTok meets QVC, but with shoppable content. Every video can now feature tagged products you can buy instantly.
“Video is critical for creators … by transforming the LTK app into a video-first platform, LTK is helping our creators earn more by directly catering to shoppers’ preferences.” Kit Ulrich, General Manager at LTK
In short, LTK is no longer just a link-sharing tool. It’s building the future of shoppable video, a place where creators can post, earn, and grow, without depending entirely on algorithms elsewhere.
How LTK Helps Creators Earn
At its core, LTK operates through affiliate marketing, where creators recommend products, and when followers make a purchase through those links, they earn a commission.
But unlike traditional affiliate networks, LTK makes the entire experience creator-friendly. You don’t have to manually chase down brand deals, negotiate rates, or track sales. LTK does the heavy lifting.
Here’s how it works in practice:
- You join LTK as a creator.
- You tag and share products from thousands of brands inside your posts or videos.
- Followers click, shop, and purchase.
- You get paid a commission.
Commission rates vary, ranging from 1% to 12%, depending on the brand and product type. Fashion, beauty, and home décor are often the most lucrative categories.
And here’s a big update: LTK now offers weekly payouts, so you don’t have to wait months to get your money.
For creators who consistently produce a high volume, this is game-changing. It smooths out your cash flow, which is a huge deal if you’re trying to treat your creator career like a business.
How to Join LTK
Joining LTK is free, but you do need to apply.
You’ll need to demonstrate that you’re already creating content that resonates with your target audience. The application requests your social media handles, engagement statistics, and a brief description of your niche.
They’re not only looking for size consistency, but quality matters more than follower count. Even creators with smaller audiences (around 5K followers) can get in if their content is strong.
Here’s what LTK looks for:
- A public profile on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or a blog
- Regular posts (at least a few times a week)
- Shoppable-style content is clear, visual, and product-focused
- Engagement that shows your followers actually trust your recommendations
Once approved, you’ll get your own LTK Shop, a branded storefront that displays all your tagged, shoppable posts. You’ll also gain access to analytics, product linking tools, and potential brand collaborations.
LTK says creators who post at least 16 times in their first month can earn up to 400% more than those who don’t. Consistency pays literally.
Does LTK Do Live Shopping?
This is where things get interesting.
While Amazon and YouTube allow you to go live and sell products in real-time, LTK doesn’t have a built-in live streaming tool.
But they’re clearly inching in that direction. Their video-first push, complete with shoppable video feeds and Daily Drops, is designed to keep viewers engaged and buying on repeat.
Creators can already upload short videos with tagged products, turning each one into a mini live shopping segment. It’s not live in the moment, but it’s alive in the feed 24/7.
That’s huge for passive income. Your content continues to work for you long after you post it.
So, for now, think of LTK as your video + commerce hub, not your live platform. Stream live on Amazon or YouTube, then repurpose clips into shoppable LTK videos.
How to Combine LTK with Your Other Platforms
Here’s where it all clicks together.
Imagine this: you’re live on Amazon showcasing your favourite kitchen gadgets. After the stream, you clip the highlights and upload them as short LTK videos, each tagged with the products you featured.
Now, people discovering you on LTK can shop for those same items even if they missed your live stream.
That’s multi-platform synergy in action.
A few smart ways to integrate:
- Use StreamYard or Restream to broadcast live to multiple platforms at once.
- In every live stream, mention your LTK Shop (“All links are in my LTK, check it after this stream!”).
- After your live, repost short segments to LTK as shoppable videos.
- Offer exclusive discounts or giveaways for viewers who follow you across both platforms.
This approach not only multiplies your revenue streams but also builds a consistent creator brand across platforms.
As we said before:
“You don’t need fancy gear or a million followers … what you do need is a multi-platform mindset and the right strategy.”
LTK’s Secret Advantage: Longevity
Every platform changes, algorithms shift, commissions fluctuate, and sometimes whole ecosystems disappear overnight.
LTK’s advantage is stability. It’s been here since 2011 and continues to reinvent itself around the creator.
For creators building a long-term business, that’s huge. You’re building an engine that keeps earning quietly in the background.
And if you’re already using Amazon Live, YouTube Shopping, or TikTok Shop, LTK can become your revenue safety net, a place where your shoppable content lives on even when you’re not live.
How to Get Started
- Apply to LTK creator.shopltk.com
- Set up your shop. Customise your storefront, upload your best content.
- Post consistently. Aim for at least 10–16 posts in your first month.
- Use video. It performs better. Tag multiple products per post.
- Go multi-platform. Mention your LTK on lives, blogs, and bios.
- Track your numbers. See what converts, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Pitch yourself to brands. Show your multiplatform reach. Mention you’re active on LTK and live on Amazon or YouTube.
Cnclusion
The future of creator commerce is multi-platform.
Amazon may lead in live shopping, YouTube may excel in content, but LTK is the quiet powerhouse tying it all together.
Its ecosystem rewards consistency, supports creators with real tools, and increasingly bridges the gap between affiliate marketing and true social commerce.
Whether you’re a veteran influencer or just getting started, this is your sign to add LTK to your revenue stack.
It’s the platform that lets you earn while you sleep and keep control over your creative business while doing it.
So, take that next step. Set up your LTK shop. Link your favourite products. Repurpose your live streams.
Because the creator economy isn’t slowing down, and neither should you.
